Fathima Rifqa Bary
The Rifqa Bary case drifts to and fro like a swing set caught in a hurricane, tangling around itself in the process. It comes as no surprise, given the parties involved and distinctly digital vibe.
Teenage girl vs. Parents
Old:
In this case, the argument is between rebellion and doing what you need to survive. Earlier this summer, 17-year-old Rifqa Bary took a bus from Columbus, Ohio to Orlando, Florida. Her stated reasons include physical abuse and death threats, both made by her father, and a general fear of the Muslim community’s reaction after learning Rifqa was a Christian convert who had been baptized, read the bible, and went to secret prayer groups.
New:
There is strong speculation that Rifqa’s family learned of her Christian affiliation after Muslims in the community reported her Facebook activity.
Muslim vs. Christian
Old:
Rev. Blake Lorenz and his wife, Beverly, harbored Rifqa for two weeks in their Orlando home before notifying the authorities of the situation. “These are the last days. These are the end times, and this conflict between Islam and Christianity is going to grow greater,” said Rev. Lorenz. “This conflict between good and evil is going to grow greater.” Rifqa stated in court that she shared the best two weeks of her life with the Lorenzes. Rifqa’s father, Mohamed Bary, denies threatening her, and in August said “We love her; we want her back. She is free to practice her religion, whatever she believes in. That’s OK.”
New:
Rifqa met the Lorenzes through a man she met on the Facebook, John Law. Law also paid for her bus ticket to Florida, and was a real-life friend of the Lorenzes.
The rulings:
Old:
Rifqa was initially placed in foster care until Florida’s Child Services could sort out a way to get her back to Ohio. Rifqa’s accusations of abuse and threats came out against her family, which churned many denials on her family’s behalf and spurred the Christian community into action for her safety. Eventually, she was sent back to Ohio, where in foster care again she awaits the results of investigation into the matter.
New:
In the meantime, a judge has suspended her cell phone use and Facebook access.
The primary medium of conflict in this matter seems to be Facebook activity, right from the start. Suppose there is some conflict in the future when she’s still “grounded” from her cell and Facebook. Suppose it is precisely these mediums that offer a cry for help. Is anyone liable for this? And, think about her psychological state. In the digital era, could one consider something like Facebook or a cell phone essential coping mechanisms?
Posted by Tyler on November 2, 2009 at 7:54 pm.
