Honour Killings in the Middle East

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Crimes of Honour: An Analytical Review The documentary Crimes of Honour, showcases the reality of honour killings towards females in the Middle East, more specifically in Iran, Afghanistan, and Jordan. However, these acts are not limited to the countries specified; this ideology is still being implemented all across the world by many cultural groups. This documentary captures the tragic lifestyles of women targeted by this corrupt cultural practice, some of whom are eventually killed by the hands of their loved ones. These acts derive from ancient African cultures which were later adapted by Indian and Middle Eastern cultures. Females in these countries are victimized usually by their brothers, uncles, husbands, and/or fathers. Women are slaughtered after they bring 'shame' to their family, this ideology suggests "blood restores honour". Women are targeted if they run away from home to elope, if they refuse marriage that the family declares is 'righteous', if a woman loses her virginity before marriage, if they are hiding their own acts of incestuous rape, or even if that woman is raped. In any family, each individual has the right to feel safe with their loved ones, to feel respect and love from their family members, and to feel comfortable with their family to obtain an expressive relationship. Unfortunately, this ideology blinds the cognitive process of family members as individuals value their own reputation and honour above the live of their family members. For these women, society becomes a prison without walls; reverential households create civil and serene societies. Honour killings exemplify the need for specific laws to implement morality and humanity within society. Humanity refers to the general respect and compassion individuals should have for others. Morality questions one's ability to differentiate acts of justice and acts of injustice. At

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