The rate of divorce in Western countries is almost at the rate of fifty percent and this rate most certainly includes and affects Muslims living in the West also. Divorce is allowed in Islam and even acknowledged as a right. So why all the stigma and shaming of men and women who either choose or have no choice in going about taking such a route? More often than not, people who are mainly community elders, "assume," the role of lecturing or try on their part to, "knock in some sense," where they think a person is unable to make a proper judgment call. She was right. He was wrong. We can fix it like this. Maybe like that. Ironically, those persons do not realize that they have a different tolerance threshold than what another may. Reliance upon the belief of each soul having a burden than only it can bear; no more and no less is often ignored. People also start comparing and contrasting their married situation to yours which really makes no difference or sense as each couple has its own dynamic and circumstances which can never truly be the same.
"Divorce is sometimes considered as a mercy in Islam," was one of the most insightful quotes into the matter made by Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans. This is because sometimes in marriage we end up doing more harm than good. In such instances, it may be better to part. Unfortunately, many in the community do not agree to this or even understand. It is permitted in the religion to protect men and women from a marriage where either party are denied their rights. It safeguards dignity and needs. Nobody should be forced to carry a cultural burden of shame because of what they deem is a, "failure," or a person no longer being, "pure," in their eyes.
Whilst it may be true that such persons are back on the, "meat market," it does not mean that they should be subject to prey or being preyed upon. It is time that acceptance instead of marginalizing of divorcees took place and that the community at large embrace such persons. Having a, "being married," status never should affect one's standing. Nor should the children of divorcees be cast aside for being different to them; when what they require is love and acceptance.
The reality is that divorced people do care about their relationships. They evolve in their relationships and choose not to be miserably married. They move into a co - parenting scenario and may even become more productive in parenting as a result. Divorcees are not nonchalant. It is not a sign of weakness but takes a lot of strength. Finding support helps those in times of loss. That is what they truly need.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
The Sliding Scale of Muslim Women and the Hierarchies within the Female Pecking Order
Wherever we choose to look, it can be said that we either are born into a hierarchy or create one for ourselves. Within every association made, there is a pecking order. It can be either by default, or, because we are taught to think that way. This is regardless of whether we think about it or not. Some may know their place, and many try to maintain status quo or attempt to alter it.
Amongst women, it’s a fierce and complicated order as it is, and, when placed within the Muslim model living in the West a greater dynamic comes into play. Not only is it who’s more attractive; but also, whose children are better and whose husbands are more accomplished. Propelled into the mix is the greater competition of - who stays at home, who is the atypical soccer mom and who has a career, coupled with, a level of religious judgment an racial element which is put amongst the very forefront of where one will sit on the, 'sliding scale.' Is she fair complexioned? Did she or will she get better married off than me? Arab or non Arab? Pakistani, Indian or Fijian? Muslim convert? How many activities is the child enrolled in? Which Sunday school do they attend? Which masjid community do they mix in?
Later, the comparison begins within extended family and sometimes preference is given to certain family members based on these qualities. For instance, the daughter in law that is a doctor is higher valued than the accountant daughter in law. The convert that a guy is considering for marriage is less likely to have to mingle with extended family than the daughter in law who speaks the same language. Expectations change, hierarchies, again, assigned.
An establishment of such order makes it very difficult for women to be at ease with themselves and with other women in general. It’s worth noting, too, that some women have given up because circumstances are beyond their control.
The bottom line is that it’s much more bewildering than, “So, what do you do?” How do we reconcile someone like Malala in the scheme of things? Would someone like her who had to unlearn everything to make a stand even be tolerated?
The other pressure comes from men viewing women and sizing them up and being non appreciative of what the market has to offer or the current choice of spouse.
Take a moment to think deeply. Such programming may have started from childhood. Where do people stand? What qualities made them more impressionable and influential? Look within in your family and community. Who dictated the terms?
Realistically speaking, hierarchies can only be present within in our own minds. Is the hierarchy based on being more spiritual, or financial success, or beauty, or talents? Why is such a criteria so necessary? Who is above and below whom? What is the payoff? How do you feel about where you stand? Do you want to keep that? At what cost?
Being bound by such a hierarchy will keep one in a competitive mode with others. The price of competition can be rather high. Learning to let go and being content is what is required by our faith. In the end, none of it will really matter. Hierarchy is unnecessary and damaging to the body, mind and spirit. You can choose to be either in control or not. Choice is yours.
Amongst women, it’s a fierce and complicated order as it is, and, when placed within the Muslim model living in the West a greater dynamic comes into play. Not only is it who’s more attractive; but also, whose children are better and whose husbands are more accomplished. Propelled into the mix is the greater competition of - who stays at home, who is the atypical soccer mom and who has a career, coupled with, a level of religious judgment an racial element which is put amongst the very forefront of where one will sit on the, 'sliding scale.' Is she fair complexioned? Did she or will she get better married off than me? Arab or non Arab? Pakistani, Indian or Fijian? Muslim convert? How many activities is the child enrolled in? Which Sunday school do they attend? Which masjid community do they mix in?
Later, the comparison begins within extended family and sometimes preference is given to certain family members based on these qualities. For instance, the daughter in law that is a doctor is higher valued than the accountant daughter in law. The convert that a guy is considering for marriage is less likely to have to mingle with extended family than the daughter in law who speaks the same language. Expectations change, hierarchies, again, assigned.
An establishment of such order makes it very difficult for women to be at ease with themselves and with other women in general. It’s worth noting, too, that some women have given up because circumstances are beyond their control.
The bottom line is that it’s much more bewildering than, “So, what do you do?” How do we reconcile someone like Malala in the scheme of things? Would someone like her who had to unlearn everything to make a stand even be tolerated?
The other pressure comes from men viewing women and sizing them up and being non appreciative of what the market has to offer or the current choice of spouse.
Take a moment to think deeply. Such programming may have started from childhood. Where do people stand? What qualities made them more impressionable and influential? Look within in your family and community. Who dictated the terms?
Realistically speaking, hierarchies can only be present within in our own minds. Is the hierarchy based on being more spiritual, or financial success, or beauty, or talents? Why is such a criteria so necessary? Who is above and below whom? What is the payoff? How do you feel about where you stand? Do you want to keep that? At what cost?
Being bound by such a hierarchy will keep one in a competitive mode with others. The price of competition can be rather high. Learning to let go and being content is what is required by our faith. In the end, none of it will really matter. Hierarchy is unnecessary and damaging to the body, mind and spirit. You can choose to be either in control or not. Choice is yours.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Cabra-Matters: An Ex Pat's Memoirs on being Australian at Heart
Cabramatta is a suburb in south west of Sydney, located in New South Wales, Australia. It was once a town known predominantly for its agriculture and the name came into existence after a township grew from the village with a railway system being built in the 1850s. The presence of a migrant hostel alongside Cabramatta High School was decisive in shaping the community in the post-war period. It housed a large number of post-war immigrants who began to develop local businesses within the region. For such reasons, Cabramatta and the surrounding Fairfield area was characterized by a diversity of Australian-born children having migrant parents. A second tide of immigration ensued and this time migrants were from south-east Asia as a result of the Vietnam War. During the 1980s, Cabramatta was transformed into a thriving Asian community, displacing many of the previous migrant generation. Today, should one ever pay a visit, it could easily be confused with the streets of Saigon or any other "Chinatown" and is Australia's largest non-Anglo-Celtic commercial precinct.
The suburb also served as a home to one of the country's most reformative leaders: Gough Whitlam. Fairfield Council will honour the late Gough Whitlam by naming the public square at its new Dutton Lane development in Cabramatta "Gough Whitlam Place". His memorial service will also be broadcast in Freedom Plaza. The former prime minister was member for the southwest seat of Werriwa for 25 years. He was very approachable and had Australia at heart. In fact, it was his direct experience of life in the sprawling western suburbs that inspired him to address the problems of urban Australia. Once in government, he never lost his passion or empathy for working Australians. He helped transform Australia into a land of progress, opportunity, equality and fairness.
It was at about that time that as with many early migrants in the 1970s, my father applied for migration to Australia and was accepted there. He left Pakistan was to avoid the political instability of the region; hereby securing a better future to come and because he did not have the heart to charge money from the poorest of poor persons upon seeking treatment. Upon arriving at the shores of Australia, he received employment with Fairfield Hospital located in Sydney's Western suburbs. During the year of 1974, he went back to Pakistan to visit his family and it was decided that he should seek a new bride to wed. It was during that year that both my mother and father married. My mother sought migration not long thereafter.
Both were later united in the same year and worked together in Fairfield Hospital for some time. Later, my father grew his practice in Cabramatta. Western Sydney is now known for generating the third largest economy in Australia behind the Sydney Central Business District and Melbourne and its highly dense multicultural population.
Consequently, we grew up with core, unique, Australian multicultural values consisting of three essential elements:
1. Those who arrive in Australia are invited to continue to celebrate their cultures and traditions, not only within a broader culture of freedom but, more importantly, with due regard;
2. Shared respect for democratic beliefs, laws and rights; and
3. Belief in its political bipartisanship.
In the interim, the suburb did begin to have an image problem, primarily due to its reputation as a point for drug-dealing. With the refugee influx came a heroin problem, which, has now been contained. My father was also very influential in getting the attention of media and government on the issue and did speak before the Parliamentary Inquiry.
Cabramatta is also remembered for the political murder of a NSW State MP, John Newman,outside his Cabramatta home in September 1994. This was Australia's first ever political assassination and thus this assassination drew much attention and alarm.
All around, Cabramatta is what modern day Australia encompasses. It sets the stage for shaping Australia politically, and, from a policy perspective. It grew, suffered some loss, and, now, has become a place to where people want to flock in order to sustain some of the best deals on material; electronics; homeware; shoes; food and clothing. Therefore, the multicultural environment brought much innovation, ideas, skills, energy with achievement. Lives were enriched for those reasons. Australians enjoy a higher standard of living than they would have, otherwise, due to a broad array of skills and knowledge. Part of this meant working within these values to sustain a culture within a new homeland. A recognition and celebration of different cultural heritages was made with a common, shared future.
The suburb also served as a home to one of the country's most reformative leaders: Gough Whitlam. Fairfield Council will honour the late Gough Whitlam by naming the public square at its new Dutton Lane development in Cabramatta "Gough Whitlam Place". His memorial service will also be broadcast in Freedom Plaza. The former prime minister was member for the southwest seat of Werriwa for 25 years. He was very approachable and had Australia at heart. In fact, it was his direct experience of life in the sprawling western suburbs that inspired him to address the problems of urban Australia. Once in government, he never lost his passion or empathy for working Australians. He helped transform Australia into a land of progress, opportunity, equality and fairness.
It was at about that time that as with many early migrants in the 1970s, my father applied for migration to Australia and was accepted there. He left Pakistan was to avoid the political instability of the region; hereby securing a better future to come and because he did not have the heart to charge money from the poorest of poor persons upon seeking treatment. Upon arriving at the shores of Australia, he received employment with Fairfield Hospital located in Sydney's Western suburbs. During the year of 1974, he went back to Pakistan to visit his family and it was decided that he should seek a new bride to wed. It was during that year that both my mother and father married. My mother sought migration not long thereafter.
Both were later united in the same year and worked together in Fairfield Hospital for some time. Later, my father grew his practice in Cabramatta. Western Sydney is now known for generating the third largest economy in Australia behind the Sydney Central Business District and Melbourne and its highly dense multicultural population.
Consequently, we grew up with core, unique, Australian multicultural values consisting of three essential elements:
1. Those who arrive in Australia are invited to continue to celebrate their cultures and traditions, not only within a broader culture of freedom but, more importantly, with due regard;
2. Shared respect for democratic beliefs, laws and rights; and
3. Belief in its political bipartisanship.
In the interim, the suburb did begin to have an image problem, primarily due to its reputation as a point for drug-dealing. With the refugee influx came a heroin problem, which, has now been contained. My father was also very influential in getting the attention of media and government on the issue and did speak before the Parliamentary Inquiry.
Cabramatta is also remembered for the political murder of a NSW State MP, John Newman,outside his Cabramatta home in September 1994. This was Australia's first ever political assassination and thus this assassination drew much attention and alarm.
All around, Cabramatta is what modern day Australia encompasses. It sets the stage for shaping Australia politically, and, from a policy perspective. It grew, suffered some loss, and, now, has become a place to where people want to flock in order to sustain some of the best deals on material; electronics; homeware; shoes; food and clothing. Therefore, the multicultural environment brought much innovation, ideas, skills, energy with achievement. Lives were enriched for those reasons. Australians enjoy a higher standard of living than they would have, otherwise, due to a broad array of skills and knowledge. Part of this meant working within these values to sustain a culture within a new homeland. A recognition and celebration of different cultural heritages was made with a common, shared future.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Spicing up my life with Bollywood
Living in the often miserable and complex weather patterns of Chicago, I hereby testify, and, declare that, to the best of my knowledge, Bollywood, most certainly, continues to peddle my surge in fantasy and can prove to be escapism at its finest.
Instead of choosing to want to trick or treat and play dress up during the time of Halloween; I would much rather curl up under a blanket with some chai, my PJs and to want to watch Bollywood dance numbers, or, a full diversionary fare in that delivers romance, comedy, action, melodrama, songs and dance.
These movies do possess masala like qualities: spicy blends of genre which evoke an entertaining dish leaving you wanting more. This is, in fact, what makes Bollywood so compelling. Disney classics whilst do follow a similar formula, somehow, manage to fall short for me. Bollywood is more sentimental, melodramatic, and unironically exaggerated.
As of recent, Disney and Bollywood have fused in the latest film, "Khoobsoorut. " It is a wonder as to how many more of these will come our way.
Nonetheless, the presence of Bollywood in one's life can never be underestimated. It is able to fill in any void of the following: a life bereft of travel, color, costume, clothing, culture, luxury, love and feeling the part. It further serves as unique and powerful disseminator of Indian culture and values abroad. As such, instant gratification of some sort is received without much of a toll on one's pocket. I am sure Bollywood is a contributor in why so many arranged marriages are still working and alive today.
Interestingly enough is the surge in my desires to want to boost the masalas in my meals at this time of year as well; which also becomes more flavorful. More complex in the making, but I want haleem, chicken karahi, nihari and, or, biryani. Delish. I say bring on the spice!
Instead of choosing to want to trick or treat and play dress up during the time of Halloween; I would much rather curl up under a blanket with some chai, my PJs and to want to watch Bollywood dance numbers, or, a full diversionary fare in that delivers romance, comedy, action, melodrama, songs and dance.
These movies do possess masala like qualities: spicy blends of genre which evoke an entertaining dish leaving you wanting more. This is, in fact, what makes Bollywood so compelling. Disney classics whilst do follow a similar formula, somehow, manage to fall short for me. Bollywood is more sentimental, melodramatic, and unironically exaggerated.
As of recent, Disney and Bollywood have fused in the latest film, "Khoobsoorut. " It is a wonder as to how many more of these will come our way.
Nonetheless, the presence of Bollywood in one's life can never be underestimated. It is able to fill in any void of the following: a life bereft of travel, color, costume, clothing, culture, luxury, love and feeling the part. It further serves as unique and powerful disseminator of Indian culture and values abroad. As such, instant gratification of some sort is received without much of a toll on one's pocket. I am sure Bollywood is a contributor in why so many arranged marriages are still working and alive today.
Interestingly enough is the surge in my desires to want to boost the masalas in my meals at this time of year as well; which also becomes more flavorful. More complex in the making, but I want haleem, chicken karahi, nihari and, or, biryani. Delish. I say bring on the spice!
Friday, October 17, 2014
In a spin about the 'Charkha'
The word charkha which has links with Persian چرخ: charKh, wheel, which is related to the word "circle." In short, it is hand-cranked spinning wheel used for cotton and other fiber making purposes. Within subcontinental history, Gandhi had hoped that through its implementation the independence movement would able to be established. Self - sufficiency and independence via this means is even depicted on earlier flag versions of India.
From a historical perspective, Indians were working hard to produce cotton which often was shipped to England and made into cloth. It added to insult when the British would send the cloth back to India to be sold at a price that most were unable to afford. For those reasons, Gandhi sought to evade exploitation by developing a spinning wheel that every Indian could afford within a home environment. The shackles of oppression were broken as it helped in the fight for independence. It is still used in India today. It, thereby, became a free movement that reduced competition.
For those reasons the charkha is a symbol of culture; a culture that disappeared after industrialization. Almost an obsession for many; it is a nostalgia that is carried through glorification in books, songs and pop culture that is very alive today within Pakistan. Whilst that may be the case, if one searches deeper the relevance can be applicable to everybody in their daily grind.
In Sufi poetry, it is definitely appreciation of hard work. Its significance lies in the struggle for earning good deeds in this world for the hereafter. When demonstrated often in music made by artists such as Abeda Parveen and Junoon; it often brings a level of romanticism. Whilst it mainly depicts an elderly woman who is spinning a 'charka'; she is taken to another level and is rewarded by nothing too great in this life. She strives alone, continues uneffaced but still very present and required by society. In the scheme of things, her role often gets overlooked and is yet is the very reason for the tight fabric of society being glued and held together. The monotony, simplicity, and, existential being is what connects one and can draw one to celebrate it's being. A purpose is found in this task and she humbly submits to the role that has been apportioned to her. Within the same,there is a high level of self- reliance as nobody is by her side. She keeps looking forward without complaint and utters nothing but praise for her Lord, coupled with, a high level of optimism it seems.
For those reasons, it is truly a special wheel as it encompasses history that helped force a change in India and Pakistan. It also seeks to remind that life is a perpetual journey of birth, resurrection, and death. So, shall we spin?
From a historical perspective, Indians were working hard to produce cotton which often was shipped to England and made into cloth. It added to insult when the British would send the cloth back to India to be sold at a price that most were unable to afford. For those reasons, Gandhi sought to evade exploitation by developing a spinning wheel that every Indian could afford within a home environment. The shackles of oppression were broken as it helped in the fight for independence. It is still used in India today. It, thereby, became a free movement that reduced competition.
For those reasons the charkha is a symbol of culture; a culture that disappeared after industrialization. Almost an obsession for many; it is a nostalgia that is carried through glorification in books, songs and pop culture that is very alive today within Pakistan. Whilst that may be the case, if one searches deeper the relevance can be applicable to everybody in their daily grind.
In Sufi poetry, it is definitely appreciation of hard work. Its significance lies in the struggle for earning good deeds in this world for the hereafter. When demonstrated often in music made by artists such as Abeda Parveen and Junoon; it often brings a level of romanticism. Whilst it mainly depicts an elderly woman who is spinning a 'charka'; she is taken to another level and is rewarded by nothing too great in this life. She strives alone, continues uneffaced but still very present and required by society. In the scheme of things, her role often gets overlooked and is yet is the very reason for the tight fabric of society being glued and held together. The monotony, simplicity, and, existential being is what connects one and can draw one to celebrate it's being. A purpose is found in this task and she humbly submits to the role that has been apportioned to her. Within the same,there is a high level of self- reliance as nobody is by her side. She keeps looking forward without complaint and utters nothing but praise for her Lord, coupled with, a high level of optimism it seems.
For those reasons, it is truly a special wheel as it encompasses history that helped force a change in India and Pakistan. It also seeks to remind that life is a perpetual journey of birth, resurrection, and death. So, shall we spin?
Monday, October 6, 2014
#MuslimApologies: Should we say Sorry or not?
The rhetoric of not being apologetic enough for acts committed in the name of Islam is a constant theme we are hearing by media and heads of government.
One the one hand, it has to be acknowledged that Muslims should not have to apologize for the actions of a few.
At the same time, it is our duty to engage in spreading the message or, "dawa." If there is any ignorance in the teachings of Islam, it is because we have failed in the sending of the message or people's understanding of the same.
A more rampant dawa technique would have ensured that this would not have had to happen in the first place. For those reasons, it has to be considered as to where do we draw the line in apologizing and in rejecting a position or stance?
The #NotInMyName campaign which has been quick to denounce radical extremism like the Islamic State and their actions; whilst others question as to why all Muslims should feel compelled to apologize every time a crime is committed by extremists in the name of Islam.
Their position being, "When other religions' leaders and members don't apologize for actions committed in the name of their faith, frustrated Muslims ask, why should ours?"
Apologies and being apologetic is also part of our faith. Sometimes it is the key to holding a healthy life. It is often considered a valuable, ethical trait. We should care enough about our religion being slandered and the representation of Islam which has been either twisted, misconstrued, and, or, not being properly represented at all; due to lack of information or ignorance and a failing on our part.
Having understood that, and washing our hands off the matter by saying that not all people that state that they are 'real' Muslims or practicing Muslims may depict Islam in its true state is not grossly irresponsible or immature either.
Muslims should grow and rise above and beyond expectations. We bear the onus of spreading the message correctly. It is also what our religion requires.
One the one hand, it has to be acknowledged that Muslims should not have to apologize for the actions of a few.
At the same time, it is our duty to engage in spreading the message or, "dawa." If there is any ignorance in the teachings of Islam, it is because we have failed in the sending of the message or people's understanding of the same.
A more rampant dawa technique would have ensured that this would not have had to happen in the first place. For those reasons, it has to be considered as to where do we draw the line in apologizing and in rejecting a position or stance?
The #NotInMyName campaign which has been quick to denounce radical extremism like the Islamic State and their actions; whilst others question as to why all Muslims should feel compelled to apologize every time a crime is committed by extremists in the name of Islam.
Their position being, "When other religions' leaders and members don't apologize for actions committed in the name of their faith, frustrated Muslims ask, why should ours?"
Apologies and being apologetic is also part of our faith. Sometimes it is the key to holding a healthy life. It is often considered a valuable, ethical trait. We should care enough about our religion being slandered and the representation of Islam which has been either twisted, misconstrued, and, or, not being properly represented at all; due to lack of information or ignorance and a failing on our part.
Having understood that, and washing our hands off the matter by saying that not all people that state that they are 'real' Muslims or practicing Muslims may depict Islam in its true state is not grossly irresponsible or immature either.
Muslims should grow and rise above and beyond expectations. We bear the onus of spreading the message correctly. It is also what our religion requires.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Is Hypersexualization of Women a Hidden Form of Racism?
When we hear of sexiest women in today's age it has become equated with the names Kim Kardashian, JLo and Beyoncé. We are now being told a "fuller" figure and more curvaceous figure is the new trend. Nicki Minaj took that to a whole new level in her recent song, "Anaconda." Majority of these women do not fit the beauty standards of the past that were held by the fashion and movie industry.
Admittedly, I do identify with these women more in that I possess some of these traits and so was almost glad to see away with the atypical model type: extremely tall, svelte, blonde and pale. However, in recent days it has been brought to my attention that whilst having feel beautiful, on the one hand, can have its drawbacks.
Within a historical context, the raping and using of black women solely for sexual purposes during slavery ultimately led to the sexualization of black women in all forms of media. This applied in today's world has meant that being sexy gives one feminine power. How about using intellect and someone to love you for your mind and soul? Modesty would promote such a goal and, unfortunately, objectifying women has lead to the group of persons objectified as playing a more docile role in society. It becomes one of a subservient, submissive person who is role playing to a, "Master."
The Master is empowered and younger girls are becoming more sexually aware; younger mothers and less socially successful which would include in a career.
In order to be sexualized, the person is purely objectified for entertainment purposes.
During slavery times and segregation, African Americans were devoid of any presence within the advertising industry. When they began to make their first appearances, they were shown as a number of different racist images being subservient or representing some form of entertainment for white people. As such, it is arguable that the overall master has changed to some degree but the role played is similar. This overall lends itself to women being incapable of taking care of themselves by falling pregnant earlier, unable to establish careers that can sustain one's living needs in this tough economy and more prone to incidents of domestic violence for that reason.
Interestingly enough, when it comes to the advertising domain and the sexuality of an, “Asian," is more clean and submissive in a way; while Black and Brown women’s sexuality is considered more dangerous, dirty and untamed. The, "Arab" and "Latina" woman is somewhere in between those two extremes. White women’s cultural appropriation is portrayed as the champions that dominate the uncivilized Other.
As such, portrayal of women with hypersexualized images serves no real purpose other than being more submissive and repressive than what many would think is the goal of a burka.
Admittedly, I do identify with these women more in that I possess some of these traits and so was almost glad to see away with the atypical model type: extremely tall, svelte, blonde and pale. However, in recent days it has been brought to my attention that whilst having feel beautiful, on the one hand, can have its drawbacks.
Within a historical context, the raping and using of black women solely for sexual purposes during slavery ultimately led to the sexualization of black women in all forms of media. This applied in today's world has meant that being sexy gives one feminine power. How about using intellect and someone to love you for your mind and soul? Modesty would promote such a goal and, unfortunately, objectifying women has lead to the group of persons objectified as playing a more docile role in society. It becomes one of a subservient, submissive person who is role playing to a, "Master."
The Master is empowered and younger girls are becoming more sexually aware; younger mothers and less socially successful which would include in a career.
In order to be sexualized, the person is purely objectified for entertainment purposes.
During slavery times and segregation, African Americans were devoid of any presence within the advertising industry. When they began to make their first appearances, they were shown as a number of different racist images being subservient or representing some form of entertainment for white people. As such, it is arguable that the overall master has changed to some degree but the role played is similar. This overall lends itself to women being incapable of taking care of themselves by falling pregnant earlier, unable to establish careers that can sustain one's living needs in this tough economy and more prone to incidents of domestic violence for that reason.
Interestingly enough, when it comes to the advertising domain and the sexuality of an, “Asian," is more clean and submissive in a way; while Black and Brown women’s sexuality is considered more dangerous, dirty and untamed. The, "Arab" and "Latina" woman is somewhere in between those two extremes. White women’s cultural appropriation is portrayed as the champions that dominate the uncivilized Other.
As such, portrayal of women with hypersexualized images serves no real purpose other than being more submissive and repressive than what many would think is the goal of a burka.
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