What is sexism? Does sexism really exist? These questions are frequently asked by students and adults alike, as this particular topic seems to have slipped the consciousness of most. Sexism is often discrimination against women and/or favoritism towards men. It’s surprisingly prevalent and incredibly real in society. For example, sexism in Arab and Islamic countries, such as Afghanistan, is endemic and, unfortunately, unchecked. Extremists believe that sexism is just a figment of the accuser's imagination and that extremists view their treatment of women as a necessity and something to be adhered to. (Khaled Hosseini, 2007) Therefore, conveying this oversight to the now ignorant citizens of the world. Regardless of this epidemic of sexism, Islamic women who are victims of this ridiculous and frivolous injustice somehow find the motivation and silent strength to continue. Books such as A Thousand Splendid Suns and other literary works like the poem “The Threshold of Silence” not only address sexism in Afghanistan and clearly highlight its existence, but also illustrate the inner strength that Afghan women derive from it. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, discrimination against women is clearly depicted in several faces: social inequalities, forced isolation and domestic violence. For example, the co-protagonist of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam, grew up in Herat, Afghanistan, with her mother's axiom still present in her consciousness: "Like the needle of a compass that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. » (Hosseini 7) This accurately demonstrates that sexism is present because men systematically find themselves far too proud and superior to have consequences on middle of paper ...... faces, allowing them to accept differences and continue with the slightest will. But despite this admirable desire, the awareness and importance of female discrimination remains indirect due to the fear that Afghan women have of their superiors and the respective consequences. In essence, they fear cruel and unnecessary consequences far more than their desires and ambitions. Even Laila from A Thousand Splendid Suns is aware that “all she can do is hope and move forward” (Hosseini 411). In conclusion, sexism is undoubtedly real and “just because it’s not [you] doesn’t mean it disappears”; (Neesha Stanza 10) it firmly exists. Works Cited Hosseini, Khaled. A thousand splendid suns. New York: Penguin Group Inc., 2007. Neesha. “The threshold of silence”. Afghanistan Women's Revolutionary Association. April 16 2009. .