Props.
The father of 16-year-old Wojdan Shaherkani, a member of the Saudi Olympic team and judo participant, vowed to sue those who insulted his daughter for challenging the Kingdom's conservative traditions that keep women from participating in sports.
"I have sent an urgent letter to the Minister of the Interior Prince Ahmed bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz with copies of all attacks made on Twitter," said Ali Seraj Shaherkani.
Wojdan was one of two women in the Saudi team this year and a first for women in the Kingdom. She gained worldwide attention despite lasting 82 seconds on the mat and received a standing ovation as she left.
Wojdan almost did not participate after the IOC ruled she could not compete without wearing a headscarf for "safety" reasons. After intense negotiations she was allowed to wear special headgear akin to a swimming cap.
Saudi's Twittersphere lit up during the competition. Some observers criticized her participation, saying she did "not represent the chaste Muslim woman." Others use racial slurs referring to her Asian background, calling her "Tarsh Bahar," or "Sea Remnants."
Wojdan's supporters quickly took over the offensive Twitter hashtag.
"We are so proud of you Wojdan," said journalist Asma al-Sharif. "It takes a lot of courage to do what you did."
Manal al-Sharif, who blogs at Saudiwoman, said, "For us Saudi women judoka Wojdan Siraj is a champion."
Wojdan and her family's courage is notable. I could not imagine being a sixteen year old and having half of my country attack me and my family, especially in a society like Saudi. Despite her participation, however, many are ambivalent regarding the impact of her particpation, noting little if anything changed in Saudi. Conservatives are unmoved in their opposition to women participating in sports, and women are still unable to participate in sports or physical education.
"This is not a step forward for women's rights," said Aziza al-Yousef, a professor and leader in the Saudi women's right-to-drive movement. "We've been asking for girls to play sports in school for years; here they give Saudi women a spot on the Olympics, but not the right to earn a place on the team. This doesn't add anything, and it won't change anything."
The father of 16-year-old Wojdan Shaherkani, a member of the Saudi Olympic team and judo participant, vowed to sue those who insulted his daughter for challenging the Kingdom's conservative traditions that keep women from participating in sports.
"I have sent an urgent letter to the Minister of the Interior Prince Ahmed bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz with copies of all attacks made on Twitter," said Ali Seraj Shaherkani.
Wojdan was one of two women in the Saudi team this year and a first for women in the Kingdom. She gained worldwide attention despite lasting 82 seconds on the mat and received a standing ovation as she left.
Wojdan almost did not participate after the IOC ruled she could not compete without wearing a headscarf for "safety" reasons. After intense negotiations she was allowed to wear special headgear akin to a swimming cap.
Saudi's Twittersphere lit up during the competition. Some observers criticized her participation, saying she did "not represent the chaste Muslim woman." Others use racial slurs referring to her Asian background, calling her "Tarsh Bahar," or "Sea Remnants."
Wojdan's supporters quickly took over the offensive Twitter hashtag.
"We are so proud of you Wojdan," said journalist Asma al-Sharif. "It takes a lot of courage to do what you did."
Manal al-Sharif, who blogs at Saudiwoman, said, "For us Saudi women judoka Wojdan Siraj is a champion."
Wojdan and her family's courage is notable. I could not imagine being a sixteen year old and having half of my country attack me and my family, especially in a society like Saudi. Despite her participation, however, many are ambivalent regarding the impact of her particpation, noting little if anything changed in Saudi. Conservatives are unmoved in their opposition to women participating in sports, and women are still unable to participate in sports or physical education.
"This is not a step forward for women's rights," said Aziza al-Yousef, a professor and leader in the Saudi women's right-to-drive movement. "We've been asking for girls to play sports in school for years; here they give Saudi women a spot on the Olympics, but not the right to earn a place on the team. This doesn't add anything, and it won't change anything."
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