Re: Talk about Saas being cruel…
If you research the topic on the Internet…you will come across web sites that are solely about the abuse women have tolerated from their **NON-DESI **mothers-in-law.
So toxic MILS are not only confined to desi society. BUT…the problem with our culture is that women are expected to be obedient and passive as daughters-in-law and wives…and this expectation helps perpetuate the abuse in a way.
^Although Islam does not approve of women being doormats and tolerating abuse…unfortunately many people in our society give top priority to absurd and crippling cultural notions instead of Islam.
***** Another point to keep in mind is that western culture emphasizes individuality more than unity. And in western culture…a guy (even if he is the only son) moves out and away from his parents and** lives separately**. And when he gets married…his wife does not have to live with her in-laws. So a non-desi daughter-in-law usually does not get frequent exposure to toxic mother-in-law…until Thanksgiving or Christmas. 
**
******Our culture is different. There is greater emphasis on joint family living. And while some desi women are lucky enough to live away from their deadly MILS…others are not so lucky and have very little choice in the matter. And have to endure joint-family living, which includes MONSTER-IN-LAW!