In a slight departure from politics, I was so inspired to come across this article on the BBC News website today. Easkey Britton, a 5 time Irish surf champion, recently traveled to Iran on a mission to become the first female to surf in the Islamic nation. Not only did Britton enter the "extremely hot" Iranian waters, but she dawned a full body wetsuit and hijab in order to follow the country's strict cultural dress codes.
Britton has stated that she hopes to teach surfing to more people in the Middle East and around the world. To me, surfing is a true form of empowerment. I love the idea of selflessly spreading this empowering sport to all people, especially to those in areas that are burdened with poverty and turmoil. Most of all, as a surfer myself I have experienced the great sense of tranquility that accompanies riding a wave and joining nature. For once, it is nice to think that war-filled nations such as Iran and regions like the Gaza strip also have the capacity to hold one of the purest forms of peace.
If you're interested in watching a video of Britton's expedition, just click here!
4 comments:
I think that this article and post can do a lot of good in regards to national opinion towards Islam and the Middle East. Since 9/11, Americans have been extremely wary of Muslims and Middle Easterners, sometimes even to the point of ignorant racism. Westerners can easily fall into the inaccurate assumption that Islam is an inherently violent and evil religion just based on the large actions of small extremist groups. Britton's display in Iran demonstrates that Islamic people should not be stereotyped as crazy terrorists, but as people not so different from ourselves.
I applaud Britton's effort to spread her passion for surfing into a philanthropic realm. Like David said, news regarding the Middle East is usually associated with violence and terror. Hopefully, Britton's ventures into the Middle East will reveal the similar curiosities and interests among the people of that region and the Western world, rather than highlighting the actions of the governments. Also, one would think that surfing would be one of the least accessible sports to Middle Eastern women due to the restrictions of the hijab. Seeing Britton overcome this obstacle will serve as an inspiring example to women throughout the Middle East.
This is really incredible. I love seeing that this woman has found a way to get out into the world and experience new things without having to compromise her beliefs. Personal parallel: I saw two Mennonite women this summer at a water park, all geared up in "swim dresses," having a great time. (That's it! Kind of random but ah well).
On a slightly different note, I would like to reiterate what David and Paniz have said: we need news from the Middle East that will reflect all aspects of life there in order to fully understand it. By ignoring everything but the negative points, we are allowing ourselves to be blinded to the whole truth. I'm just glad this wasn't missed, because to be blunt, it's cool.
I have to agree with David. Seeing a westerner break a record in Islamic lands creates the kind of cultural crossover we need to break the stigma against Muslims. I also would like to applaud Britton's decision to abide by her hosts customs, wearing the full body suit and hijab. It helps to separate the religion and culture as a whole from the hostile extremists. I hope this event can lead to new cultural sharing and hopefully a peaceful and mutual respect. While I know this would take time, I know it is possible for future generations to accomplish as long as we start now.
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