The Cruelty of Patriarchy: Rasheed and His World

Examines the systemic patriarchy embodied by Rasheed and reinforced by Afghan society, and how it affects the women in his household.

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Rasheed's Beliefs about Women

A Man's Honor The Burqa and Control Rasheed forces Mariam to wear a burqa. He tells her that a woman's face is her husband's business. He insists on controlling her movements and appearance. The Double Standard Rasheed looks at pornographic magazines but condemns women who show their ankles. He believes in nang and namoos, but his own behavior is hypocritical. The Ideology of Possession Rasheed sees Mariam and Laila as property. He beats them when they defy him. He believes he has the right to do so. The Taliban's laws are simply an extension of his worldview.

The Taliban's Similar Laws

State-Sanctioned Oppression The Edicts When the Taliban take over, they issue laws that mirror Rasheed's: women must stay home, wear burqas, not work or go to school. Men must grow beards. The state enforces these with beatings and executions. Rasheed's Approval Rasheed supports the Taliban. He says they bring peace and order. He enjoys watching punishments at Ghazi Stadium. He is a willing participant in the system. The Ordeal of Laila and Mariam Under the Taliban, the women's lives become even more restricted. Laila is beaten for walking alone. The hospital has no anesthetic for her C-section. The patriarchy is total.

Resistance and Its Costs

Small Rebellions The Escape Attempt Laila and Mariam try to flee to Pakistan. It fails, but it is a rebellion. They are punished severely, but they do not stop hoping. Laila's Stealthy Visits Laila defies the Taliban to visit Aziza at the orphanage. She wears extra layers to absorb the beatings. She refuses to be entirely cowed. Mariam's Final Act Mariam kills Rasheed. This is the ultimate rebellion against the patriarchy. She knows she will die, but she chooses to save Laila. The system cannot break her spirit.

1974, early in Mariam's marriage

1996-2001, during Taliban rule

1994-2001, the women's acts of defiance