Why Do Women Show Off Their Skin?

Over in the Men Ask, WOMEN ANSWER forum, Sixthly was bold enough to ask this question.

Do women feel a need to show more & more skin?

Is it getting to an age where you have to show more skin than what one showed in the '90s, simply to get guys' attention?

Since I was also curious about this question myself, I decided to investigate the responses from this post. Ironically, it seems that Diana was offended by the question and sharply replies with:

It's not about getting attention. It's about feeling good about the way we look. Why must you translate the show of skin as an attempt to attract the male species?

Ouch. Sixthly later on asks how would some of these women dress if their were no guys on planet Earth (wouldn't that be boring?). Here are some of the responses below.

Curious: Actually, I'm not sure how I'd dress if there were no males.

I'm not convinced it's about what you wear anyway. Because if it was I'd not have guys chasing after me when I'm at the barn, dressed in some old work cloths, hair tied up in a mess, sweaty because it's so hot and humid, no make up.... I don't get it.... but for some reason guys like that also.

Mari: If there were no males on the planet, then I'd obviously wear no clothes!!!

Suprisingly Sixthly thinks those responses were "so gay," although I think he means the happy version of gay. Or does he mean dumb? Hmm...

Confession: A Short Film

Taniya (in the Short Films forum) has posted a mini film she had to do for school. Simply entitled Confession, the mini flick depicts a man struggling with "very dangerous urges."

I assume no kids were hurt in the making of this film but you can check it out for yourself over on YouTube (warning: not suitable for work).

She is asking for feedback and it seems that Uday enjoyed it without complaints although Ritesh gives some constructive criticism.

The Short Film community seems is full of talented people looking for public reviews of their films. And if you are interested in acting within a short film, Wet Dog Stinking Willie is looking for a female actor for the summer.

Should Women Be Imams?

Within the world of Islam, this is probably the oldest debates, and also one of the most controversial. Andy G, over in the Muslim Christian friendship, is wondering Women can act as Imams.

Sameer and Sheri seem to be at odds with each other with Sameer saying:

There was only one Muslim Women who was asked to teach other Muslim women how to make Namaz(Prayer).

She also was instructed to stand in the same row as the other women praying during Namaz. This special instruction was given to avoid what misconception some people are now trying to spread that is "women are allowed to do the Imamat as per Islam".

While an Imam (Prayer Leader) is supposed to lead from front. No one stands in the same row as the Leader. Why was a women instructed by Prophet(PBUH) to pray while standing between them and not leading them like an Imam.

Sheri (on page three) disagrees and voices her opinion by saying:

sorry, but just because there is no example in islamic history of something, does not mean that it is not allowed or cannot be done

typical men making translations by themselves for themselves
this is not what i believe in

i dont believe in strict or orthodox islam, i am a flexible muslim
however that doesnt mean i'll go against islam's teachings or anything but i think that women have every right men have [...]

women have the right to lead namaz in my view and i'll support any movement trying to achieve that

This is not the first time this controversy has appeared, as ironically a women did lead prayer as an Imam although she was criticized for doing so from other Imams around the world.

I don't see the harm in it and it would be interesting to actually see one conducted by a woman as they generally have been neglected many of the rights of their male brethren.

Do Men Prefer Older Women?

Over in the Women Ask, MEN ANSWER forum, Bubbly wants to know why some men prefer older women and the excuse reason behind it.

After asking if some of these men are "insecure by nature" she received these responses below:

Faisal: Men generally don't prefer older women. In the off chance that some do its mostly because women are more experienced in certain aspects of life and / or are more mature than their younger counterparts.

Ali: older women find young men respectful and obidient, young men can listen to their painful stories, can provide a shoulder to cry on. So they can be connected very well emotionally. Rest is all natural.

Sameer (on page two): older women do not expect much from guys..young girls expect a lot from a guys..trully speaking guys get bored from their expectation...

Danish: Two kinds of guys go for older women. One's who need a 'mother' and ones who seek intelligence and maturity. There's a third category as well but thats more about turn on's than anything else....

From my experience, most of my previous dates have been older than me (by a month or a year) and they are generally more mature in wisdom as well as grace. Although other members saw similar reasons for an arrangement, few thought that such a relationship would lead towards marriage while others commented that relationships like these are only about "the physical."

Relationships, Immigration And Moving (Oh My!)

I wish I had time to comment on these individually, but lack of sleep is preventing me from doing so.

Although I have not been a huge fan of Orkut Media in the past (I was not very impressed with the writing) it seems that the authors recently have been posting relevant and quality essays. It either is something Google is putting in the water or perhaps Orkut is serving his authors some yummy donuts.

Here are a few that caught my eye and are worth reading.

Via Lexy London:

Many couples go through rough patches where intimacy is threatened by external forces - cheating is not an uncommon problem, even in countries and cultures where extra-marital sex is against the moral (and legal) code. [...]

This week's reader, like most women, seems to be less hurt due to the cheating, and more hurt because her man won't be honest with her.

I am getting married to a person I truly love. We've known each other for approximately the past four years, and now I am to marry him in three months.

Continue Reading...

Via Petrice Gaskin:

When the Minutemen arrived in South Los Angeles on May 3rd to recruit African Americans to support their anti-illegal immigrant platform, they received an enthusiastic response - just not the one they were hoping for. According to the L.A. Times, "they were met by protestors - most of them African Americans - who compared the group to the Ku Klux Klan and urged them to take their campaign elsewhere."

Continue Reading...

Via Jen La Sala:

Over the past month or two, several of my friends have looked for and gotten apartments with the ease one takes in eating ice cream, or maybe sherbet for those of us who are lactose intolerant. They tell me how fun it is, that they saw all these different places and what different floor plans looked like, and all sorts of different neighborhoods. They say they have a good time; they think it's so interesting and exciting.

They're lying. Each and every one of them.

Continue Reading...

A long post mostly quoting "the masters," but interesting none-the-less. Worth reading...especially the last one.

Can Men Handle Female Bosses?

Although this topic is probably never brought up in the office, it is one that has been debated ever since women entered the office. From the Issues of Men forum.

Detox: Can men really accept a female in a dominating role such as a Boss or the President of the country ?? Can they really allow females to take decisions for them or is it just for show ??

While some may laugh at this question, some women may take it more seriously. Selina does, and complains that although guys think she is intelligent, they often do not listen to her advice.

Detox thinks women make better bosses while Mr. Hyde thinks they talk way too much. Faizan is under the impression that "a female can never be a good boss" which doesn't exactly make Salina smile.

Lilian, a female boss herself gives her own take on the issue.

With a more progressive approach to diversity and a greater number of women helming organisations, we feel comfortable enough to use our natural management style, which tends to be more communicative, relationship-oriented and team building in nature. [...] This gives Us the potential to be more understanding bosses than men. This is my point.

I have 8 persons under my supervision. 3 women, 5 men... and I have some problems with the girls. Its true that men are more straightforward. You always know where you stand with them. With women, you have to work them out a little more. Women tend to be more subtle and crafty. Men are straight out with it. I'd rather work only with men, they are breezier than women.

Interesting perspective. So does that mean guys make better workers and women better bosses?

Do Guys Prefer Beauty, Or Women With Brains?

That is the question Pragati is asking over in the Women ask, MEN ANSWER forum (they have a counterpart one for guys which I'll post on later).

Pragati wants to know if guys really do prefer a beautiful face over a beautiful mind. Here are some of the responses by some very brave men:

• Raghu: beauty can be instantly admired/appreciated... but it takes a while to appreciate the brains of any person. hence the misconception that guys only appreciate beauty & not brains in a female. if u really dig a li'l deeper, u'll see that most most long-term female friends of guys r those with brains matching the guy's level... & not beauty...


• Chill: beauty n brain is rare and so i will say [...]
  beautiful girl = dumb
  unattractive girl = intelligent
  beautiful + intelligent = Diva..


• Turtle: i dont prefer beauty to brains . id rather have a plain looking girl with a brain and a good heart than a total knockout thats stupid or a bitch . but i do draw the line at ugly there only room in any relatioship for one ugly person aand thats me


• Achal (page two): i guess its natures way of bringing together the best genes together to same person . beautiful woman + intelligent man = beautiful and intelligent kids? or progressive species

Although most of the answers were pretty much "beauty before brains" or "beauty with brains," Lulla (on page 3) seems to be motivated more by mental abilities than good looks. He even doesn't mind a girl with a few extra pounds.

As for me, I agree with Pulkit (on page 1)--beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

A Real Western Woman?

It looks like Karimah has a question over in The Issues of Western Women forum.

I am just curious how someone who has never lived in the west or been closely involved with a westerner can decide what is relevant to us?

Robert says its because "Allah is all-seeing" while Selina contends that "Allah is not western."

Milt seems to have the best response of all by saying:

Sometimes, it is good to have people write their misconceptions. What better chance to inform them about what is really going on? My issue is that it is impossible to stereotype western women.

There are as many ways they dress, relate to others, perceive reality, view working as there are women in the western nations. [...]

I [think] the one thing we can say is that women are free to decide for themselves how to conduct their lives and the only way they are in danger of getting stoned is at a frat party.

Well said. Although the discussion later on begins to unravel, with Mish desiring to ban American soap opera's. Good luck.

Hear Her Roar!

Wow, what a powerful video! The fact that it was on Al Jazeera makes it even more powerful!

Stefan, over in the Islam Against Terrorism forum, informs everyone of a powerful video that was broadcasted on Al Jazeera.

Mjolner, Patricia, Mike, Agni and Christoph seem to have enjoyed the video presentation, although Zain seems to differ in opinion.

Roberta is nominating the woman for "Queen," although I disagree. A woman with that voice should head the entire United Nations.

Note: For those of you outside of Orkut, here is the video link.

What To Do With The Baby?

Dr. Fahad over in the India Womans Issues forum asks everyone if abortion should be up to the woman to decide.

Nida and Anish think so, with Anish also denouncing sex selection abortions which seem to be popular in India.

Ankur and Aviral disagree, with Aviral asking about the babies right to live.

The discussion gets more interesting on page two, and Noemaun wants to know about the "odd man left out" of the picture in this scenario.

Update: Corrected spelling of Anlcur (it shoudl be Ankur). Sorry.

Should Husbands Watch Porn?

Over in the Women of Pakistan forum, Amber has asked a great question.

I had a friend of mine tell me the other day that she came accross porn solicitations in her husbands email. She has just been married not too long ago and was really hurt by this. She also saw that her husband had subscribed to some porn sites as well.

And the real kicker is that he continues to get pictures of naked women from his buddies at work. Do you think that he is cheating on her with these pornographic divas?

Faizan thinks its okay while Fatima doesn't think married men should be engaging in such activities. Fish provides some decent advice towards the question.

...even though, in widespread opinion it wouldn't be considered cheating, i really think your friend should confront her husband about it.

i can understand why adolescent boys or girls might watch porn XD with the restrictions in our society for pre-marital sex or even any non-physical opposite sex relationships --- but once you're married, you're [not] allowed to venture into that zone. forgive me, but why watch it when you can do it?

My opinion (which I'll post later in the forum) follows the line of thought that "pornography is for losers" as I have seen it destroy the minds of men and woman within my lifetime. But that's my view, what's yours?

Pakistani Feminists (Watch Out)

(Note: I would have posted this sooner, but blogger died on me)

Feminism is probably something you would expect to hear from American or European shores, and perhaps a few islands in the pacific. But a community called the Women of Pakistan has sprung up, and it seems as if it is pretty lively in there.

(Description) This community is about the women of Pakistan--the victims as well as the achievers--and those who are trying to live their lives with dignity and courage.

You could be living in any part of the world, but if you feel empathy and affinity to us, come and join us.

Two interesting posts of note have sprung up, with Shariq discussing about men gazing upon women (something the ladies do not seem to be thrilled about) while Imran talks about women being their own enemies. Huh?

Women For Mid-East Peace?

A new forum has started up entitled Women For Mid-East Peace. It looks similar to this group, although I don't think any guys are allowed in this one.