So Much For Mutual Understanding...
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=94779&d=10&m=4&y=2007
Is marital rape still rape? This is a question to which many countries in the world would answer "no". Especially in Saudi society, where speaking of sex is a social taboo, there have been increased instances of women filing for divorce due to marital rape. If these women, who know and understand Saudi culture (they know sex is a taboo subject) are distressed enough to cross that threshold and speak out about their private lives, isn't this a subject that should be adressed more thoroughly not only by Saudi society but by all other societies as well? According to the article, “Wives are forced to enter into unwanted sexual activity with their husbands and are even beaten for not responding." That sounds like rape to me. Whats more appalling is that the men in this society don't feel this constitutes a problem. The article reveals: "42 percent of married Saudi men say they do not have sexual problems. Meanwhile, 93 percent of married women surveyed said they were experiencing sexual problems."
This article makes me feel frustrated, sad, and angry. To me, marriage is a bond that symbolizes mutual respect, understanding, and love for both partners. Consequently, marital rape is a direct violation of this covenant. Even if Saudi society has different views of marriage than I do, which is probably true, no man (or woman) ever has the right to violate another woman's (or man's) body just because he feels like it or wants sex. Even if Saudi society views wives as the property of husbands, that raises other problems. Most people (and animals, for that manner) do not engage in sexual activities with flatware, lamps, or sofas, which are other forms of "property". In that case, women can not be seen as property and must be acknowledged as human. Human beings have the right to choose whether or not to engage in sexual intercourse or any other sexual activities. Without much knowledge of Saudi culture, I am not qualified to interpret their cultural norms, but in any case, people are people, and although cliche, "one should treat others as he/she wants to be treated." I doubt any of these Saudi men would like sex to be forced upon them.