Also, Sam, great work once again.

Tom

As-Salaam Alaykum,

Isaac

I think Kate and The Other Brian have hit squarely at the heart of the dialogue every Westerner must continue to develop as they work in this country. Where do you draw the line?

I must confess that I am outraged at some of the cultural practices I come into contact with, especially when it comes to women. However, the debate over whether it is “right” to intervene has been raging since the days of the “white man’s burden.” There are very good arguments on both sides, and it is wonderful that we are debating them with such eloquence here.

However, even if you were to be morally impelled to try to change the embedded cultural practices, in practice this raises a host of complications. Cultural change, in my experience, must come from within — attempting to impose outside moral values can serve to entrench embedded ones.

I would say that the best thing one can do for those within this kind of culture is to provide access to education, and offer alternative viewpoints (much like Mehbooba might have done). Moral condemnation can prove radicalizing.

I would love to continue this debate. Let’s hear your thoughts!

I wish her and her family the best.

Contrary to your comments, I am not unwilling to acknowlege some aspects of their culture and actions as “bad”. I am only saying that how we describe other cultures should be tempered with compassion and understanding… Just because I may think their actions are demented doesn’t necessary make them so.

I am all for promoting human rights, equality, etc. At the same time, I am against forcing “western” cultural ideals and norms onto others. All too often, we see these as one in the same, that our way is the right way, and others must be assimilated.

What is good or bad almost entirely depends on your point of view. as for me, I think the treatment of Mehbooba and her family is terrible. I also think many aspects of their culture are demeaning, immoral, and unforgivable.

But, just as many others have done throughtout history, Mehbooba is going against the engrained cultural norms. In turn, many of her countrymen are shocked to see such “radical” actions on Mehbooba’s part. Their reactions should be expected — Any history book will reveal the exact same pattern when people are confronted with change.

I hope she endures and succeeds in opening her nations eyes to the many injustices and pushes them towards a righteous path.

& to Sam & Co., great work, great story.

As for Mehooba & Family, I can only pray for their safety, & wish them the best.

and other Brian you have every right to see things as different. but you have to agree people need to be treated better. that fear and intimidation is not the proper way to govern people.