In My Forbidden Face by Latifa

Question

Make inferences that go beyond what is stated in the text. What can you infer about Afghani society during this time period?

Answer 1

Based on the events and experiences portrayed in "My Forbidden Face" by Latifa, several inferences can be made about Afghani society during the time period:

1. Oppression of women: the book highlights the extreme oppression and restrictions placed on women in Afghani society. Latifa and her family constantly face the threat of punishment for violating strict gender norms, such as attending school or showing their faces in public. This suggests a deeply patriarchal and misogynistic society.

2. Suppression of freedom: the constant surveillance, raids, and restrictions imposed by the Taliban indicate a society where personal freedoms were severely curtailed. The totalitarian rule of the Taliban regime effectively controlled all aspects of life, stifling any form of dissent or individual expression.

3. Fear and paranoia: the pervasive fear and anxiety experienced by Latifa and her family suggest a society characterized by constant paranoia and insecurity. The ever-present threat of punishment, violence, and public execution keeps the population under constant surveillance and control, leading to a culture of fear.

4. Disruption of education: The banning of girls' education by the Taliban reflects a society that prioritizes traditional gender roles and denies girls the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills necessary for empowerment. This portrays a society that is resistant to progress and modernization.

5. Underground resistance: Despite the oppressive environment, the presence of underground schools, secret networks, and acts of defiance depicted in the book suggests pockets of resistance within Afghani society. This implies that not everyone passively accepted the Taliban regime and that there were individuals and groups working towards change, albeit in secret.

6. Societal fragmentation: The civil war, the rise of the Taliban, and the subsequent displacement of many families depicted in the book reveal a society torn apart by conflict. This suggests a lack of stability, widespread violence, and a breakdown of societal cohesion during this time period.

Overall, these inferences indicate that Afghani society during this time period was marked by extreme conservatism, gender-based oppression, fear, limited personal freedoms, and societal disintegration due to conflict.