First Drops of Rain Part 2 of 3
―Rumi
It was just my luck to fall in love with Yasmin Saleh, a Muslim woman who distrusted western men, but then, I discovered she was also an Islamic feminist.
It would be a long, desolate weekend that I’d have to spend alone and to add to my misery, it turned out to be gloomy and rainy—it seems appropriate, and suited my mood.
Could things get any worse?
I tried to distract myself by spending Saturday at the Art Gallery staring at paintings. I hoped the outing would lift my spirits, but unfortunately it did not. I went home feeling even more morose.
Sunday, I went to mass at St. Patrick’s on McCaul St and ran into Carolynes. We decided to have lunch at a nearby restaurant/ bar appropriately named Sin & Redemption.
But just being with Carolynes cheered me up, and soon we were laughing and enjoying a delightful afternoon together.
We were in the midst of an intense conversation when Yasmin and Hillary entered. Apparently they had been at the Art Gallery and were stopping by for lunch.
Carolynes, gracious as always, invited the two women to join us. Yasmin readily agreed, but Hillary was less willing.
I watched in amused fascination as Hillary, obviously uncomfortable with socializing, processed through feeling flustered to making flimsy excuses until finally giving in to Yasmin’s wishes.
By way of conversation Carolynes asked, “Did you find anything particularly interesting at the gallery?”
Hillary immediately piped up, “We were impressed by the work of Frida Kahlo, a great feminist painter.”
Carolynes frowned, “That’s strange—I’m from South America and I can honestly say I never heard of Frida Kahlo being considered a feminist—I doubt she’d even consider herself that way.”
“Oh well,” Hillary retorted, “ she may not have described herself in those terms but certainly by her acts she could be considered such.”
“You mean her monobrow, wearing men’s clothes and engaging in bisexual love affairs?” Carolynes asked softly.
Hillary’s face went red. “She demonstrated a spirit of rebellion.”
I glanced over at Yasmin and as our eyes met I once again experienced the same frisson I felt that day in Hart House.
Hillary sought an ally. “What’s your opinion on the matter, Yasmin?”
Yasmin glanced at me, hesitated a moment and then seemed to come to a decision. “I agree with what Hillary said about feminism having an element of rebellion. I don’t want to be some man’s fantasy.”
She said the latter staring at me, her eyes flashing defiantly.
Carolynes dropped her voice to a near whisper. “Can’t you simply assert your femininity without defiance and show by your dignity you’re an equal of a man?”
Yasmin wavered, and then recovered and grew even more strident.
“I must assert my dignity. I’ve studied the Quran and Sharia. I’m as equal, as educated, and as competent as any man– If I didn’t rebel I’d probably be miserable and submissive, living in slavery in an arranged marriage to an oppressive husband.”
“But you’re in North America now—you’re free.”
“Easy for you to say,” Yasmin retorted, “but I’ve seen you coming out of Mass—your head covered beneath a veil of submission. You’re no different from us with your patriarchal religion—just more subtly manipulated.”
Hillary stood up and pulled at Yasmin’s arm. “Come, Yasmin—you’re wasting your time trying to reason with blind agents of oppression.”
Yasmin glanced at me—eyes helpless and filled with anguish. Hillary guided her out the door.
Carolynes looked grieved.
“I’m sorry, Callum—I should have realized it was futile debating Hillary—she’s not open to any real dialogue. As for Yasmin, I’m not sure she’s approachable either as long as she’s under Hillary’s influence.”
I felt an innocent bystander indicted by association in the crimes of my sex.
If I wanted a relationship with Yasmin I’d have to find a way to romance her that didn’t end up raising gender issues or a cultural debate.
But how to find that way was beyond me. I had absolutely no idea.
Great story !
thank you!
Welcome !
I once saw a Cartoon Joke where 2 cavemen met, one had a female behind him and said to his friend, " I think I'm going to teach her to speak, what harm can it cause?"
exactly! ha ha :)
Great Continuation!
thanks, awgbibb