Saudi Youth Hopes Blogging will Bring Change

[virgohippy]

Thought this might be of interest to some:

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15676312/

Some of the more juicy bits I found interesting. Pardon me if my selections slant this in a more feminist direction:

Lured by the possible anonymity of the medium, Saudi women have produced a string of blogs filled with feminist poetry, steamy romantic episodes and rants against their restricted lives and patriarchal society.
...
The new technology has also made it possible to do virtually what one cannot do physically in a country such as Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that bans public gatherings, political parties and civil rights groups, and restricted last year's limited municipal elections to men.
...
This month, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Bloggers, founded by Farhan and a group of his friends, will post their charter online and open membership to male and female bloggers. Members will then vote for a president, male or female, and make amendments to the charter by majority vote. Meetings will be held online.
...
"What about erotica, like Mystique writes?" Farhan asked, referring to the best-known Saudi female blogger. "If she gets blocked, do we get involved?"
...
But Mystique has received the most scathing criticism for her feminist poetry and religious comments. A question posted on her blog -- "How imperfect can a perfect Creator be?" -- garnered dozens of angry missives calling her an apostate who is besmirching her country's reputation.

"Sometimes I push. I want to show that women are oppressed," she said. The situation "is not normal. I would like people to see that."

[mr.sexbankroll]

Thats really interesting. It also sets up the whole 'thought crime' fiasco in the country

R

[T Pat]

Hey Hippy I've been reading a blog written by a girl in Bagdad (I know not Saudi Arabia) for over two years Bagdad Burning
It reads like a modern day Ann Frank except instead of Hitler and Nazis there's Bush and Occupiers

[mr.sexbankroll]

Thanks for that link.. i'll give it a read

R

[virgohippy]

Originally Posted by T Pat

Hey Hippy I've been reading a blog written by a girl in Bagdad (I know not Saudi Arabia) for over two years Bagdad Burning
It reads like a modern day Ann Frank except instead of Hitler and Nazis there's Bush and Occupiers

That is one powerful blog. I feel humbled when I read it.

That's twice tonight you've moved me... or at least been responsible for it happening.