the world is perfect; we all have our faults and things that need to be improved.

That being said, however, I would argue, as I said earlier, that the East is better about certain things (family leave and benefits, etc.) whereas the West has a better track record on other things (educational system, etc.).

I do think that women's rights here are in need of improvement, and I won't apologize for saying so. That said, they also need improving in my country (though I think women fare better in my country than here). In general, I find that more religious societies tend to have more restrictions on what is/is not appropriate for women, and this to me amounts to oppression.

You would disagree, I'm sure...but we can agree to disagree. :-)

"Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise."
-- Maya Angelou