Research Paper
Discrimination Against Women in Afghanistan
By Mary Yoon
There are two main types of people seen in the world: women and men. With these two types, it has been a prominent trend, throughout all of history, to favor the men. Although with the recent feminist movements throughout different places in the world the patriarchy has been dwindling. However, some areas of this world are still largely male-dominated, with strong discrimination against the female sex. Women in Afghanistan have had it rather rough with the bumpiness of their rights in the past few decades, current acts of discrimination against them, and the difficultly in securing women’s rights.
Before the Soviets took over in 1979, leading the country into a turmoil that would continue to last until the present day, Afghanistan was a rather peaceful country for both men and women. While women still weren’t considered totally equal to men, they had many more opportunities to live full lives. The schools in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, consisted of 70% female teachers. The total number of doctors in this city was 40% women, and the government workers were half women. Soon when the Soviets took over everyone had a rough time, and women’s rights slowly started diminishing. After the Soviets were pushed out in 1989, a civil war broke out for the next six years. The day the Taliban came into power in 1996, women’s rights disappeared completely. While the Taliban originally seemed like a wonderful idea that would save the cities from the civil war that raged in their streets, they soon learned that the Taliban were more cruel then the war ever had been. Women were pushed into a domestic box with her entire life revolving around men. Women were not allowed to leave their house without a male escort, and when they did, they were forced to wear concealing burqas that only had a tiny screen from them to see through. Along with that they were not allowed to work outside of their home, and not allowed to attend schools. Additionally they were banned from enjoying the simplicities of life’s joys such as riding bikes, laughing loudly, and wearing clothes that were too vibrant. When the US-invaded, the Taliban fell, and presidential elections took place, it hope finally ensued for all of Afghanistan, especially the women. In 2004, a constitution was made, guarding women’s rights and declaring men and women equal citizens. It also advocated that women should make of 25% of the government. While this is only half of what it was pre-war, progress has still been made. (Women and Girls in Afghanistan)
While progress is seen in Afghanistan in terms of women’s rights, it’s still quite difficult to be a women living there. Life is difficult for women in domestic life, educational life, and religious life. In their domestic life, young girls in rural areas are often forced by her family to marry someone much older than her. And, often times, she meets this person on her wedding night. According to recent statistics, at least 50% of girls are married by the age of ten, and 60% by the age of sixteen. Some of these marriages are to someone up to sixty years old. One reason that girls are so quickly rushed into an arranged marriage has to do with the lack of protection that three decades of turmoil brought. There isn’t much protection for women against rape, or sexual abuse, except for marriage. In addition to domestic life, women face hard discrimination when it comes down to academic life. The statistics show that there is a large favor shown towards women when it comes to schooling. Only two-fifths of women attend elementary school, and only five percent attend school after 6th grade. On top of this, 90% of women are illiterate. When there’s such a hinder of women’s education, even if the economy did pull itself up and jobs became readily available to women, women still wouldn’t be able to qualify for these positions. In addition to these shocking statistics, there’s even more the social issue. Many of the people in Afghanistan don’t believe that women should be educated and the make it clear to them. Many women’s schools have fallen due to arson, and many schoolteachers have been both threatened and killed. It also is not safe for girls to attend school because often times they get physically harassed and attacked while on their way to the school building. Finally in addition to educational life, women’s religious life is also hard. According to the Shari’a, Islamic law, women are required to wear full burqas, and their testimonies are only worth half of what a men’s testimonies. (Trust in Education)
While women’s life is very hard, it’s also extremely hard to secure women’s right. While things seemed to look up in 2004, a couple of laws were passed in 2009 that were extremely discriminatory towards certain women in Afghanistan (Trust). So although good laws were passed in 2004, they were not secure for long. These laws were directed towards the Shi’a women, a minority in Afghanistan (Trust). These laws that were passed did not allow women to leave the house unless they had a legitimate reason (Trust). On top of this, marital rape is allowed (Trust). Shi’ite women are not allowed to inherit husband’s property, nor get educated without their permission (Trust). In addition to Shi’a women, altogether women’s rights are at risk, and the oppression continues. For instance, over the course of 2012, violet crimes against women in Afghanistan has rose 24%, and since the year 2004, the percentage of women involved in the government has fallen a total of 4% (Zucchino, David). One of the senior researchers for the Human Rights Watch in Afghanistan has said, “Signs are everywhere that a rollback for women’s rights has begun,” (Zucchino, David). In addition to the rights not being secure, those who attempt to help secure them are often times persecuted. For example, just last year, the head of women’s affairs in Eastern Afghanistan was blown up in her car due to a planted bomb, and a couple months after, her replacement was shot to death on her way to work (Zucchino, David). Although an effort is being made, women’s rights and equality will not come easy to Afghanistian.
Afghanistan is statistically the worse place to be a woman (Trust), and not much is currently being done in defense of them. Although certain laws are being passed in women’s favor, it’ll be a long road that may never end, until women are treated equally to men. Women in Afghanistan have had it rather rough with the bumpiness of their rights in the past few decades, have it rough with the current acts of discrimination against them, and will have it rough with the difficultly in securing the gains that have been made.
By Mary Yoon
There are two main types of people seen in the world: women and men. With these two types, it has been a prominent trend, throughout all of history, to favor the men. Although with the recent feminist movements throughout different places in the world the patriarchy has been dwindling. However, some areas of this world are still largely male-dominated, with strong discrimination against the female sex. Women in Afghanistan have had it rather rough with the bumpiness of their rights in the past few decades, current acts of discrimination against them, and the difficultly in securing women’s rights.
Before the Soviets took over in 1979, leading the country into a turmoil that would continue to last until the present day, Afghanistan was a rather peaceful country for both men and women. While women still weren’t considered totally equal to men, they had many more opportunities to live full lives. The schools in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, consisted of 70% female teachers. The total number of doctors in this city was 40% women, and the government workers were half women. Soon when the Soviets took over everyone had a rough time, and women’s rights slowly started diminishing. After the Soviets were pushed out in 1989, a civil war broke out for the next six years. The day the Taliban came into power in 1996, women’s rights disappeared completely. While the Taliban originally seemed like a wonderful idea that would save the cities from the civil war that raged in their streets, they soon learned that the Taliban were more cruel then the war ever had been. Women were pushed into a domestic box with her entire life revolving around men. Women were not allowed to leave their house without a male escort, and when they did, they were forced to wear concealing burqas that only had a tiny screen from them to see through. Along with that they were not allowed to work outside of their home, and not allowed to attend schools. Additionally they were banned from enjoying the simplicities of life’s joys such as riding bikes, laughing loudly, and wearing clothes that were too vibrant. When the US-invaded, the Taliban fell, and presidential elections took place, it hope finally ensued for all of Afghanistan, especially the women. In 2004, a constitution was made, guarding women’s rights and declaring men and women equal citizens. It also advocated that women should make of 25% of the government. While this is only half of what it was pre-war, progress has still been made. (Women and Girls in Afghanistan)
While progress is seen in Afghanistan in terms of women’s rights, it’s still quite difficult to be a women living there. Life is difficult for women in domestic life, educational life, and religious life. In their domestic life, young girls in rural areas are often forced by her family to marry someone much older than her. And, often times, she meets this person on her wedding night. According to recent statistics, at least 50% of girls are married by the age of ten, and 60% by the age of sixteen. Some of these marriages are to someone up to sixty years old. One reason that girls are so quickly rushed into an arranged marriage has to do with the lack of protection that three decades of turmoil brought. There isn’t much protection for women against rape, or sexual abuse, except for marriage. In addition to domestic life, women face hard discrimination when it comes down to academic life. The statistics show that there is a large favor shown towards women when it comes to schooling. Only two-fifths of women attend elementary school, and only five percent attend school after 6th grade. On top of this, 90% of women are illiterate. When there’s such a hinder of women’s education, even if the economy did pull itself up and jobs became readily available to women, women still wouldn’t be able to qualify for these positions. In addition to these shocking statistics, there’s even more the social issue. Many of the people in Afghanistan don’t believe that women should be educated and the make it clear to them. Many women’s schools have fallen due to arson, and many schoolteachers have been both threatened and killed. It also is not safe for girls to attend school because often times they get physically harassed and attacked while on their way to the school building. Finally in addition to educational life, women’s religious life is also hard. According to the Shari’a, Islamic law, women are required to wear full burqas, and their testimonies are only worth half of what a men’s testimonies. (Trust in Education)
While women’s life is very hard, it’s also extremely hard to secure women’s right. While things seemed to look up in 2004, a couple of laws were passed in 2009 that were extremely discriminatory towards certain women in Afghanistan (Trust). So although good laws were passed in 2004, they were not secure for long. These laws were directed towards the Shi’a women, a minority in Afghanistan (Trust). These laws that were passed did not allow women to leave the house unless they had a legitimate reason (Trust). On top of this, marital rape is allowed (Trust). Shi’ite women are not allowed to inherit husband’s property, nor get educated without their permission (Trust). In addition to Shi’a women, altogether women’s rights are at risk, and the oppression continues. For instance, over the course of 2012, violet crimes against women in Afghanistan has rose 24%, and since the year 2004, the percentage of women involved in the government has fallen a total of 4% (Zucchino, David). One of the senior researchers for the Human Rights Watch in Afghanistan has said, “Signs are everywhere that a rollback for women’s rights has begun,” (Zucchino, David). In addition to the rights not being secure, those who attempt to help secure them are often times persecuted. For example, just last year, the head of women’s affairs in Eastern Afghanistan was blown up in her car due to a planted bomb, and a couple months after, her replacement was shot to death on her way to work (Zucchino, David). Although an effort is being made, women’s rights and equality will not come easy to Afghanistian.
Afghanistan is statistically the worse place to be a woman (Trust), and not much is currently being done in defense of them. Although certain laws are being passed in women’s favor, it’ll be a long road that may never end, until women are treated equally to men. Women in Afghanistan have had it rather rough with the bumpiness of their rights in the past few decades, have it rough with the current acts of discrimination against them, and will have it rough with the difficultly in securing the gains that have been made.
History and Conflict Between Ethnic Groups in Afghanistan
By Vivian Nemenyi
Afghanistan is a war-zone, filled with treachery and hatred spewing from different ethnic groups. Although Soviet Union occupation plays a role in the disaster, Afghanistan has many different ethnic groups, resulting in the major struggles between them, which leads towards violence, and hatred. Even to this day, Afghanistan faces ethnic and religious diversity’s that that puts many people at risk of religious and ethnical conflicts.
There are currently thirty-three ethnic groups living in Afghanistan (Johnson). The most known ethnic groups for foreigners and people living in Afghanistan are the Pashtuns, Tajik’s, Hazara’s, Uzbek’s, Aimak’s, Turkmen’s, and Baloch’s. The major ethnic groups are Pashtuns, Tajik’s, Hazaras, and Uzbek’s (Greens). The second main ethnic groups are the Tajiks. They make up around 27% of the population. Tajiks are also Sunni, such as the Pashtuns (Greens). The Tajiks live in the Panjsher Valley and in provinces of Parwan, Takhar, Badakhshan, Baghlan and Samangan. Few Tajik people leave their area to live in the central mountains area. (Ethnic Groups of Afghanistan). The Hazaras make up around 9% of the population. Hazara’s are Shi’a with a very lesser part that is Sunni (Greens). The last ethnic group is the Uzbeks, who make up only 9 percent of the population. They also follow Sunni religion, such as the Hazaras, but are not as disliked as Hazaras. They are located in the north area of Afghanistan. Unlike the Hazaras, who are unable to find good jobs due to their ethnicity and religion, Uzbeks are able to earn money by farming but have also been able to become businessman and skilled artisans (Ethnic Groups of Afghanistan)). Also, although they only make up only a minor part of Afghanistan and are not well known, Uzbeks have no hesitation marrying with other Uzbeks and Tajiks. However, they do not have any relationship with Pashtuns society. (Ethnic Groups of Afghanistan)) They are originally from Uzbekistan (Greens).
Not only are the ethnic groups different due to religion and racial divisions, occupation has cause great disaster. A terrible period in Afghanistan’s history was the result of the Soviet Union’s military occupation. It was an invasion of December 1979 as to “secure a Moscow-friendly regime in power in Kabul” (Valey). Different groups of Afghans, which came from diverse ethnic and political backgrounds, began to resist the Soviet forces and their allies. However, in 1089, a conflict broke out that was largely between the ethnic groups; Pashtuns against the minor ethnic groups such as the Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks. Approximately 100,000 people died during this tragic civil war. After the war, Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989 (Ahmed).
Due to many wars and tragic deaths in Afghanistan, there has been terror and pain circulating between the people. Many of these issues are not addressed and are looked over by the government There are many issues circulation around ethnicity of the people of Afghanistan. To this day, people suffer and dread the bombs and explosions. This is their daily life for survival, which they hope, will end, one day.
By Vivian Nemenyi
Afghanistan is a war-zone, filled with treachery and hatred spewing from different ethnic groups. Although Soviet Union occupation plays a role in the disaster, Afghanistan has many different ethnic groups, resulting in the major struggles between them, which leads towards violence, and hatred. Even to this day, Afghanistan faces ethnic and religious diversity’s that that puts many people at risk of religious and ethnical conflicts.
There are currently thirty-three ethnic groups living in Afghanistan (Johnson). The most known ethnic groups for foreigners and people living in Afghanistan are the Pashtuns, Tajik’s, Hazara’s, Uzbek’s, Aimak’s, Turkmen’s, and Baloch’s. The major ethnic groups are Pashtuns, Tajik’s, Hazaras, and Uzbek’s (Greens). The second main ethnic groups are the Tajiks. They make up around 27% of the population. Tajiks are also Sunni, such as the Pashtuns (Greens). The Tajiks live in the Panjsher Valley and in provinces of Parwan, Takhar, Badakhshan, Baghlan and Samangan. Few Tajik people leave their area to live in the central mountains area. (Ethnic Groups of Afghanistan). The Hazaras make up around 9% of the population. Hazara’s are Shi’a with a very lesser part that is Sunni (Greens). The last ethnic group is the Uzbeks, who make up only 9 percent of the population. They also follow Sunni religion, such as the Hazaras, but are not as disliked as Hazaras. They are located in the north area of Afghanistan. Unlike the Hazaras, who are unable to find good jobs due to their ethnicity and religion, Uzbeks are able to earn money by farming but have also been able to become businessman and skilled artisans (Ethnic Groups of Afghanistan)). Also, although they only make up only a minor part of Afghanistan and are not well known, Uzbeks have no hesitation marrying with other Uzbeks and Tajiks. However, they do not have any relationship with Pashtuns society. (Ethnic Groups of Afghanistan)) They are originally from Uzbekistan (Greens).
Not only are the ethnic groups different due to religion and racial divisions, occupation has cause great disaster. A terrible period in Afghanistan’s history was the result of the Soviet Union’s military occupation. It was an invasion of December 1979 as to “secure a Moscow-friendly regime in power in Kabul” (Valey). Different groups of Afghans, which came from diverse ethnic and political backgrounds, began to resist the Soviet forces and their allies. However, in 1089, a conflict broke out that was largely between the ethnic groups; Pashtuns against the minor ethnic groups such as the Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks. Approximately 100,000 people died during this tragic civil war. After the war, Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989 (Ahmed).
Due to many wars and tragic deaths in Afghanistan, there has been terror and pain circulating between the people. Many of these issues are not addressed and are looked over by the government There are many issues circulation around ethnicity of the people of Afghanistan. To this day, people suffer and dread the bombs and explosions. This is their daily life for survival, which they hope, will end, one day.
Discrimination Towards Afghanistan’s Minorities
By Ciera DeHart
"Afghanistan is the land of Pashtuns. It always has been, always will be. We are the true Afghans, the pure Afghans, not this Flat-Nose[Hazara] here. His people pollute our homeland, our watan. They dirty our blood… Afghanistan for Pashtuns, I say. That's my vision." (Hosseini 44) In today’s Afghan society, the Pashtuns are the ruling class, making up the majority of the Afghan people (Afghanistan Overview). For them, life is abounding in opportunities, while the Hazara people wish they could only be given that chance. In addition to the disadvantage the Hazaras’ minority status creates for them, their ethnic group is comprised exclusively of Shi’a Muslims, who are far out numbered by the Sunnis in Afghanistan and the surrounding countries (Afghanistan Overview). Social discrimination affects Afghanistan’s diverse people when faced with prejudice towards minorities and religious intolerance.
Afghanistan is a nation with deep-seated religious ties, which makes rivalries between various Islamic sects all the more severe. Pashtuns are overwhelmingly Sunni and comprise 42% of the population (Massoud). As Shi’a, the Hazaras make up only 9% of the Afghan society (Afghanistan Overview). In their own country, “the Hazara have experienced discrimination at the hands of the Pashtun-dominated government throughout the history of modern Afghanistan’” (Kator-Mubarez). Since 2001, Shi’ites have been able to be more outright about their faith, but in the past the Taliban have persecuted them mercilessly (Kator-Mubarez). They have been targets of needless assaults and ridicule for years.
Assorted religious and ethnic minorities also feel the sting of being different on a constant, daily basis (Rouyee). In Afghanistan, there are estimated to be 3,000 Sikhs and 1,000 Hindus in the major cities (Afghanistan Overview). Plagued with extra costs when operating businesses and excessive license checks, Sikhs and Hindus are discriminated against at work and even when walking home (Rouyee). At school, their children are bullied and are forced to read the Quran, despite not being Muslim (Rouyee). The Hazara sense the difference as well; Amina Kator-Mubarez says, “As the traditional underclass of Afghan society, Hazara were exploited and made to work as servants and laborers.” The unskilled labors the Hazara provide result in further stigmatization for them (Kator-Mubarez). Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner portrays how they are rejected from society.
As stated previously, baseless prejudice and discrimination affects the numerous religious and ethnic minorities of Afghanistan. This country houses multiple, distinct people groups, but the Pashtun Sunni majority treats Hazara Shi’a Muslims with contempt. Throughout their history, the Hazara have been taken advantage of and mistreated with few advocates to speak up for them. Other religious groups, such as Hindus and Sikhs, are also treated adversely at school and work. Afghanistan is definitely not just, “the land of Pashtuns” and it’s time accommodations are made to realize that.
By Ciera DeHart
"Afghanistan is the land of Pashtuns. It always has been, always will be. We are the true Afghans, the pure Afghans, not this Flat-Nose[Hazara] here. His people pollute our homeland, our watan. They dirty our blood… Afghanistan for Pashtuns, I say. That's my vision." (Hosseini 44) In today’s Afghan society, the Pashtuns are the ruling class, making up the majority of the Afghan people (Afghanistan Overview). For them, life is abounding in opportunities, while the Hazara people wish they could only be given that chance. In addition to the disadvantage the Hazaras’ minority status creates for them, their ethnic group is comprised exclusively of Shi’a Muslims, who are far out numbered by the Sunnis in Afghanistan and the surrounding countries (Afghanistan Overview). Social discrimination affects Afghanistan’s diverse people when faced with prejudice towards minorities and religious intolerance.
Afghanistan is a nation with deep-seated religious ties, which makes rivalries between various Islamic sects all the more severe. Pashtuns are overwhelmingly Sunni and comprise 42% of the population (Massoud). As Shi’a, the Hazaras make up only 9% of the Afghan society (Afghanistan Overview). In their own country, “the Hazara have experienced discrimination at the hands of the Pashtun-dominated government throughout the history of modern Afghanistan’” (Kator-Mubarez). Since 2001, Shi’ites have been able to be more outright about their faith, but in the past the Taliban have persecuted them mercilessly (Kator-Mubarez). They have been targets of needless assaults and ridicule for years.
Assorted religious and ethnic minorities also feel the sting of being different on a constant, daily basis (Rouyee). In Afghanistan, there are estimated to be 3,000 Sikhs and 1,000 Hindus in the major cities (Afghanistan Overview). Plagued with extra costs when operating businesses and excessive license checks, Sikhs and Hindus are discriminated against at work and even when walking home (Rouyee). At school, their children are bullied and are forced to read the Quran, despite not being Muslim (Rouyee). The Hazara sense the difference as well; Amina Kator-Mubarez says, “As the traditional underclass of Afghan society, Hazara were exploited and made to work as servants and laborers.” The unskilled labors the Hazara provide result in further stigmatization for them (Kator-Mubarez). Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner portrays how they are rejected from society.
As stated previously, baseless prejudice and discrimination affects the numerous religious and ethnic minorities of Afghanistan. This country houses multiple, distinct people groups, but the Pashtun Sunni majority treats Hazara Shi’a Muslims with contempt. Throughout their history, the Hazara have been taken advantage of and mistreated with few advocates to speak up for them. Other religious groups, such as Hindus and Sikhs, are also treated adversely at school and work. Afghanistan is definitely not just, “the land of Pashtuns” and it’s time accommodations are made to realize that.
Opinion Paper
Op-ed: Discrimination Against Women in Afghanistan
Mary Yoon
With women currently being heavily oppressed in Afghanistan, I believe the solution lies in the world gaining awareness of this problem, and the activists in Afghanistan currently working to stop it.
Power is rooted in the recognition and desire for a particular change to take place, and the more people whom recognize and feel this desire, the more powerful this cause becomes. In situations where the general goal is involving natural human rights of deserving human beings, suddenly the goal and strive for that goal becomes much more urgent and of higher priority. In order to begin giving women back their rights in Afghanistan, the world needs to recognize the problem and desire a change. Because of the religious ties that are linked with sexist discrimination, the minute to recognize the problem and want to change it, is the minute you begin walking on dangerous grounds. However, because women should have equal rights provided for them at birth, walking on these grounds is necessary, and more people to need to do it. If awareness of the severity of the situation is raised around the world, changes are definitely more likely to take place. Helping the world gain awareness can happen through campaigning, and educating the general public. On top of this, newsworthy stories should not be kept a secret, and the women themselves should understand what’s being done to them in the situation.
Even though raising awareness about this topic is crucial, it’s also extremely necessary to not end there, but instead start making the long run down the road to gender equality. Throughout Afghanistan there are currently activists who are attempting to relieve some of the sexist discrimination seen. However life is very hard for these activists who are often threatened and killed. Because of these noble souls who are willing to give up their life for something they so ferevently believe is right, the road to freedom for women is already becoming a little bit eaiser. However, being a activist in Afghanistan is a little far-fetched and unrealistic for most people. However, don’t let this be you. If you aren’t willing to personally work and donate time, then definitely be making donations to help support them.
Although women in Afghanistan have experienced a lot of gender equality and suppression, there are steps that everyone can be taking in order to lessen the oppression that they feel. These steps lie in raising awareness of the problem, and fighting with activists in Afghanistan.
Mary Yoon
With women currently being heavily oppressed in Afghanistan, I believe the solution lies in the world gaining awareness of this problem, and the activists in Afghanistan currently working to stop it.
Power is rooted in the recognition and desire for a particular change to take place, and the more people whom recognize and feel this desire, the more powerful this cause becomes. In situations where the general goal is involving natural human rights of deserving human beings, suddenly the goal and strive for that goal becomes much more urgent and of higher priority. In order to begin giving women back their rights in Afghanistan, the world needs to recognize the problem and desire a change. Because of the religious ties that are linked with sexist discrimination, the minute to recognize the problem and want to change it, is the minute you begin walking on dangerous grounds. However, because women should have equal rights provided for them at birth, walking on these grounds is necessary, and more people to need to do it. If awareness of the severity of the situation is raised around the world, changes are definitely more likely to take place. Helping the world gain awareness can happen through campaigning, and educating the general public. On top of this, newsworthy stories should not be kept a secret, and the women themselves should understand what’s being done to them in the situation.
Even though raising awareness about this topic is crucial, it’s also extremely necessary to not end there, but instead start making the long run down the road to gender equality. Throughout Afghanistan there are currently activists who are attempting to relieve some of the sexist discrimination seen. However life is very hard for these activists who are often threatened and killed. Because of these noble souls who are willing to give up their life for something they so ferevently believe is right, the road to freedom for women is already becoming a little bit eaiser. However, being a activist in Afghanistan is a little far-fetched and unrealistic for most people. However, don’t let this be you. If you aren’t willing to personally work and donate time, then definitely be making donations to help support them.
Although women in Afghanistan have experienced a lot of gender equality and suppression, there are steps that everyone can be taking in order to lessen the oppression that they feel. These steps lie in raising awareness of the problem, and fighting with activists in Afghanistan.
Op-ed: How Should Afghanistan Help to Stop SegregationBetween Ethnic Groups
By Vivian Nemenyi
I have read about the awful war and the hatred between the many ethnic groups in Afghanistan. Neighbors fight against one another, simply because the other is a minority group, looked down upon by others. I believe that these ethnic conflicts could be resolved if the government were to step in and help out instead of corrupting. I don’t believe Afghanistan can go on like this if there is constant war and fear in the nation.
Ever since the invasion by the Soviet Military union, the people have been controversial, fearing one another. They have attacked their neighbors, harming each other like wild animals. I believe if these different ethnic groups came together, then there would be a peace. One way they could come together is if the government were able to notice the disaster. For one thing, people, such as the Hazaras, are tormented because they look very Chinese, due to their whereabouts of their ancestors. If schools were to teach that these people are no different then Pashtuns and Uzbeks, there would be no issue circling around racial discrimination.
The government should be able to notice the pain and terror that is currently happening in Afghanistan. Many of these ethnic conflicts also circulate around the controversy of different religions. There are two main religions, Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. Pashtuns believe that the Sunni Muslim religion is superior to the Shi’a Muslims. If teachers and preachers alike taught that they should not hate their enemies, and should get along with each other, there would be peace among the Muslims. Lastly, following up on the bombs and war that continues in Afghanistan, it seems as if the government pays no heed to stop and protect the people.
Many people are sent to refugee camps in Pakistan, were they stay in fear of the explosives in their country. If the government were to do something about this constant threat, it would be safe for the people to roam the street. Every day in Afghanistan, Men, women, and children loose limbs stepping on landmines, which are hidden from a naked eye.
As you see, I believe that if government took a head to the issues in Afghanistan, schools, teachers, and preachers could take control and speak and teach of the peace that could happen in Afghanistan instead of corrupting the young minds. They could teach of how their nation would not be filled violence an hatred and peace would end the constant war. Ethnic groups would live by each other in a somewhat peaceful community and the streets and no one would fear their life again. I hope one day, all this detestation and distress among the people will end one day, and they will understand that peace and unity will end their suffering.
By Vivian Nemenyi
I have read about the awful war and the hatred between the many ethnic groups in Afghanistan. Neighbors fight against one another, simply because the other is a minority group, looked down upon by others. I believe that these ethnic conflicts could be resolved if the government were to step in and help out instead of corrupting. I don’t believe Afghanistan can go on like this if there is constant war and fear in the nation.
Ever since the invasion by the Soviet Military union, the people have been controversial, fearing one another. They have attacked their neighbors, harming each other like wild animals. I believe if these different ethnic groups came together, then there would be a peace. One way they could come together is if the government were able to notice the disaster. For one thing, people, such as the Hazaras, are tormented because they look very Chinese, due to their whereabouts of their ancestors. If schools were to teach that these people are no different then Pashtuns and Uzbeks, there would be no issue circling around racial discrimination.
The government should be able to notice the pain and terror that is currently happening in Afghanistan. Many of these ethnic conflicts also circulate around the controversy of different religions. There are two main religions, Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. Pashtuns believe that the Sunni Muslim religion is superior to the Shi’a Muslims. If teachers and preachers alike taught that they should not hate their enemies, and should get along with each other, there would be peace among the Muslims. Lastly, following up on the bombs and war that continues in Afghanistan, it seems as if the government pays no heed to stop and protect the people.
Many people are sent to refugee camps in Pakistan, were they stay in fear of the explosives in their country. If the government were to do something about this constant threat, it would be safe for the people to roam the street. Every day in Afghanistan, Men, women, and children loose limbs stepping on landmines, which are hidden from a naked eye.
As you see, I believe that if government took a head to the issues in Afghanistan, schools, teachers, and preachers could take control and speak and teach of the peace that could happen in Afghanistan instead of corrupting the young minds. They could teach of how their nation would not be filled violence an hatred and peace would end the constant war. Ethnic groups would live by each other in a somewhat peaceful community and the streets and no one would fear their life again. I hope one day, all this detestation and distress among the people will end one day, and they will understand that peace and unity will end their suffering.
Op-ed: Working Through Ethnic and Religious Differences
By Ciera DeHart
From 1989 to present day, 1.2 million people with their own story, with their own families, have been killed due to civil war in Afghanistan. This country’s own people have been devastated by the deep-rooted conflict between various ethnic and religious groups, despite the fact that each group has valid reasons to call Afghanistan their home. In my opinion, Afghan society needs to become more culturally sensitive and grant its inhabitants equal rights and representation in its governing bodies.
First of all, I believe that the government of Afghanistan needs to create more positions for its Hazara people. Often, these individuals have been overlooked due to their social stigma and the poor education that many of them have received. Implementing this change would lead to the Hazara representatives being able to focus on the needs of their people. Why would the Pashtuns concern themselves with such outsiders? Issues such as the lacking education and job opportunities presented to this ethnic group can be addressed. Having ethnically diverse representatives higher up would bring to the table a wealth of unique background experience; they are the most suited to understand the oppression of Afghanistan’s minorities.
In addition to the previous reformation, schools should be more religiously sensitive to the various beliefs of its students. Sikh and Hindu parents have both objected to and been offended by their children being required to learn the Qur’an. To avoid this, and foster better parent-teacher and student-teacher relations, an alternate track should be created where the learning of the Qur’an is not mandatory. To combat bullying based on religious prejudice, children should be educated about other religious perspectives; if done correctly, it should cultivate respect for fellow students and help create a more global perspective overall. Adults must learn to raise children with awareness of the various peoples of Afghanistan.
To be sure, these suggestions would be a major shift in the established mentalities of the Afghan people, but they would be worthwhile. Also, I realize my position asks for changes that cannot be implemented without long-term preparation. Finally, my suggestions stem from personal convictions and may cause more issues than can be resolved in a reasonable amount of time. The people of Afghanistan cannot afford to be overlooked anymore; they deserve to be heard. By allowing Hazaras to better represent their people in government and in the workplace, the community would recognize its diverse and valuable history. Children should not be raised in an environment of religious intolerance and their classmates should be taught to better appreciate their fellow Afghans. In conclusion, it’s time for the Afghans to embrace their neighbors and learn to live with each other, not merely tolerate them.
By Ciera DeHart
From 1989 to present day, 1.2 million people with their own story, with their own families, have been killed due to civil war in Afghanistan. This country’s own people have been devastated by the deep-rooted conflict between various ethnic and religious groups, despite the fact that each group has valid reasons to call Afghanistan their home. In my opinion, Afghan society needs to become more culturally sensitive and grant its inhabitants equal rights and representation in its governing bodies.
First of all, I believe that the government of Afghanistan needs to create more positions for its Hazara people. Often, these individuals have been overlooked due to their social stigma and the poor education that many of them have received. Implementing this change would lead to the Hazara representatives being able to focus on the needs of their people. Why would the Pashtuns concern themselves with such outsiders? Issues such as the lacking education and job opportunities presented to this ethnic group can be addressed. Having ethnically diverse representatives higher up would bring to the table a wealth of unique background experience; they are the most suited to understand the oppression of Afghanistan’s minorities.
In addition to the previous reformation, schools should be more religiously sensitive to the various beliefs of its students. Sikh and Hindu parents have both objected to and been offended by their children being required to learn the Qur’an. To avoid this, and foster better parent-teacher and student-teacher relations, an alternate track should be created where the learning of the Qur’an is not mandatory. To combat bullying based on religious prejudice, children should be educated about other religious perspectives; if done correctly, it should cultivate respect for fellow students and help create a more global perspective overall. Adults must learn to raise children with awareness of the various peoples of Afghanistan.
To be sure, these suggestions would be a major shift in the established mentalities of the Afghan people, but they would be worthwhile. Also, I realize my position asks for changes that cannot be implemented without long-term preparation. Finally, my suggestions stem from personal convictions and may cause more issues than can be resolved in a reasonable amount of time. The people of Afghanistan cannot afford to be overlooked anymore; they deserve to be heard. By allowing Hazaras to better represent their people in government and in the workplace, the community would recognize its diverse and valuable history. Children should not be raised in an environment of religious intolerance and their classmates should be taught to better appreciate their fellow Afghans. In conclusion, it’s time for the Afghans to embrace their neighbors and learn to live with each other, not merely tolerate them.