Abdellah Taia's autobiographical work, Salvation Army (2009) is considered the first gay-centered novel from a Moroccan writer. Most recently, Taia's film adaptation of Salvation Army (2013), the author turned director seemed to have produced the first Arab film featuring a gay male protagonist. A revolutionary work in the way that it explodes many cultural taboos as it defies literary genre, Salvation Army, takes us through Taia's joyful, painful, and provocative journey into selfhood.
In preparation for our discussion of Salvation Army, please watch this short video which provides some background information on Morocco and homosexuality. For this blog post, reflect on the information presented in the video and answer the following questions: What would it mean for you if your identity (sexual, gender, ethnic, etc.) is deemed illegal in the eyes of the law? In what ways would your life be changed and how would this affect your pursuit of selfhood?
Responses must be 2-3 paragraphs long and be posted on Tuesday, May 13th by 5:00 pm to receive credit.
Bonus: If you liked the music in this video, here's more from the Algerian artist Idir: http://oneplaylist.fm/playlists/idir
If my identity was threatened by the government I think I would feel offended. Each person has their own way of being and I think each person should be at least respected if it is not completely accepted. For example, if my ethnicity was outlawed in my country I would feel constrained and even scared to be myself and practice my traditions. A country's government is supposed to provide its citizens with freedom to express their ideas and practice their beliefs. In the case of Moroccan gays I feel it is frustrating when people don't accept you but also pursue you in a negative way. I would feel that my freedom has been taken away in a such subtle manner. I would also feel like an outcast, because gays make a small part of the population that they can easily be affected. Minorities are usually harmed because they don't have the support of others. I think that being incarcerated for being homosexual in an injustice. Isn' the government supposed to be all about justice? So how can this people feel safe in their own countries.
ReplyDeleteLearning about lesbian women being almost invisible to the public is hard to understand as a woman. It is clear gender issues are strongly predominant in some places. It is also sad to see how gays feel somewhat comfortable and show affection to their significant others around tourists even though now those kinds of places are where people search for them.They feel safer around foreign people.
For me it would be really hard to try to have two personalities, one during the day and one during the night. Having to pretend to be someone you are not to hide from the government is not a way of life. If that was my case I would want to move to another country where I will be accepted, but that is also an alternative that no one really wants to take. How can one be accepted in another country if it is not their own? One should feel the most happiest and comfortable in their home country.
I was shocked while watching this video because I had no idea I was unaware about the laws of homosexuality in Morocco. It is crazy to me that it is not just illegal for homosexuals to get married, but it is illegal for them to be themselves. Although homosexuality has been an issue for a while now, I thought that things have been starting to get better throughout the world due to the legalization of gay marriage in almost all of the U.S. But I realize that these laws are not universal and although that I am saddened by this information, it gives me some content to know that people can at least spread awareness through books and other media. It is especially heartbreaking that Morocco was not always like this, but it used to be a “gay haven” as the video stated. People were forced to go from openly being themselves, to either changing or hiding their identities with the threat of prison before them.
ReplyDeleteMany people, especially in the U.S., don’t even think about what it would be like to have an identity that is illegal in the eyes of the law because we often take our freedom for granted. If my identity were to be deemed illegal, I don’t think I would be able to just change who I am. I would probably also sneak around during the night in the attempt to be myself, which would be very frustrating. I think my main objective would be to move somewhere where I am accepted so that I can grow as an individual instead of remaining stagnant in my pursuit of selfhood. I hope that in the future, Morocco and other anti-gay places will advance into new laws that accept individualism rather than demolish it.
The thought of having my identity deemed illegal in the eyes of the law is truly unbearable. It’s a devastating reality that many people across the globe are faced with on a daily basis. For me, it would mean that I could not express myself through clothing, speech and action. Personally, I am involved in many organizations that require me to be unique and interact with others on a genuine level. If I had to hide my identity, I would be unable to express myself in the ways that I know best. Through clothing, I am able to express a part of myself that I consider to be unique. Although clothing does not define the person that you are, it is a way that people are able to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, if I had to hide my sexual identity or gender I would be incredibly limited in my daily interactions. It would mean that I could not go on dates with people who I wished to date; it would mean that I could not go out in public without being sure to hide what I truly represented. I believe the most difficult identity to hide would be one’s ethnicity. Not only is it an uncontrollable characteristic, but also it is a group that one is able to identify with. Having one’s identity deemed illegal in the eyes of the law means that a person is unable to express qualities that remain unique to one’s personal selfdom.
If I had to hide my identity my life would be different in many ways and I would be unable to express the person that I believe I am. I would have fewer friends because I would be unable to go out in public expressing my own identity and the friends that I would have would probably be very different because it would be impossible to truly be myself around them. School would be different because often identity is expressed through the school one chooses to attend and the organizations one chooses to become involved in. I probably would not be able to be in a sorority, or in any of the medical and athletic organizations that I’m currently involved in. Overall, I feel that it would be difficult for me to pursue selfhood because it would be impossible for me to show the rest of the world the person that I desired to become.
If my identity were deemed illegal in the eyes of the law, my life would be drastically different. I obviously would not be able to live out my life as I wish but instead would have to live it out according to the wishes of the government. Obviously, I would not be content living such a life and would have to change either my expectations or my lifestyle. It is a bit of a shock that Moroccan lifestyle is one of persecution and intolerance of gays, even during this age. I did not expect for such intolerances to exist throughout the world and it is definitely a reminder of the harsh lives that people endure in less fortunate situations.
ReplyDeleteMy life would be greatly changed in the limited opportunities available. As someone whose actual self lies in an illegal identity, I would be unable to live life as others would and I would need to limit myself. My pursuit of selfhood would become a lot more difficult than it already is. I would not be able to explore all facets of the person that I would become and I don't know if I would realize my full knowledge of myself.
For me, my identity is in my faith in God. This is something that is not uncommon to be illegal in many parts of the world. Different religions are deemed illegal in many countries. Like many of these people, this is how I relate to the world, this is what affects my world view on many issues, and this is how I strive to live my life. If my relationship with God were deemed illegal, it would probably look like not being allowed to own a bible, not being allowed to attend church with other believers, possibly not even being allowed to pray. I realize as a Christian that this is actually the situation in places such as China. Similar to Abdellah’s situation, the Chinese-Christians have to carry out their practices underground. If I had to do the same, it would be very hard and scary to make meaningful connections with people, as I could not share the biggest part of my life openly. Not to mention I would be afraid of my own government, which is supposed to protect me. This is a fear that is created by any law that forbids something people put their identity in.
ReplyDeleteLaws that forbid things people put their identity in create paranoia and corruption as we saw in the video. People were thrown in jail for months just for attending a gay marriage. And yet gay tourism is not completely banned or outlawed because it benefits the government. As we see in Abdellah’s story, he is forced to live out his desires in secret, and so is exploited to the foreign tourism. It is heartbreaking to read about how he gives himself to someone who only wanted a few nights of pleasure. Abdellah found that he put part of his identity in his desire for men, and for that he experienced unnecessary heartbreak and alienation in his own country. The scariest part for him and others in his situation is that they cannot control what their bodies’ desire- homosexuality starts with hormone levels they are born with. I cannot imagine being arrested because my skin is darker, or my hair is curlier than others. Those things are part of me, whether I chose them or not. Again, outlawing identity creates fear, and goes against what the law was meant to do, protect people and their rights to be an individual.
Watching this video was shocking and eye opening because I didn't really know that being gay was outlawed in Morocco and I'm sure this isn't the only place in the world where this oppressive law is in place. In the United States, most of us are used to freely expressing our own individuality and not used to this type of oppressiveness from our government. A nation's government is supposed to provide for its citizens and gurantee them certain freedoms. It is not fair that the Moroccan government outlaws a person who identifies as homosexual when they are gaining revenue from gay tourism, etc. They are just managing the "issue," while still gaining benefits.
ReplyDeleteIf my identity were deemed illegal by law I would be outraged. If I had to hide certain identities of myself I would feel trapped and alone. It would really frustrate me to try and live certain aspecs of my life in secrecy like wearing certain clothes, going on dates with guys, and perhaps even trying to hide my ethnicity. I think that would be the most difficult thing to live in secret about because it is part of your physical appearance and it is not something you can just change. Part of my identity is my embracing my independence and expressing myself freely. If I were not able to do certain things because I had to conceal this aspect of myself I would feel like I am giving up my own identity in fear of getting in trouble with the law. But is that really worth it? Would it be worth it for me to continue to freely express myself in order to prove a point but have consequences from the government? I honestly am not sure what I would do in that situation, but I hope I would be true to myself. I am so used to being able to do what I want and be what I want that it is truly difficult to imagine it any other way. I consider myself blessed that I live in a country where I am able to express myself through my actions, ideals, clothes, beliefs, etc. If my identity were illegal I wouldn't become the same person as I would if I were free, I would become the person the government wants me to be. The government should definitely have control over certain aspects of a nation, but deeming one's sexual orientation illegal is just wrong.
I was unaware that the act of homosexuality itself is deemed to be illegal in Morocco and can even be punishable by imprisonment and/or heavy fines. In America, although the act of homosexuality is not punishable by law, same-sex marriages are not recognized in many states. In the same manner, both governments are imposing restrictions on individual expression.
ReplyDeleteIf my identity such as my sex was deemed to be illegal in the eyes of the law then I would feel repressed in all aspects of my life. I believe that sex and gender is a defining factor of who you are since it is associated with our physical appearances and physical desires. Therefore to be constantly afraid of showing the true side of yourself in public is a form of repression that would affect all realms of your life. I would not be able to wear the clothes I want to wear because clothes are a form of expression of your gender and sex. I would not be able to date the people that I want to. This repression would cause me to be unsure of myself. I believe a lot of our confidence stems from the approval of others and thus without that approval of society and government I would lose a great deal of my self awareness.
I believe that this degree of repression would inevitably lead to underground practices of defiance. And it is not surprising that although Morocco has banned homosexual acts, it has become a center of sexual tourism. I think that once people are repressed to such a high degree, they will respond with extreme acts against that repression. Similarly, if I was faced with such restraint in my life, I would find a stronger desire to express myself in more outward fashion behind the eyes of the law.
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ReplyDeleteAfter watching this short but very shocking video, my eyes are open and I am stunned to find out that your sexuality can actually be illegal. I know in America, homosexuality is not always tolerated, but it is not illegal, you will not be thrown in jail for loving the same sex. I had no idea that homosexuality was illegal in Morocco, and as the video says, you can even be arrested for supporting gay ceremonies or events. The idea of breaking the law simply because you were born loving the same sex is unfathomable. If my sexuality was deemed illegal in the eyes of the government my sense of self would be extremely difficult to find and be proud of. If I am having to hind my real sexual identity and make up or pretend to love or like someone else just because the government says so, I would be a very unhappy, mixed up person. If I cannot be true to myself then how could anyone else take me seriously? How could I ever really know who I am if I am constantly trying to be someone I am not. How could anyone else possibly know me when I don’t even really know myself?
ReplyDeleteThe Moroccan government is basically telling its people to live a life of lies. To deny who you are and be someone who is deemed “legal.” My selfhood would be unreachable if who I am was illegal. Having to live a life of being afraid of the government finding out, and constantly trying to hide my true identity would be an exhausting life; actually it would be a false life. A life that is all about pretending and hiding, never being able to express yourself and be who you are. Trying to find who you are would be a never ending journey, because I don’t think you would ever be able to find your selfhood, if you were not even aloud to show who you are in your own homeland.
The topic of identity, and the importance of being able to establish it, has been brought up numerous times in the readings and in our class discussion. Marjane, Yocandra, and Vibiana have all struggled to create and accept each of their identities. Why is it so important for people to be able to confirm, accept, and express their identities? One reason, I believe, is that without a personal identity to ground oneself upon, one may be vulnerable to the identity that others may thrust upon him. This comes into play as a form of rebellion when forces of power try to bend people to their will, being that people firmly grounded in their identities will refuse to become something they are not.
ReplyDeleteIf my identity were oppressed by the law, I would feel either guilt or shame for breaking the law. Guilt is a result of disappointment when an action was controllable. Shame is an internal ascription that results from disappointment from something that is perceived as uncontrollable (e.g. sexual orientation, ethnicity, mental disease, etc.). The law would most likely exist under the assumption that the offense is controllable, because people generally disagree with a law that is inevitably broken (e.g. homosexuality as a crime when people cannot help being homosexual). Thus, if others see my identity as controllable then the expectation would be for me to feel guilty. However, knowing that my identity is uncontrollable (in the case of homosexuality, for example), I would feel shame. My shame would cause insecurity in my identity and I would be motivated to invest in fulfilling the acceptable identity that others set out for me. This would require me to delude myself that my identity is a choice in order to avoid the inevitable shame and ostracization against an uncontrollable identity.
This is why shameless people, such as Abdellah Taïa, are able to rebel against identities imposed by higher powers by embracing their identities. Taïa believes that his identity is normal and inherently acceptable, and therefore does not need the confirmation of others to accept himself. Thus, if my inherent identity were oppressed and I was unashamed of it, I would not repress it, even if it were an illegal threat. I believe that integrity to oneself is important in ensuring that one's life is not false and deluded, shaped merely to conform to the influence of others. Integrity is autonomy; it makes sure that no matter what happens in my life, my life will have been my own.
The video introduced a side of the Moroccan government that I had no idea about. Having my identity deemed illegal in the eyes of the law would not allow me to live the life that I would want to live. It’s almost as if the government would be forcing me to live two separate identities. One would be the side, there would be a part of me that has to abide to the law of the land, forced to conform to preexisting notions. On the other side would be who I truly am, never really getting the opportunity to fully express myself. I understand that governments wish to have their citizens follow what is considered to be ‘orthodox,’ but imposing strict laws to limit one’s personal freedom is outrageous. The Moroccan government should accept its citizens for who they are, and feed off of their culture to begin and rebuild the country. Having to continually hide my true identity from society because of fear is almost comparable to living in a cage. Sure I receive food and shelter, but the cage will always limit what I am able to do.
ReplyDeleteI would personally find a great deal of discomfort in having to live two completely different lives. Being in continuous fear is no way for anyone to live their life. My entire drive to truly become who I would want to be would be severely limited, and in some cases extinguished. I feel as if I would become a robot, forced to listen to orders and never allowed to think for myself. If I wasn’t able to truly know who I was, how would I even be able to live a functional life? Even if I did attempt to rebel, it would take the help of the masses. In conclusion, I truly appreciate Abdellah Taia's autobiographical work, Salvation Army, because of its raw descriptions and emotions about not only how his country is but most importantly who he feels he is.
I was surprised to see that the Moroccan government practices an anti-homosexual penal code because I know of the rights and freedoms we have in America. There still may be prejudice against homosexuality and other identities in America, but at least it has not been deemed illegal and punishable by the law. The men and women in Morocco who are looked down upon for their difference in sexual orientation have to express themselves in private to be safe. Even the celebrities who identify as gay have to lead a heterosexual life in the eye of the public. If I had to live in a country where my identity was illegal I think I would have to do the same as the Moroccans did. I would have to hide my personal feelings and ideas from people around me because I wouldn't know if they would accept who I really am. I would have to find other ways to enjoy myself but I would never be able to be happy and attain self hood because I would be constantly lying to myself. Eventually, I would be able to find a private community of individuals who have similar interests to me and spend time with them when there is an opportunity to do so.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have an issue with my self identity but through college I feel like I have the freedom to explore and discover who I really am. I grew up in a strict Catholic household where my parents have set high moral standards for me and my other siblings. Lately, I have realized that when at home during breaks and holidays, I feel suffocated being under their watch. Being a part of a conservative culture and Catholic community I have to be the perfect child for my parents, no partying, no boyfriends or girlfriends, etc. I feel like I can really relate to the video’s message on the oppressed Moroccan gays and lesbians because I have to lead two lives as well. Within my private family life I have to be morally correct at all times, but at school I don’t feel judged and choose my own identity and express myself freely. At some points in time I do get confused with who I really am due to not knowing if my actions are appropriate for the people I am spending time with. Because of this confusion that I go through, I know I have not achieved my own self hood, but I know I am slowly getting there as I am being more open to new experiences and ideas of self identification.
In the context of Salvation Army and in the video above, I feel that having one's identity deemed illegal, to a certain extent, shapes one's identity even further - that the position of being discriminated can in turn define who one really is. While I fortunately have not experienced the same sort of injustice Taia Abdellah had, if I were to imagine the effects of having an illegal identity, I think that it would forever affect how I view myself as an individual.
ReplyDeleteMore specifically, I feel that under a regime that dehumanizes individuals for who they are, it is very easy to passively accept and internalize the stigma, no matter how biased and unjustified they may be. If throughout my life, in my country (perhaps even in my family), I'm constantly labelled for being who I am, then of course it is inevitable that I would see myself in relation to the ideas imposed on me. Given that the focus of this course is on resistance, I'd like to imagine that in an oppressive regime I would strive to maintain my autonomy by standing up to those in power. Particularly, I feel that courageous individuals would actively pursuit their selfhood, perhaps by turning the stereotypes into means of resistance. I feel that this is partly what happened for Taia Abdellah, whose personal narrative ran contrary to the beliefs imposed by the Moroccan government, who wrote about his intimacies[ without guilt or shame when his own country deemed his acts immoral and illegal.
However, looking at the cases of resistance we've discussed in class so far, I also understand that rebellion always comes at a price, and I do not think I would be quite brave enough to sacrifice my life or my family for the sake of my beliefs. While it is a slightly pessimistic perspective, I feel that like many others, I would be likely to internalize the prejudiced views. Similar to how Vibiana from Boxers and Saints eventually embraced her 'devil' identity after years of psychological abuse, I believe that in such oppressive regimes, victims of the discrimination would likely (consciously or not) fit themselves into the dehumanizing criteria; after all, what can anyone do when his or her country banishes them? Hence, I feel that if my identity is deemed illegal in the eyes of the law, my life would be changed completely because in a way I would be constantly reminded of my unchangeable 'flaws'. I would always be reminded of how different I am and I imagine I would be alienated. I would pursuit my selfhood by accepting what ideas people impose.
Cheuk Wun Jenny Chim