Subversive

Hello,

I know the meaning of 'subversive', but here I can't understand what it means that hearing x makes Mrs. House subversive. Subversive against what actually??

"The young men talk openly about their parents, their rearing, and the doubts—at least briefly—that each experienced about Islam as it was taught in their schools. Listening to even mild doubts about Wahhabi Islam expressed by Imam University students makes me feel almost subversive."

Karen House: On Saudi Arabia

We do not know Karen House's view of Wahhabi Islam, but the usual view in the West is that it tends to be ultra-conservative and primitive. Assuming this to be Ms House's view,

"... makes me feel almost as if I should subvert their belief in Wahhabi Islam."

PaulQ said:

"... makes me feel almost as if I should subvert their belief in Wahhabi Islam."

House is just listening with no power to subvert their beliefs and she's not giving her own ideas. That doesn't make sense to me either. If it was "makes me feel they are almost (being) subversive" that would make good sense, wouldn't it?

ebrahim said:

House is just listening with no power to subvert their beliefs and she's not giving her own ideas.

Note how it says "almost subversive". 👁 Wink ;)

ebrahim said:

that would make good sense, wouldn't it?

Yes, if it said "being"... but it doesn't say "being"... 👁 Roll Eyes :rolleyes:


I suppose that it might mean that she feels as if she is part of a subversive conversation - a conversation that might be subverting Wahhabi Islam.

I appreciate your help Paul.