Beauty and... |
Beauty and... |
For
Many Muslim Women, Head Scarves A Matter of Personal,
Not Political, Conviction From Radio Free Europe,
Kathleen Knox: "An item of clothing worn by
many Muslim women has become a hot political topic
in Europe recently, as France prepares to ban head
scarves from public schools, along with other overt
religious symbols. There's been anger and protests
from Muslims around the world. What is the basis for
the wearing of the hijab and other forms of Islamic
dress?"
The
Ideals of Motherhood - Aesthetics of Form and Function Nitin
Kumar: This fascinating article looks at why so many
voluptuous and beautiful women figure in the traditional
art of India. The very early relationship of the suckling
infant to the maternal breast and its later manifestation
in Indian art is explored. A fascinating read with
some lovely graphics. From Exotic
India.
French
tussle over Muslim head scarf is positive push for
women's rights Cheryl Benard: "French
President Jacques Chirac has been sharply criticized
by Muslim clerics around the world for his recent call
for a ban on the Islamic head scarf, or hijab , in
French public schools. Mr. Chirac's move has been attacked
as a curtailment of personal freedom and an assault
on Islam. But the proposed ban has also kicked loose
a debate among Muslims everywhere. Indeed, a growing
number of Muslims worldwide are coming forward to say
the hijab is not a valid symbol either of freedom or
Islam." From The Christian Science Monitor
Beauty
In Japan: The Geisha Sofia Patterson: The Geisha,
primarily women trained in the traditional arts of
Japan, are renowned throughout the world for their
beauty, poise, talent, witty conversation and confidentiality.
This article discusses aspects of Geisha life and history.
Find out what Maiko, shamisen, Tachikata, Jikata,
and hanamachi mean.
Iran:
Generation Gap Widening As Conservatives Try To Enforce
Islamic Social Codes From Radio Free Europe.
Golnaz Esfandiari: "It's hard to have fun
in Iran -- that is, if you're one the more than 45
million people under the age of 35 looking for casual
ways to socialize with members of the opposite sex.
Conservative authorities in the Islamic Republic are
taking steps to shut down Western-style establishments
that proved popular gathering places for young Iranians.
But social experts say such moves may only end up widening
the value gap between conservatives and Iran's young
majority."
Beauty
Under Islam Kasey West: When the Miss World Beauty
Pageant was held in Nigeria in 2002 it led to rioting
and over 200 deaths. Beauty and the role of women within
Islam are controversial. Can Islamic ideas about beauty
be reconciled with modern Western values or is the
gulf just too great?
Chinese Beauty Through the Changes of Time Kasey West: A fascinating account of the history of beauty standards in China from the 1st century B.C. to the 21st century. Some great photographs too.
The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Beauty and Skin Care Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.: Find out about the Maharishi's Ayurveda approach to beauty. Information about aging and different skin types is included.
Be Beautiful and Carry a Big Stick: Physical Attractiveness and the Maasai Aesthetic Robert Biswas-Diener: The Masai of Kenya find attributes, such as carrying a big stick, an essential part of their aesthetic of beauty. Their concept of beauty differs considerably from that of most Americans and they seem to be happier.
Navigating the Politics of Weaves and Extensions Elaine Allen: Afro-Americans, weaves and extensions are a political minefield. Read about the views of one Afro-American woman.
Ties that Bind: Wang Ping Doesn't Wear High Heels Anymore Jennifer Thaney:Wang Ping, a Macalester College professor, only wears oversized shoes and hiking boots. Her research for her book, Aching for Beauty, which is an historical and sociological study of Chinese footbinding affected her deeply.
Sublime: New Works by LIng Jian The Berlin based Chinese artist Ling Jian is having an interesting exhibition of his work at the Courtyard Gallery in Beijing. In his portraits of androgynous, religious-secular, Asian-European figures he seems to be an artist for our times.
Ascension Ken Tittle: moving work interspersing comments from several disabled Mexican women about how their disabilities affected their sense of attractiveness and sexuality with a poem by Ken Tittle. From Mariposa Ministry.
Black Beauty Aïda Croal: Black beauty reflected in a Western gaze. From Africana.com
Beauty and Desire in Edo Japan Peter Symonds: Ukiyo-e, "pictures of the floating world." From World Socialist Web Site
Chinese Foot-Binding Jim A. Crites: Over a thousand years a billion Chinese women endured the torment of footbinding in the name of beauty. From Jim A. Crites
Love in Black and White Aida Croal: Black, white, beauty and interracial love. From Africana.com
What Do You See When You Look in the Mirror Monica Mehta: An Asian American view of the "beauty culture." From Saheli
The Global Beauty Report: Focus on Asia Lubna Khalid: Asian-American women and difficulties in finding the right cosmetics. REAL COSMETICS
Skin Games: Color and Skin Tone in the Black Community Jimi Izrael: Shades of black in a white dominated beauty culture. From Africana.com
The Bizarre and the Beautiful Valerie Roybal: With beautiful or bizarre effects, people throughout human history have sought to adorn, enhance, and alter their bodies. From Quantum.
|
|
