Notes: Fernando Intimacy Surveilled - Religion, Sex, and Secular Cunning
Introduction to Secularism and Sexuality
- Foucault's Insight: Since the end of the 16th century, discussions about sex have not been restricted; instead, there has been an increasing incitement to discourse. This persistence has constituted a science of sexuality.
Case Study: Monsieur C. and Madame H.
- In May 2008, a French tribunal annulled the marriage of Monsieur C. based on Madame H.'s deception about her virginity, considered an essential quality by Monsieur C.
- The case ignites protests, despite the tribunal's focus on deception rather than Madame H.'s virginity.
- The annulment raises broader concerns about protecting French secularism from perceived threats of Islam and patriarchal structures.
Secularism and Gender
Horia Demiati's Case
- Incident: Horia Demiati faced discrimination for wearing a headscarf while renting a vacation cottage.
- Legal Outcome: The court ruled against the landlord but highlighted the struggle for Muslim women in secular societies.
- Public vs. Private: The intersection of personal religious expression and public secular norms creates tension, compelling Muslim women to articulate personal beliefs under scrutiny.
Public Debate on Sexuality
Constructing the Sex and Religion Nexus
- Secularism requires Muslim women to publicly navigate intimate aspects of their sexuality and spirituality.
- Regulation and Surveillance: The state’s role in defining and surveilling what constitutes acceptable religious and sexual practices highlights the complexities of secular governance, merging both realms.
The Cunning of Secular Power
Imperatives of Muslim Women's Display
- Muslim women are caught in a paradox where they must exhibit their spiritual and sexual lives publicly to validate their integration yet are penalized for doing so.
- Cultural Norms: The expectation is for Muslim women to conform to normative heterosexuality, revealing personal lives to contest the image of being non-secular or traditional.
Intersection of Race, Religion, and Feminism
Ni Putes Ni Soumises (NPNS)
- NPNS represents secular Muslim women countering stereotypes of oppression, advocating for rights while aligning with dominant secular ideals.
- Critics argue these women reinforce societal standards that equate sexual liberation with secular acceptance.
Contemporary Laws and Their Impacts
Legislation around Marriage and Sexuality
- The 2006 Domestic Violence Law and previous regulations aim to monitor and control immigrant marriages perceived as arranged or forced.
- Such laws not only enhance state control over personal relationships but also reinforce biases against immigrant communities.
Unveiling Personal Narratives
- Autobiographies of Muslim women offer insights into their struggles against the backdrop of secularism, suggesting a complex relationship between personal identity and public perception.
- Women like Samira Bellil articulate tales of trauma but are often objectified within broader narratives of cultural dysfunction.
Conclusion: The Tensions of Secularity
- The state’s demands for transparency regarding sexual and religious practices lead to secularism's cunning nature, wherein Muslim women's experiences are scrutinized and politicized.
- Ultimately, the burden of navigating the public/private boundary is placed on these women, showcasing the contradictions inherent in secular governance and the intricate relationship between religion, sexuality, and identity.
