In The News

Behind the Veil: A Muslim Woman Speaks Out

Marlise Simons November 9, 2002
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 continue to impact public sentiments around the world. European attitudes toward Muslims have shifted; over 70 mosques in the Netherlands, for example, have been attacked in the month following the attack. In light of such circumstances, the Dutch Muslim community has condemned Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Dutch Muslim woman of Somali origin, and forced her to...

Globalization of Beauty Makes Slimness Trendy

Noritmitsu Onishi October 3, 2002
When a Nigerian woman won the Miss World in 2001, she created a buzz in a nation that thought it would never win a competition based on western standards of beauty. Suddenly, Nigeria was number one and modeling agencies were looking for more 'It' girls in Africa. But many Nigerians never found the winner very beautiful. As some said, she was 'a white girl in black skin.' For...

Oh Blue-Eyed Thais, Flaunt Your Western Genes!

Seth Mydans August 29, 2002
People have traversed the world for millennia, marrying and producing children of multiple heritages. In some parts of the world, the ethnically mixed 'look' is quickly becoming a new trend in beauty. In Thailand, mixed-race people discriminated against for looking “different” when they were younger are finding themselves rising to fame as models, pop stars, and game show hosts. Some...

Mate-in-Vietnam Marriages

Chong Chee Kin July 21, 2002
The increasing interconnectedness of different societies and ease of travel has produced many interesting opportunities for the innovative entrepreneur. This article describes the dealings of a company that, for a hefty sum, will bring Singaporean men to Vietnam for a week-long trip in which they can select, meet and marry a young Vietnamese woman. – YaleGlobal

Dueling Images Woo India’s Women

Ashwini Devare September 24, 2001
As cultural images and role models spread around the globe, India’s film industry is producing movies that portray women as “daring, sexy, and modern.” While the image of the cosmopolitan, independent woman is liberating to some, it has also led to a backlash and calls for a return to traditional women’s roles in the home and family. - YaleGlobal