Saudis don’t want mothers’ names mentioned

The Arab News reports:

Saudi men say they are reluctant to give their mother’s names to male acquaintances, arguing that their traditions and culture are all about keeping women out of men’s minds.

Some say that if a man knew his friend’s mother’s name, it is seen as shameful.

“I remember back when I was in high school, two guys started a fight as one of them has been telling his friend’s mother’s name to other pupils,” said Waheeb Atallah, a 29-year-old marketer.

“It was so intense that the school administration had to intervene. At the end of the day, we asked them about the fight and one of them said that mentioning a mother’s name in his tribe is taboo and that’s why he started a fight.”

No word yet from America's Women's Studies departments on this one.