Contemporary society faces numerous religious and gender-related challenges. Globally, there are 4,300 religions with different sets of beliefs. In addition, an estimated 75% of the people residing in different continents ascribe to the prerequisites associated with Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity as well as Hinduism. The doctrines associated with a given faith determine how its followers perceived social issues and treat others with differing sentiments. Moreover, gender has become a hotly-debated issue over the years, attracting some considerable amount of controversy. The concept focuses on an individual's sexual orientation, the treatment of males and females with respect to the hierarchies developed socially. However, most of the hurdles prevalent emanate from a narrow view which stems from a limited perspective. The research aims at evaluating religious and gender issues which plague our societies and the ‘ danger of a single story .’ In-Depth scrutiny of the issues presented fosters an understanding of the importance of ‘letting it go’ as a result of adopting a more accommodating perspective.
In ‘ The Danger of a Single Story ,’ Adichie addresses how a limited perspective culminates in stereotypes which affect societies negatively (Adichie, 2009). Adichie’s presentation focuses on how narratives shape the views of individuals as they interact with each other. Under such circumstances, it becomes difficult to understand the people in question from another perspective other than what has been said about them. The attacks which occurred on September 11th in the United States culminated in islamophobia. As a result, the Muslims residing in America became targets of hate crimes. In 2015, the data collected by California State University’s researchers highlighted an increment in the discrimination and violent treatment of Muslims by a margin of 75% (Lichtblau, 2016). In addition, the attacks victimized individuals adorning the clothes commonly associated with Islamic traditions or associated with the Middle East. However, many Muslims residing in America condemn extremist tendencies conducted under the pretext of propagating Islamic values. More specifically, women, the elderly as well as immigrants share such sentiments, especially where it involves violent actions that endanger the public. The narrative consistently conveyed to the American public, classifies all Muslims as supporters of inhumane acts (Pewforum.org, 2017). Listening to the Islamic community’s perspectives helps to facilitate the identification of individuals practising the faith with pure motives and those with clandestine agendas
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Over the years, society has changed gradually. The transformation has led to the development of religious groups that sprout from freedom of worship. However, the denominations contest over various matters as opposed to practising tolerance. For instance, protestant sects continuously squabble with Catholics over religious doctrines. In addition, Mormons and Wiccas have often attracted persecution and bigotry. Such circumstances underscore the implications of a given set of beliefs about various groups (Walt Disney Animation Studios, 2013). It yields perceptions that make it difficult for individuals to tolerate other people's faith-related doctrines.
Moreover, Native Americans suffered the consequences attributable to a one-sided story. Instead of making attempts to understand their religious prerequisites, they became subject to persecution and murder. In addition, some individuals were kidnapped and forced to accept Christianity abandoning their initial beliefs (Walt Disney Animation Studios, 2013). In some situations, the individuals involved must learn to ‘let it go’ as opposed to imposing their will on others thus coercing them to change their beliefs without consent.
Furthermore, gender-related issues characterize modern societies. For instance, American women contend with a massive gap with respect to the wages they obtain in comparison to their male counterparts. The occurrences persist regardless of America's implementation of the Equal Pay Act. Women working for different institutions on a full-time basis earn 80.7 cents (Sheth, 2019). On the other hand, men acquire a dollar. It indicates the disparities which characterize the payment system implemented in American society.
In most cases, employers often indicate a preference for a given narrative which relegates women to reduced income levels. In such circumstances, occupational segregation takes root affecting one gender in comparison to the other. Furthermore, gender norms still persist in society according to the University College London’s analysis. The research assessed over 8500 couples in a study conducted from 2010 to 2011 (Barr, 2019). Out of the total, women handled 99% of the duties accruing in the domestic setup. In such circumstances, it becomes possible to understand ‘The Danger of a Single Story’ affects our society burdening one gender with responsibilities which require collaboration from all the parties involved.
Initially, male and female characterized the acceptable genders in various societies globally. Increase self-awareness has led to a change in gender for some individuals and sexual orientation. However, traditional narratives often underscored the unacceptable nature of such occurrences. As a result, the LGBT community became subject to discrimination and criminal acts motivated by hatred. Instead of striving to understand them, they became social misfits and a subject of ridicule. Interacting with them provides an impetus of understanding the basis of the decisions and the reasons why society must make attempts to accommodate them.
In conclusion, most perspectives prevalent in our societies emanate from the lopsided narratives conveyed to the masses. Besides, people rarely embark on a quest to understand the views expressed by other parties which deviate from their own. As a result, it culminates in intolerance four religious doctrines and gender-related values. However, interacting with people who express different values or beliefs fosters an increased understanding paving the way for harmony in the respective communities.
References
Adichie, C. N. (2009). Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story [Video file]. TED Talk. Retrieved on 2 November 2019, from https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en
Barr, S. (2019, July 26). Women still do majority of household chores, study finds. The Independent . Retrieved on 2 November 2019, from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/women-men-household-chores-domestic-house-gender-norms-a9021586.html
Lichtblau, E. (2016, September 17). Hate Crimes against American Muslims Most since Post-9/11 Era [Video file]. The New York Times. Retrieved on 2 November 2019, from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/us/politics/hate-crimes-american-muslims-rise.html
Pewforum.org. (2017, July 26). American Muslims' views on terrorism and concerns about extremism. Pew Research Center . Retrieved on 2 November 2019, from https://www.pewforum.org/2017/07/26/terrorism-and-concerns-about-extremism/
Sheth, S. (2019, August 26). 7 charts that show the glaring gap between men and women's salaries in the US. New Haven Register . Retrieved on 2 November 2019, from https://www.nhregister.com/technology/businessinsider/article/6-charts-show-how-much-more-men-make-than-women-13185353.php
Walt Disney Animation Studios. (2013). Disney's Frozen "Let It Go" Sequence Performed by Idina Menzel [Video file]. Retrieved on 2 November 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk
