Westerners are quick to denounce customs in, say, the Muslim world that they perceive as limiting women. But in Germany, despite its vaunted modernity, a traditional perception of motherhood lingers. The half-day school system survived feudalism, the rise and demise of Hitler’s mother cult, the women’s movement of the 1970s and reunification with East Germany. [...]
[18 Jan 2010]
From yesterday’s Jerusalem Post, Jews back Muslims on minaret ban: Citing religious discrimination, a diverse coalition of Jewish organizations is objecting to Switzerland’s ban of minarets on local mosques. Swiss voters this week approved by a strong majority a referendum outlawing the construction of minarets. The measure, pushed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), [...]
[4 Dec 2009]
Photo by Half Chinese In Santa’s little blackface helper GlobalPost’s Paul Ames looks at the Belgian and Dutch Christmas character Zwarte Piet or Black Peter. Although many Dutch and Belgian families now also give gifts at Christmas, traditionally the big day for children in the Low Countries has been St. Nicholas day on Dec. 6. [...]
[3 Dec 2009]
From The Bizarre Logic Behind the Swiss Minaret Ban by Yassin Musharbash: One should certainly avoid sugar-coating the sometimes unpleasant situation faced by Christians living in the Muslim world. There is room for criticism. But one should choose the appropriate means. To paint the Swiss referendum against building minarets as an act of solidarity with [...]
[3 Dec 2009]