Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam Essay

Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam views the Western World - Essay Example Biases and boundaries as well as educational differences create a specific understanding toward how one looks at both of these regions and how each responds to the cultural affiliations that are a part of this. The belief systems of Islam which Western culture is taught is one of the main differences that creates biases of this specific religion and culture. More importantly, the historical changes that have happened in recent years have created a strong association and sense of feelings about those from Islam and individuals that identify with this. Those in the Western world have created several boundaries and stereotypes to those that are Islamic and to those that are from the Eastern world. This is based on the identities and assumptions of those from this area as well as the lack of education and cultural understanding that is a part of this particular culture. One of the aspects that many in the Western world tend to disagree with is the treatment of women. Currently, gender associations in the west are based on independent and equal choices for men and women. However, most in the Western world are also taught that women in Islam are not given the same rights. The association with veils and the obligation for women to be caregivers when belonging to Islam is considered as one that is not equal and which creates inequality. Many parts of the Western culture will also state that this is a violation of human rights because of the way that women are treated. Marriage, divorce and custody laws all are a part of the viewpoint that Westerners have as well as how women are treated in relationships. â€Å"Islamic societies were, if anything, surely rather remarkable for their unequivocal placement of women under the control of men, and their equally explicit licensing of male sexuality and exploitation of women† (Ahmed, 521). While this is one of the main debates within Islam and the viewpoint of the Western