Reading about the hideous murder of Marwa Al-Sherbini in Germany this week – stabbed INSIDE a court room by a man who was being prosecuted for calling her a slut and a terrorist for wearing a hijab. Clearly a complete dangerous nut. A tragic story. But it strikes me as frankly bizarre and surreal the amount of attention given to what a women puts on her head. When anyone is forced to wear something they don’t want to wear, whether it is an orange jump suit or a Jewish star on the sleeve – it is oppressive, of course. But let us not forget that many women CHOOSE to cover their hair. For various reasons. Roman Catholic Nuns (was Mother Theresa oppressed?), Christian brides, Plymouth Brethren/Amish women even Rastafarian women (when praying), butchers and bakers even school dinner ladies keep their hair covered. Let us not forget that Mary mother of Christ wore a hijab too.
A good friend of mine joked when she decided to start wearing a hijab that it made her feel more respected in her community, more of an equal to men, that it meant she didn’t have to waste time worrying about her hair, and in many ways it made her feel more sexy. So perhaps the hijab served to liberate her.
By all means, have a go at OPPRESSION – but NOT at clothing. The point is that women should be free to wear what they want to. Let's not miss that point.
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5 comments:
I'm tired of the ranting over this non-issue. Where I live some women choose to wear head coverings and some don't. I don't consider what they choose to wear to be any of my business. My stand is that it's up to us women to choose and it's no one else's business what we choose.
You may be tired of the ranting, but Marwa lost her life because of this - it does effect many. I disagree. This IS very much an issue. But I also agree - it's up to women to choose.
Thank you for actually addressing this issue. I wear headscarf and I hate, hate, hate it when people feel the need to critique my having chosen it through free will. And that's just that.
I am most def following you.
If you ever have a chance, be sure and come by and follow! I'm having a bit of a go at a photo caption contest-- enter!
-Laila
www.randomweavings.blogspot.com
Wow! You need to write some books! You would be fascinating to talk to! Did you move around with your parents, or have all these moves been since you were an adult? I will be following your blog. I also believe God gave people free agency to nmake their own choices. Forced ob3edience is a false obedience, becaue in their heart they may not want to obey at all. I am blessed that my Muslim husband allows me to choose for myself as I learn his religion and other religions and cultures.
Blessings, Sheila
Good to meet you Laila and Bluebirdy...thanks for the positive comments. I am sure to rant more on this, given the response it has received. And Bluebirdy - no, my parents weren't travellers. My first independent travels were a one way ticket to Israel at the age of 19 - I had no idea where it would take me. My travel blog is on http://www.4nomadic.wordpress.com if you are interested.
Best Cx
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