The Platform for Protest

Hussah Alzamil

 The Platform for Protest

            Often times people forget the importance of comedy in their daily lives. They often regard it as “just a genre”, never giving it enough credit. But, in a place where women cannot voice their own opinions, comedy thrives.
            In a country where protesting of any kind is considered illegal, women found a way to protest their rights. Saudi Arabia is a young country that enforces countless sexist laws, giving more rights to men than women. Women are not allowed to travel, request a passport, or open a bank account without the permission of a male guardian. Also, women are not allowed to drive; their male guardians have to drive them everywhere.
            Until, a few strong-willed women decided to share their ideas with the world, giving birth to the famous Saudi song “Hwages”. These women decided comedy is the best platform for expression and proceeded to write a satirical song protesting their rights. One scene showed older (around the age of 50 based on their clothing) women getting into a car with little boy (barely 11) driving behind the wheel. The song reached 17 million views on Youtube and gained popularity among the youth of Saudi. It opened everyone’s eyes to the sexist issues that were plaguing the country and invited more people to join the protest.
            Slowly, more people began posting comedic songs in protest, the most prominent being “Lan Tagoody” (you won’t drive). A parody that showed a young woman asking for her rights in driving, while the men in the video shut her down, showing the world how the issue was being handled. These satirical videos, made by empowered women, opened the door for reform in Saudi Arabia.

            These videos gave the issue of women rights more popularity, and helped reshape the minds of many men who believed women don’t deserve these rights. And on September 26, 2017, the King of Saudi Arabia released a royal decree allowing women to finally drive. It was the will of these women that helped transform a country, and it was with the use of comedy that they were successful.

Videos:
Lan Tagoody (you won't drive):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8C-6EvHQvM

 Hwages:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rUn2j1hLOo

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