The Veil

In discussion of the Muslim tradition of female "covering," or the wearing of the veil, I was happy that we broadened our understanding of the issue. It is an American tendency to look at what other people are doing and consider it somehow beneath us. The articles that we read showed two different sides of covering - both positive and negative.

What we came to understand was that some people really embraced the veil. The veil stands for personal expression of religion, the veil offers physical protection from the elements, as well as from possibly dangerous strangers when in public. The veil is an important part of many Muslim women's lives. We read about women who feel naked or exposed without their veil. In the case of the transgendered male who was raised as a Muslim girl, he missed wearing the veil. The veil has many positive connotations.

What we as Americans tend to see are the negative aspects of the veil. We tend to believe that it is oppressive and hides women in a bad way. We look at the media coverage of violence in the Middle East, and immediately stereotype the entire culture. If any man appears Arab, or heaven forbid is wearing a turban, we think he is a terrorist. We assume that women are forced to wear these veils that oppress them and don't allow them to show any skin. Although women's rights are important, it is also important to be tolerant and accepting of other cultures.

I'm glad that we saw the positive aspects of the veil. I was one of those people who sort of looked at women who were covered and thought to myself "Why would anyone ever wear that if they didn't have to? Doesn't she know that here in America, she doesn't have to wear that?" I consider myself to be an open and accepting person, but I was simply miseducated. I'm guilty as charged. I think it would be very interesting if the tables were turned and someone wearing a Christian cross necklace were judged and treated differently. It's the same concept - a form of religious expression. Or maybe if someone who was Christian wore a veil covering out for a day, to see the reactions it would gather.

Whenever my mom and I go to TJ MAXX, the majority of the people working are usually wearing hijabs. I am not sure why this is, but it's common enough that I've noticed it. My mom, bless her heart, has occasionally made a comment or two about how "none of the workers speak any English." Yes, sometimes you asked someone something and they maybe didn't understand you. However, it was the blanket statement that bothered me. No one would ever say anything like that about workers if they were all white, or even if they were not wearing the veils! I think we all frequently have the tendency to come up with these stereotypes about people if they look any different than ourselves.

I think the fact that the veil can be so empowering and send such a blatant message is amazing. Rather than looking at it as an oppressive accessory, I think people should be taught the positive image of the veil. Education is the start to understanding and acceptance. I am glad that I now have more knowledge about the topic. We have to really understand something before we can create a valid opinion about it.