At Muslim Prom, It's a Girls-Only Night Out

The New York Times ^ | 06/09/03 | PATRICIA LEIGH BROWN

[gcruse]

I hope this isn't giving the Baptists ideas.

[sheik yerbouty]

Lesbo A Go Go?

[StatesEnemy]

"Show off whatever you've got!" Ms. Lara exhorted the throng...

All that pent-up (or is that 'tent-covered'?) nubility could sell a few videos.

[cardinal4]

hmmmmmm...

[Capriole]

There is not a lot in the Muslim culture I approve of, but as the mother of a teenage girl I sure go for this idea.

[TheCrusader]

""These young women are being very creative, finding a way to continue being Muslim in the American context," said Jane I. Smith, a professor of Islamic studies at the Hartford Seminary in Connecticut."

Is there an "American Context" branch of Islam, like Shiite or Sunni? Sounds to me like they're trying to find ways to be Muslim without being Muslim. The next logical step for these poor oppressed girls is to just reject this oppressive theology altogether so they can have a chance to find some true happiness in life.

[CARepubGal]

You had to go there! Well allrighty then! Baptist Bump.

[CARepubGal]

You had to go there! Well allrighty then! Baptist Bump.

[Chu Gary]

Well, isn't this just soooo special!

[Moonmad27]

I always thought that once they came to this country, they would see how archaic their ways are. It amazes me that they are involved in American culture and yet choose a way of life straight out of the Arabian Nights. My hairdresser is from Pakistan, but is very American (only visible difference was the fact that she had an arranged marriage), but her daughters are just as American as can be. (Of course it's not exclusive to Muslims. This reminds me of an orthodox Jewish doctor I work with, who refuses to shake a woman's hand. It is so totally out of my experience that I can't comprehend it.)

[solzhenitsyn]

I appreciate this sympathetic story. Muslim American kids aren't circus freaks.

[FITZ]

The burkas and veils kind of defeat the purpose in putting on makeup though. I guess since their husbands can have many wives, they might as well get used to a harem life early. All that female bonding helps.

[Ciexyz]

Whatever works for ya.

[FITZ]

Most of Mr. Khan's school friends are not Muslim, and his Muslim friends are scattered across the Bay area. "A lot of times it's difficult," he said. "We guys blend in so you can't tell we're Muslim. We're not supposed to touch the opposite gender. My friends who are girls understand, but when other girls want to hug you or shake your hand, it's hard. I don't want them to think I'm a jerk or something."

It must be really confusing for these kids to be told things like elbows and knees are sexual and that any hug is as bad as fornication and then they discover that Americans don't see sex in everything like their allahtollas do.

[sarasmom]

"Show off whatever you've got!" Ms. Lara exhorted the throng, sounding like a D.J. "Come on, guys. This is the most magical night of your life!"

Nothing like hypocracy in action, in there?

[holyh2o]

You know there was big uproar recently about a so called school party(which it was not)that didn't invite the black population, an all white prom I think they said, (been a while): how is this any different.

If it was held privately, fine. If thats what they believe.
Makes me wonder what the girls would say if questioned alone. I expect they aren't too happy being seen like slave lepers, don't look on them, don't dance, don't involve yourself in the culture of the country you live in. After all, they plan to run the show in a hundred years anyway, and tell your children what to be. Yea, they just want us to kick back and enjoy the downfall of civilization.

[weegee]

So if some white kids on the east coast have their own party in addition to the prom they are racist but if these muslim girls choose to host their own all female prom and boycott the traditional prom the press doesn't raise a stink? This is diversity?

[Lijahsbubbe]

renting cars or limousines, dining at the Sheraton, going to breakfast at Denny's and, for some, drinking.

Bad American kids.

Ms. Haque, meanwhile, was on her turquoise cellphone with the smiley faces

Innocent pure Muslim girl.

[goodnesswins]

"Show off whatever you've got!" Ms. Lara exhorted the throng, sounding like a D.J. "Come on, guys. This is the most magical night of your life!"

"Most magical night of your life"....SO FAR, maybe...but sheesh, a prom?

I never went to proms (I was VERY shy in high school and also an athlete when it wasn't cool to be one)....so, I'm not sure I understand all the hullaballoo....other than it's a chance to PARTY all dressed up....whooppee....