Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In addition to the dress code, Iranian women face other limitations. They're relegated
to separate classrooms. While they are welcome at more genteel sports, they're not al-
lowed to attend soccer games (for fear that they might overhear some foul language from
the impassioned fans). On the subway, women have two options: Ride with men in the
mixed cars, or in a separate, women-only car. (When I questioned an Iranian woman about
this, she said, “Perhaps the women of New York wished they had a car only for them to
avoid the men on their subway trains.”)
Women can choose to ride in segregated subway cars. Rather than an oppressive meas-
ure, this offers a welcome option to sit apart from strange men.
From a Western viewpoint, it's disrespectful (at best) to impose these regulations on
women. But from a strict Muslim perspective, it's the opposite: Mandated modesty is a
sign of great respect. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, women's bodies are not vehicles for
advertising. Having scantily clad babes selling cars at a trade show would be considered
unacceptably disrespectful. You don't see sexy magazines. There is almost no public dis-
play of affection. In theory, the dress code provides a public “uniform,” allowing men and
women to work together without the distractions of sex and flirtation.
