Ok, sorry, but the most exciting thing the first week in the land of Afghans is lunch. Sitting around the table with the entire staff having lunch, and then discussing things in the news or on people’s minds, provides me an extraordinary introduction into Afghan culture.
Today’s discussion centered on women’s rights, or the lack thereof, in Afghanistan. One woman staffer said she believed 60-80% of Afghan wives are beaten by their husbands. There was also general agreement that the lives of women were much better 30 years ago under the Soviets. Say what you will about our Red buddies, they did a nice job of empowering women, sending them to school, and hiring them into professional positions. Now, things are a bit tougher.
So what about burqas? Well, they are still all the rage for women in Afghanistan, which is truly disappointing. But none of the 3 women in our office wear them, so we are part of the enlightened I suppose. I could tell that the women really despised having to wear them during the Taliban. They said that it took 3-4 months to learn how to walk in a burqa—until they did, they fell down a lot.
Of course, one of the purposes of a burqa is for ‘modesty’, and some of the men think that it might actually be a good thing, as women are not generally harassed/stared at/lusted after when wearing a burqa. But then the discussion took an interesting turn. It seems men like women, even in burqas. We talked a bit about men following women into a building where the burqa is removed, just to check her out. (For a long time, I must admit that I thought a burqa was a dress, until I realized that it was really just a sack over a dress and a hood over a head, and that women generally take it off inside).
Nazir told the story of a group of his friends in college following a burqa hottie into a classroom to see what kind of fox was under the burqa, only to find a 60 year old professor, which disappointed the boys to no end. It is here that the voice of wisdom spoke up, as Rohullah noted that the key to checking out women in burqas was simple— always look at the hands.
Forget face cream ladies—in Afghanistan, take care of your hands and you will be in good shape. Unfortunately, you will still be tripping over that damn burqa.
Today’s discussion centered on women’s rights, or the lack thereof, in Afghanistan. One woman staffer said she believed 60-80% of Afghan wives are beaten by their husbands. There was also general agreement that the lives of women were much better 30 years ago under the Soviets. Say what you will about our Red buddies, they did a nice job of empowering women, sending them to school, and hiring them into professional positions. Now, things are a bit tougher.
So what about burqas? Well, they are still all the rage for women in Afghanistan, which is truly disappointing. But none of the 3 women in our office wear them, so we are part of the enlightened I suppose. I could tell that the women really despised having to wear them during the Taliban. They said that it took 3-4 months to learn how to walk in a burqa—until they did, they fell down a lot.
Of course, one of the purposes of a burqa is for ‘modesty’, and some of the men think that it might actually be a good thing, as women are not generally harassed/stared at/lusted after when wearing a burqa. But then the discussion took an interesting turn. It seems men like women, even in burqas. We talked a bit about men following women into a building where the burqa is removed, just to check her out. (For a long time, I must admit that I thought a burqa was a dress, until I realized that it was really just a sack over a dress and a hood over a head, and that women generally take it off inside).
Nazir told the story of a group of his friends in college following a burqa hottie into a classroom to see what kind of fox was under the burqa, only to find a 60 year old professor, which disappointed the boys to no end. It is here that the voice of wisdom spoke up, as Rohullah noted that the key to checking out women in burqas was simple— always look at the hands.
Forget face cream ladies—in Afghanistan, take care of your hands and you will be in good shape. Unfortunately, you will still be tripping over that damn burqa.
1 comment:
i am kind of getting hooked on the Jon's discussion 'over' lunch. I like the way he narrates it..the art is in telling a story, which is does very well..Hope these will get collected in to a book...!
can u get them to discuss about a park - where women can actually remove the 'burkha'and play with there kids?? men not allowed...ofcourse
looking forward to more of your lunches, Jon!!!- BTW what do u eat over Lunch?..Manvita
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