The news is full of so many sad/horrible/frightening things over the past few weeks. It's just about impossible to even absorb most of it. From mass deaths due to suicide bombs in the Middle East to black individuals killed by on-duty policemen, to Dallas. The reports continue....the details pile up. And I try to remember the quote from Mr. Rodgers (a TV show my kids watched when they were little.) Something about how, when bad things happen, "look for the helpers". There are good people all around the world just living their lives day to day, raising families, and doing their best and helping their neighbors.
But something scrolled across my internet provider's screen a few days ago and I just can't get the images out of my mind. This was an article that had to do with honor killings in Pakistan. And I didn't read it all....it was just too much.
There is a cultural tradition in that country (and probably others) where parents or other family members murder a child because he or usually she does not follow their "rules". In this case a young woman fell in love with someone and her mother did not approve. I don't know how long the conflict went on within the family....but in the end the mother choked her daughter until she was almost dead and then finished the act in the most horrible, painful way possible.
And then that mother went up onto the roof of her home and shouted out so that everyone could hear her.....something like "My daughter will never shame this family again! Our honor is preserved."
Her daughter.....their honor.
I try to respect other cultures and have learned fascinating things about other religious traditions and cultures and similarities we all share. But this is just so far outside my ability to comprehend. Apparently, according to what I did read, the younger people in Pakistan (a large percentage of the population is under 30) are starting to rebel against this traditional act. I can only hope they prevail.
Her daughter......their honor. What the hell?
No comments:
Post a Comment