Saving Face--Melissa Hurley

For me, Saving Face was just yet another example of how women are persecuted horrendously in the Middle East. I understand that the films and documentaries that we have watched are by no means a broad generalization of the culture, however, it certainly seems to be a common theme that keeps reappearing. This then poses the question of "who are we to judge right and wrong in a culture we know very little about?" I believe that sometimes people take their western beliefs too far and believe that middle eastern countries can be just like the US. Of course this totally discredits any cultural or religious differences that may play a role in that. There is a point though, that it can get too far, no matter what your background is. Universally, I believe that it is a wrong thing to cause bodily or emotional harm to a person, along with taking advantage of someone. This is what happened to the women in Saving Face as well as The House is Black. This is what happens to women in Africa, Italy, China and the United States. This is what has been happening to women as far back as the history books go. Our male-dominated society exudes power over women, therefore portraying them (us) as helpless, not qualified, and an object for men to use. This is a strong statement and is by no means the way that every man feels, it is just representative of issues our current culture is dealing with.

Many people have mentioned being relieved at the "happy ending". I am going to have to play devil's advocate as well as be a bit pessimistic just because I didn't really get the happy ending vibe. Yes, it is wonderful that the legislation got passed, however, these women still live with the scars of the act. Who is to say it won't keep happening? Did/will these men ever learn their lessons? Judging from the one man the film featured, I would like to think not. I have no solution for this, I just feel that although the end of the film did provide closure, I still feel cautious to consider it a happy ending, because I feel like the battle these women will have to face has just begun.