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Tell us what you think >>
Selected submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more comments.
1/17/07
Tracy Williams
Shadya is an inspirational young lady. Of course she can have it all! With the support of her family, her husband. She seems to already have it all. She is a beautiful young lady both inside and out.
1/17/07
Kathy Villeneuve
Fairbanks, Alaska
The fact that I am in my 60's and not a Muslim, not withstanding, I loved Shadya's raw courage in the face of her brothers' and mothers' opposition. And, she being an Arab in Israel as well. At 17, it is SO hard to be your own person, in any culture! Yes, she was a little spoiled, a bit bratty, but GOOD FOR HER! What Great Spirit! And she earned her awards and acclaim with hard work!
Even more, I loved her father for his support of her martial arts career, her independent spirit, and her purely 17-ish selfhood! If I could find a man like that, I would snatch him up in a heartbeat, and be beside myself with joy!
Shadya reminded me so much of my youngest daughter! In temperament, stubbornness, independence, hardheaded determination, intelligence, etc. Fortunately, all of my kids posse those qualities; not always wisely used, but then, we are a forgiving society. My children are also fortunate to have been raised in a society that is so much more open for women. It is so sad that cultural and religious pressure forced Shadya to bend and bow out of the career that she loved. I am willing to bet that her dad won't be so easy to manipulate when it comes to her sister. Shadya's older brother is a nasty piece of work, isn't he! I pity the poor woman suffering under that burden! I have all the respect in the world for the Muslim Religion, and all religions, but I have no respect for those that use religion as a Bully Position. Thanks for hearing me out.
1/17/07
Stephen Perry
Phoenix, AZ
I do believe that there is a universal theme of a woman's conflict between ambition and tradition. However, at times it was difficult to differentiate between Shadya's conflict with tradition and that of her being a spoiled child. I believe this came out in her language and behavior upon taking third at the competition. She seemed offended at the idea, not just disappointed in her efforts. At times it seems that her will is to have her own personal glory, rather than that of a feminist intent of elevating the rights of women. This lack of maturity does not deter completely from the main point of the documentary, that women in Muslim societies are not free to live their lives as they choose. The footage of her brother is a great example of this wall built between Shadya and her dreams. Though, it seems her lack of maturity is less an obstacle, I am sure her learning to represent herself in a more mature manner will help her overcome the barriers less under her control.
1/17/07
Charles Werbick
I was amazed by the film SHADYA. I grew up practicing Shotokan Karate. It was my introduction to the martial arts. Karate taught my to respect everyone regardless of race, gender religion or age. It was the seed from which all of my self-discipline and willpower has grown. I am eternally thankful to my Senseis and to Gichin Funakoshi for all of this. To many, it might seem contradictory that a martial art could promote peace and goodwill. But at its heart, a martial art is cooperative, not combative. It is empowering, not destructive. The movie Shadya succinctly illustrates this and I was happy to have caught it when it aired. Thank You.
1/17/07
I really feel very sad that Shadya's family and husband felt it necessary to change her into a person she desperately didn't want to be. As an American girl who gets her way, and doesn't have to worry about the struggle of family, and old traditional ways it really truly breaks my heart to see a girl who wants to become something amazing and having her destiny taken away. I'm really trying to understand the way those people live. They would rather have women be doorknobs instead of feeling, thinking, and active people. You could tell just by hearing what her brother, and family had to say about her, and how they treat their own spouses. Just hearing her brother say that he doesn't want his wife to work as a schoolteacher kind of sounds selfish to me. I think being a schoolteacher in a community that would benefit from education is a very noble job. I hope that one day in those countries women will have a chance to share dreams, and support their families happily. It sounds like those countries are very set in their ways with traditions. In a way I wish traditions still existed out here. It would be cool to see a good balance of both in the lives of women over there.
1/17/07
Although Shadya was very strong willed you can only be that way for so long. Especially in her culture. I can't help but think it was somewhat her fault as well, seeing as how she didn't like to do things around the house such as cook or clean. These things are essential to our daily life . There maybe some argument that women shouldn't have to cook and clean. Women shouldn't always have to play the typical wife -role in a household you should all be equal. That's true but maybe if she had done what she was supposed to do in her house she wouldn't have been married off. This story really depicts family, and how you should love one another because hatred is such a horrible thing that effects others. But if that's what make her Shadya I say you go girl!
P.S I think it's really cool that she likes Karate and I hope when she has children they'll be just like her.
1/17/07
Alberta, Canada
When the documentary ended, I felt very sad for Shadya. I felt her family had destroyed her spirit.
When I read the update of her situation on this website, I was so overcome with happiness for her, that I cried. Her ability to be strong and follow her dreams is inspirational to all the women of the world, young and old. Congratulations Shadya!
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