Belly dancing in a religious country
A significant element of culture is beliefs. Beliefs are strongly influenced by religion, a system containing specific practices and perspectives that connect man to a higher being (Beyers, 2017). There are many religions, but two most prominent ones are Christianity and Islam with both accounting for approximately 55% of the world population that identify as religious (Statista, 2021). Religion manifests itself in behaviors and practices as followers practice instructions of their religion. Religion is so influential that it in-groups and out-groups are formed based on religion (Hannum et al., 2010). In an organization, any differences between members of different religion can be a fault line, an attribute that can split a group, where any conflict can spillover to society at large (Hannum et al., 2010)
Religion has been discussed from the very start of our trip, at orientations and in materials that were accessed in preparation for coming to Morocco. During our visits, religion has come up in one form or another. Many non-Muslims have misconceptions about the predominant religion of Morocco, an outcome of propaganda according to Hamid. A misconception I personally held is regarding how women are to dress. I have always had this image of a Muslim woman dressed in a long dress covered from head to toe, that showing skin is frowned upon. Even though Hamid elaborated on this, I was aware that the requirement and enforcement of women covering their faces was an extreme interpretation of the Holy Book of Quran. Hamid, and Dr. Anderson, stressed that dressing conservatively is a personal choice that a woman makes, that it is not mandated.
I bring this up because I was fascinated by the experience of watching the belly dancers. I went to the “balcony” and observed that much of the audience was non-Moroccans. The show was novel because I believe most of us had never watched a belly dancing show. At the same time, I do not think it was unusual for most of the audience to see a woman showing skin. While watching the show, in my mind I kept thinking that there was something unacceptable with what we were watching. Although Morocco is liberal compared to other Islamic countries, the religion plays a big role in the lives of many Moroccans.
There were Moroccans in the restaurant, both providing service and enjoying the entertainment. What I wanted to know was how Moroccans really felt about a woman dancing provocatively and dressed skimpily. For some reason I kept having thoughts that this was acceptable because it was to entertain foreigners, that Moroccans did not condone it due to Islam’s instructions.
Was I overthinking it?
References
Beyers, J. (2017). Religion and culture: Revisiting a close relative. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 73(1)
Hannum, K., McFeeters, B. B., & Booysen, L. (2010). Leading across differences: Casebook. John Wiley & Sons.
After doing some quick research regarding this topic, I have found there is no one clear answer. In fact, it seems Muslims are divided on this question as well. The perspective from one side is that it is an art form not meant simply to entice men but that acts as a rite of passage that connects women to mother nature. Those on the opposing side see it as a lustful act that is sinful. A fun fact about the traditional belly dancing costumes is that they have been extremely influential for women's fashion, influencing the Indian saris as well as the gypsy (romany) attire.
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