DeepSummary
The episode features a powerful 17th century poem by Mexican nun and philosopher Juana Ines de la Cruz, which fiercely challenges the patriarchal attitudes and double standards of men towards women. Human rights lawyer Kayum Ahmed is struck by the poem's resonance with his own upbringing in a traditional Muslim family, where his mother faced oppression due to her gender.
Ahmed draws parallels between de la Cruz's brilliance being stifled by societal constraints, and his mother being denied education simply for being a woman. Despite her lack of formal schooling, Ahmed's mother instilled in him a sense of rebellion against the patriarchal system, while also raising him as a 'good Muslim'.
The poem's poignant critique of men's hypocrisy towards women's behavior deeply moves Ahmed, reminding him of his mother's resilience and success as a businesswoman against all odds. He wonders how her life could have been different had she been given the same opportunities as him.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- A 17th century Mexican nun and poet named Juana Ines de la Cruz wrote a powerful feminist poem denouncing men's hypocritical attitudes and oppression of women.
- The poem resonated deeply with human rights lawyer Kayum Ahmed, reminding him of his own mother's struggles against gender discrimination and patriarchal norms in her traditional Muslim family.
- Despite facing obstacles due to her gender and lack of formal education, Ahmed's mother instilled in him a sense of quiet rebellion against patriarchal systems while still upholding cultural traditions.
- De la Cruz's searing critique of men's contradictory expectations of women's behavior struck a chord with Ahmed, given his personal experiences witnessing his mother's resilience.
- The episode highlights how feminist voices pushing back against oppressive gender norms can have a transcendent, timeless impact across different cultures and eras.
- Poetry and philosophical works can serve as powerful vehicles for marginalized voices to unapologetically express dissent and expose societal injustices.
- Even in deeply patriarchal societies, women have found ways to subvert oppressive systems and inspire future generations through their words and actions.
- Intergenerational stories of women's resistance against gender discrimination continue to resonate and underscore the need for ongoing efforts to achieve true equality.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “However discreet a woman is, she never wins your esteem. If she doesn't let you in. She's mean, she let you in. She's easy.“ by Speaker A/Speaker C
- “With these weapons I have proved that all you wield is arrogance. For in your promises and demands you unite devil flesh and the world.“ by Speaker A
- “Having grown up in a very patriarchal, traditional muslim family, I was challenged by my mother, who she was taken out of school at a very young age, at the age of eleven, by her father, because she was a woman.“ by Kayum Ahmed
- “And so my mother was in this household dominated by my father, three sons, me being the oldest, and, I think, instilled in me the sense of duality and conflict that she had, on the one hand, raising me to be a good Muslim, whatever that means, and on the other hand, rebelling against the system, patriarchy, that's inherent within traditional Islam.“ by Kayum Ahmed
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Episode Information
Strength & Solidarity
Strength & Solidarity
2/12/21
Excerpted from Strength and Solidarity Episode 5. A seventeenth century nun, philosopher, composer and poet Juana Inés de la Cruz wins the admiration of South African human rights lawyer Kayum Ahmed.