The muslim women here are much the same. I've found them to be surprisingly friendly, like you say smiling and saying hello. You get into the frame of mind that they are supposed to look down all the time, never let people see their faces, etc. I think like our discussion of the American south on the other blog, Americans have a lot of unfounded ideas about the average Muslim's world. They obviously aren't all walking around in tents.

I know I get nutty about this stuff, but the sentiment you are expressing is the reason I take it so badly. Imagine yourself in my shoes, waiting at the elementary school for the kids to get out with such a woman, and then someone at JU later asks what was wrong with you because you didn't wonder if her husband was making a bomb. I can understand fear, but when it takes over everything it's sickening.

I mean, think of the waste of the experience it would have been if instead of seeing her beauty you would have just thought "terrorism" or "they'll make all women wear those scarves someday" or whatever.

Yeah, Baker, I know some people give in to fear and let the terrorists win without planting another bomb or flying a plane into another building. I'm just not that paranoid. But I'm not foolish enough to believe that there are no Muslim extremists here in this country either. The simple fact is that everyone is presumed innocent until such a time as they give me reason to believe otherwise.

I just can't bring myself to hate or fear every Middle Eastern person simply because some of them are totally crazy any more than I can bring myself to hate or fear every white Christian just because some of them are totally crazy. Bigotry is bigotry and I have no stomach for it.

I'm not trying to steer the conversation away from the topic, I hope you don't think so. I've just been in the same position and it would be a tragedy for such to be tainted.

I understand.

Nice story, Mason. I treat a lot of Muslims and, in addition, 2 of the 10 or so doctors at our clinic are Muslim. I've treated some women that were indeed quite striking. Something about the hajib, maybe, really brings out the eyes. Like that Afghan girl on that old National Geographic cover.
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I've learned in my practice that if a Muslim woman is being interviewed with her husband present that it is polite to speak mainly to him. I will then examine the lady with the utmost of discretion.

This reminds me, there's a new Canadian sit-com called "Little Mosque on the Prairie" that's just started up about Muslims in a small town. Funny and insightful. You'll probably get it in syndication.

First of all, what a very nice piece, Mason.

I am in much agreeance with Baker when he says:



and agree with you wholeheartedly when you respond by saying:



I think most people find it easy to just be fearful without fully identifying or understanding what it is they're afraid of.



Mate, if I could give a dozen cookies for this statement, I would. Bloody well said.

Many of the strict muslims will not allow (or in the case of women do it themselves) women to talk to men that are not related.  So she is a reformed muslim? (or what ever they call the more liberal ones. ).

Just one suggestion.  If you meet her again, dont offer her a beer.  I think that is universally taboo among Muslims.

can't say I've ever met any Muslim ladies in person so my experience is limited and based on old stereotypes. WWW Link Thanks for enlightening me...

While I am not thoroughly versed in Middle Eastern culture, that's true in many places there. I think it has far more to do with their culture than their religion, but it why I didn't try to speak with her beyond what is considered socially polite.

Yeah, alcohol is prohibited in their religion.

Always loved that show.

There is an older Muslim lady who, with her husband, runs the local Pack and Mail store. While she isn't unfriendly or rude, she makes a point of keeping the conversation strictly business.

I live in a Muslim country and find most (apart from thieving taxi drivers), polite, helpful and extremely friendly. As with every group we cannot tar them all with the same brush.

True enough everywhere.