Feminism, the Taliban, and Politics of Counter-Insurgency

摘要: In a cool breezy evening in March 1999, Hollywood celebrities turned out large numbers to show their support for the Feminist Majority's campaign against Taliban's brutal treatment of Afghan women. Jay and Mavis Leno hosted event, audience included like Kathy Bates, Geena Davis, Sidney Potier, Lily Tomlin. had tears his eyes as he spoke an that filled cavernous Directors Guild American Theater capacity. It is doubtful most people this crowd heard suffering women before. But by time Mellissa Etheridge, Wynonna Judd, Sarah McLachlan took stage, following chant meaning "We are with you," were streaming down many cheeks.2 The person spearheading was Leno, Leno's wife, who been catapulted into political activism upon hearing about plight living under regime Taliban. This form Third World solidarity new Leno. Prior embarking on project, reports George magazine, "Leno restricted her Freddy Pig Club, not-so radical group devoted rare series out-of-print children's books."3 She recruited Beverly Hills neighbor join Majority, organization formed Eleanor Smeal, former president NOW. Little did members Majority know would make Taliban rule cause celebre: not only ranks what came be called "Stop Gender Apartheid Afghanistan" campaign, but number popular women's magazines (like Glamour, Jane, Teen, etc.), addition feminist journals Sojourner, Off our Backs Ms., carried articles Lenos personally gave contribution $100,000 help kick off public awareness campaign. testified before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Unocal shareholders dissuade them from investing Afghanistan, met President Bill Clinton convince him change wavering policy toward addition, broad letter writing targeted at White House. claims it work eventually dissuaded officials abandon plans develop natural gas pipeline convinced Hollywood-- friendly condemn regime. Even skeptics normally leery Western feminists' paternalistic desire "save women" sympathetic part because restrictions imposed Afghanistan seemed atrocious any standard: They forbade all positions employment, eliminated schools girls university education cities, outlawed leaving homes unless accompanied close male relative, forced wear burqa (a head toe covering mesh opening see through). Women reportedly beaten flogged violating edicts. There little doubt minds United States, its impressive economic leverage region, could alleviate sad state affairs. As one friend put it, "Finally government can do something good rights there, rather than working corporate profits." Rallying protest policies provided point unity groups range perspectives: conservatives liberals radicals, Republicans Democrats, glitterati grass roots activists. By war started, feminists Smeal found cozily chatting generals shared enthusiasm Operation Enduring Freedom possibility pilots commandeering F-16s. …