Saudi Arabia
In response to “U.S. Women Bear Brunt of Saudi Culture Clash” (June 28), I would like to say that for the past 10 years I, an American woman, have visited the Saudi kingdom with stays from two to six weeks weeks annually. I stay in a Saudi villa with a Muslim family and I follow their customs.
Prior to my visits to any area in the world I try to educate myself and “in Rome, do as the Romans do.” I do not go and try to liberate, as I am not that arrogant.
The women noted in your article are guests in the Saudi Arabian world and would be wise to go out and enjoy the differences. First, they should understand that the mode of dress is for the protection of the woman as spelled out in Islamic law; it would be as difficult for these ladies to uncover as it is for us Americans to cover.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has existed only since 1937. That’s little time to go from being nomads to the modern day. It is a fascinating land, and the people are warm and hospitable. Unfortunately the title “ugly American” continues to be gotten the old-fashioned way: We earned it!
MARY GANT
La Crescenta
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