'Social correctness' and Islam

Only in a sociology or anthropology class can you expect people to see a culture for what it is, without judging it. They are the few classes in which you will find almost perfect social and political correctness which is more than just lip service.

That is why I have thoroughly enjoyed every sociology class I have taken, some of the few classes that get my undivided attention and almost 100% attendance.

Yet, there are exceptions. My Society and Law class is one of those very interesting classes, and I have much respect for the professor (as I have for most sociologists) for his approach and analysis of cultures.

Last week, we were discussing the French hijab law which, to my surprise showed widespread condemnation by students - even for a sociology class.

Then, the professor brought up the subject of female circumcision, or genital mutilation, in Islamic societies. Before starting on the topic he made clear that there was no sanction of female circumcision in the Quran, but continued to describe it as a practice of Islamic societies. Although true, his wording was misleading to those not familiar with Islam. A Lebanese girl tried politely to explain why such terminology was misleading, saying that it is a pre-Islamic practice that really had nothing to do with the religion. The professor seemed to understand and agree but continued to refer to it as a practice of Islamic societies.

Then, while speaking in the context of women's submission to men, one student made an analogy about breast enlargement in Western societies. Yet no one referred to breast enlargement (or prostitution and pornography for that matter) as a 'characteristic' of Western or Christian societies.

The point is, no matter how sociologically or anthropologically enlightened one might be, reaching complete social and political correctness is almost impossible. And it's our job as ambassadors of our cultures, traditions and religion, to further enlighten our counterparts. And that is what I tried to do in the anonymous course evaluation today, following genuine praise for the professor and the class.


But there are other things that might bother some of us. For example, continuing to refer to Africans as blacks, Caucasians as whites and aboriginals as Indians deeply irritates me (at least in an intellectual context). White and black are colours that represent purity and the lack of purity respectively in many societies today. Referring to aboriginals as Indians is a continuation of a European colonist's ignorance, and its tolerance today is beyond my understanding.