Topic > An Arranged Marriage Problem

Cultural ArtifactThe film Arranged (2007) illustrates the modern lives of an Orthodox Jewish woman named Rochel Meshenberg and a Muslim woman named Nasira Khaldi, who, despite their religious differences and what she thinks society, become friends while teaching fourth grade in New York. In addition to the critical and disdainful looks of neighbors, children and even family members, there is one scene in particular that struck me, which concerns this judgment against a budding friendship between two women with different religious beliefs. This scene begins in the fourth grade classroom where Rochel and Nasira teach, when one of the children asks how Mrs. Rochel and Mrs. Nasira can be friends if they are two different religions. Some other classmates chime in, asking questions like, “Don't Muslims want to push Jews into the ocean?” and “I heard that Muslims want to kill all Jews.” Rochel and Nasira handle this situation very calmly, explaining how many Muslims there are in the world and how they all live in different places, speak different languages ​​and lead different lives. Nasira explains that people hate other humans due to ignorance and misunderstanding. Rochel suggests that during the next lesson they all participate in a “unity circle” which would help banish racism within the classroom. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Receive an original essay. Immediately after this event of which Principal Jacoby is promptly informed, he calls Rochel and Nasira into his office, calling them beautiful and brazenly stating "under all this you could be role models." He goes on to describe them as the smartest, most hard-working, loving, ready participants. , creative and successful in the modern world “besides this religion thing.” Offensively lists his problems with their religions, such as rules, regulations and the way they dress. “What will happen in two or three years when will I lose you in the mosque and will they marry you?" says Principal Jacoby. “It's the 21st century, there was a women's movement! I've been there!” he continues, giving them money for designer clothes instead of the modest clothes they always wear. "Have a drink, have fun, you're too serious," he concludes, surprising the two women as they walk out of the classroom after refusing the money devout, religious women who choose to live their lives through their churches. If either of these women's gender had been changed to male, they would not have had to endure this humiliating experience involving Principal Jacoby principal Jacoby and many other people would not question whether or not they are forced to follow these religious beliefs and practices People around them would respect their choice more If Nasira were a man, she would not wear the hijab, which would also change the scene, because if that were the case Principal Jacoby might not even be aware of his religion. He would be treated as an equal, and understood equally, even if he were a man, in this scene and in the rest of the film. On the other hand, if Nasira and Rochel were men instead of women in this scene from Principal In Jacoby's office and Principal Jacoby still chose to blatantly disrespect their choices, their culture, and their religion, men would not they would have reacted with the same calm and submission as Rochel and Nasira did. If Rochel and Nasira had been men, they would have been outraged by Principal Jacoby's behavior. Nasira later mentions, in private to Rochel, that they could "sue the school and retire at 25", but never actually goes through with it. I think if they were men in this one.