Asia and Middle East Stereotypes

In Asia and the Middle East, there is a conservative stance relative to the sanctity of the family which is closely guarded through culture. However, other cultures tend to exhibit them through stereotypes which grossly misrepresent their more intimate aspects that further serve to cement adherence to ancient cultural traditions.

Family Life: In Asia and the Middle East, the family is a highly regarded social unit and more so, a cornerstone for a balanced as well as stable society. One stereotype appertains to the inferior treatment of married women in this culture. This is simply an attempt by western cultures to superimpose values and norms into Asian and Middle Eastern women. The main reason for the purported segregation is to eliminate familiarity which often results in the development of illicit relationships.

Marriage: Freedom of consent from the groom and bride are considered essential though western media often portrays marriage in Asian and Middle East culture as a forcibly conducted union. Though parents normally exhibit strong coercion capabilities, it is due to the fact that both seek the best for their children.

Sex: Couples married within the Middle East and Asian cultures appreciate the legitimacy accorded to sex between man and wife and also acknowledge it as a mutually enjoyable experience. On the contrary, this context is stereotyped as being designed to favor the man which is false.

Menstruation: A common falsehood is that during this time, women are distanced from their husbands. This is not the case as other than not enjoying sexual intercourse, the two are allowed to kiss and hug even when the wife is experiencing her periods.

Aging members: Unlike in the western cultures, Asian and Middle Eastern families do not resign the elderly to nursing homes. They prefer to access the support of social services and physicians to assist in caring for them in their homes as part of an extended family.

In conclusion, the family unit in Middle East and Asia is greatly valued as a determinant of the overall strength of the general society. Therefore, as opposed to the negative sentiments propagated in western media outlets, its culture makes attempts to protect family stability towards an equally stable community.