The Roots of Oppression

While reading the prologue to nine parts of desire, the part which struck me most was when it talked about the prophet Muhammad and his many wives and how his life led to all the current oppression of women. As god told him his lessons about his wives and how he could have more than 4 and then that they must remain secluded or covered at all times, it slowly explained the traditions which are still major points of their religion and society today. I also found it interesting how the women being covered was hardly resisted in the neighboring countries and in some places it was actually an honor to be allowed to conver oneself and if a slave was caught doing this she could have "molten pitch poured over her head" (pg.5) This was very different from what i would have thought. It was a sign of class to have to cover yourself in public, it seems ridiculous to me but it is their customs. To see where the oppression began and how it was excepted was really interesting for me. -AB