The War, a Movie and Stereotyping

In the movie, the husband--who only incidentally was Iranian--was stereotyped as an abusing husband. In that role he did what all batterers do, and that is systematically isolate, debase, frighten, control and manipulate the abused spouse.

Had this movie been an academic thesis comparing and contrasting women within Arab and American cultures, perhaps some of Tohidi’s points would be valuable. However, it was not. It spoke eloquently and accurately of the flight of a single and unique woman to escape from a horrible situation.

That women are abused and their spouses are so similar regardless of culture speaks appropriately to the essential similarity of spousal abuse wherever it occurs.

SANDRA JENNINGS

Board member, Shelter Services for Women

Santa Maria