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Growing up is hard enough for women, but in the post-9/11 era we live in today, Arab American girls have the added challenge of defending their faith at a time when anti-Muslim stereotyping is so high. Confronting this issue that is rarely addressed, a workshop "Free to be Me: Empowering Women and Girls" broke down the barriers over the weekend--and the workshop's organizers were gracious enough to invite me to spend the day with them for a deeper look.
HEART Women & Girls and the Ehsan Center, two organizations that work closely with Muslim communities in different parts of the country, hosted the all-day seminar in Southern California to tackle three topics that Muslim women face daily: self-esteem, media literacy, and health and wellness. This was the first event of its kind on the West Coast. Through self-defense training and interactive group discussion, the women learned tools to help "redefine ourselves," as one mother put it.
Grandmothers, daughters and sisters alike were in attendance. Amid all the positive feedback I received from these women, mothers seemed most enthusiastic about what an event like "Free to be Me" will mean for the Muslim women of tomorrow. While also enjoying the day's festivities, they said the true joy for them was watching their daughters become empowered. According to HEART, the three issues that Muslim girls struggle with most today are self-esteem and the hijab, bullying, and Islamophobia. Mothers want their daughters to grow to be confident and strong, no matter what religion they practice, and that begins with combatting these issues--not only for themselves, but for future generations.
To hear from the women of "Free to be Me" in their own words, watch the below video.
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Does the program include a seminar on how to avoid being the victim of an honor killing because you have become "too western"? Perhaps it could be hosted by the NRA.
I was just thinking something along those same lines. What the workshop suggested is a paradox- "empowered muslim women"...not very likely. No matter what they might try to convince themselves of, in the eyes of muslim men, they are still nothing more than a piece of property. Women of all beliefs and backgrounds always need to be on guard against this marginalization, but the muslim girls are at a distinct disadvantage right out the gate.
Let me start by saying I am not a Muslim and little chance I would "convert." However, the oversimplification/generalization of Muslim belief structures is beginning to wear thing on me (ok strike beginning - it's worn a hole). Seriously, your issue is with CONSERVATIVE FUNDAMENTALISM and it should bother you no matter what the associated religion. There are plenty of Christian sects that place puritanical expectations on women. Similarly, many Asian and Indian families exert strong control over their female children. At the end of the day, we have to segregate our misunderstanding of differing moralities from beliefs that lead to the direct abuse of others.
Without question, it is not ok for women to be treated like property, beaten for transgression, killed for honor, etc. However, you do nothing to help the situation by lumping all Muslims into one pile. In case you aren't aware of the term for "intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself" is bigotry. That's a pretty hateful sounding word isn't it? Yet, based on many personally positive experiences with Muslims, that would be the appropriate word to use for the belief that all Muslims are out to subjugate and treat women like property.
Personally, I applaud anyone's efforts to build female self esteem and strength regardless of race, creed, or religion. Maybe if we were more supportive as a society of programs like these instead of throwing stones over generalities; we might see the progressive change we hope for.
No, I think the seminar probably covered topics on how to deal with bigots who are unable to realize that the men these women love are ordinary Americans, no more or less likely to conduct an honor killing than any other American. That kind of soft bigotry presents a bigger problem - a real problem - than a hypothetical honor killing.
When some jerk kills his girlfriend here in the US or a female relative out of jealousy, or some psychotic reason to maintain control, it gets called a domestic disturbance - unless the lady happens to be a Muslim, in which case, it gets discussed on national news as an honor killing.
Battsman, thank you for an informed point of view. You expressed yourself in a way very uncommon in a society where many think they are simply the best of humanity, and that's where intolerance of others begin. There are Muslim extremists as there are many Christian extremists. If in doubt, put your TV on the Fox channel. As a born- and practising muslim, I am not an Arab and believe it or not, half my family is Christian. I grew up celebrating the festivities in both Islam and Christianity. No woman in my family, my mother, sisters, wife or daughter covers her face or head. There is more to Islam than the demagogery that you hear the so-called TV experts and evangelists talk about. They simply need more enlightenment. By the way, there is a big difference between religion and culture. There is more to Islam than the Arab culture, whether you agree or disagree with the culture.
Honestly folks, if you are going to comment, how about you google your stereotypes first? "Honor Killings" have nothing to do with Islamic practices (nor does female genital mutilation as long as we are gong there). Sheesh. Men oppress women, not Islam.
The one thing in the article that was in error was the author's claiming "Arab-American girls" having to defend their faith...Arabs are only 10% of the Muslim population worldwide. Yet another stereotype, this time being put out there by someone who should know better...
Salaam
RN - are you worried about being overlooked or are you a set of Octuplets?
RN in Philly! I think you have some serious issues and anger and bigotry is one of them....take a good look at yourself in the mirror and start thinking what kind of workshops or programs YOU need to redefine yourself.
My sister is a RN nurse and I have highly respect for nurses because of their noble profession. I'm a Muslim (a convert) and I have never seen or head anything of what you are talking about neither my sister. Maybe you work in a remote village in Egypt or Africa????
Please educate yourself a little before commenting on a topic you don't know much about or get your facts straight.
Have a nice day.
E
Sorry for the spelling errors I was trying to type fast so I can go do something more productive :)
We white converts don't exactly have it easy, either. Only 18% of us Muslims are Arabs.
Anytime girls and women are impowered and have trust in themselves there is a move in a positive direction. Loved the article, but as a Muslim American İ need to point out that the majority of Muslims in the world, and in the U.S are not Arab . No more than 20% of Muslims speak Arabic. The largest population of Muslims are in Indonesia. İ recomend the Center for Islamic Relations (Cair) websight for anyone who has questions or concerns about the belief system of İslam and the actions that Muslims in America are taking. You will see that the foundational belief system of Islam is one of peace and that Muslims in America are a peacefull people.
All right, then let's change it to: Muslims whose traditions force women to cover themselves from head to foot because men (apparently) can't control themselves and can't be held accountable for what they do if a woman dares to show an ankle or wrist. Is that better?
its not about force first of all. Chosing to be modest...by covering your body is not because men cant control themselves. İts because we are more than our sexual identities. The Quran is not very specific on what level of covering is actually required..and i believe that is because it depends on the individual. İ find it sad that societal pressure is so strong that girls feel they need to reveal their bodies to attract boys, beter yet- that women need to do the same....İ would recomend that you read the passeges in the Quran that talk about modesty instead of looking at the interpretations of some cultures.
There are passages in the Christian bible that discuss modesty too.
So sad that even the least exhibits of modesty are attacked by contemporary society the world over.
Just because a woman chooses to cover her hair or body does not mean she is being subjugated by men or sexually repressed. It means her self esteem is such that she does not feel the need to expose herself to the world to be noticed in a crowd.
I consider myself an attractive, educated, independent, middle of the road Christian who feels more comfortable in public wearing considerably more clothing than current fashion dictates. Anyone who would accuse me of being dominated by men or sexually repressed does not know me very well.
Sorry, Sara, but I have to disagree that the Islamic religion is a religion of peace. It has been one of violence from its beginning. The Koran orders its followers to kill those who refuse to convert to Islam. How is that peaceful? Today's Muslim terrorists cannot be separated from other Muslims, contrary to what other Muslims state, for they are carrying out the commands of their religion.
As for CAIR, it is well known by the FBI and most that it is connected to the the violent Hamas, so how can you insist they and the Islamic religion are peaceful?
Nowhere does the Quran state that its followers have to kill those who refuse to convert to Islam.
Yes, it is possible to take verses out of context, and make it appear that they are commanding Muslims to do so, but you have to really contort the meanings. All one has to do is look up the original, and in 5 minutes, it's fairly easy to understand what the Quran actually says.
ming01, you need more education. Ignorance is a negative force. Why don't you spend some valuable time reading the Koran and enlighten yourself. As a Muslim, I have read the bible and do understand and respect Christianity.
Next time, may I suggest we get girls of all faith or no faith all together to discuss whether the Madonna and offspring Brittany Spears type popular images are good for girls to have to compare themselves which each other or whether the covering up is really modesty or is it more like hiding yourself from the world - kind of like being back in the womb. I would think that somewhere in the middle would be the healthiest approach.
The Only "Religion of Peace" is the Quakers, and I have my doubts about them.
Why would you ever convert to a religion that emphasizes suicide vests?
Or blowing up abortion clinics? Or government buildings for that matter.
how can you consider islam a religion. it has its own staunch laws, not guidelines like all other religions. it sets up governments of whole countries. and it preaches hate and violence against anyone who does not believe in islam.
Islam does NOT "emphasize suicide vests." It's the radical crazies who do, and it has more to do with using Islam to justify their craziness.
I wish everyone would stop trying to over-simplify an entire body of religious belief.
TekKnowledge, you're exactly right! Any religion that compells you to kill someone instead of show compassion and concern for their eternal soul is not a religion to be desired.
But the gist of your statement was to compound insult on Christianity. So, please bring some quotations from the New Testament (you know, the back section of "the bible" that parted from the Judaic laws of the Old Testament, and described the "new covenant" between God and man that Christians believe we live under in this age) that compells Christians to kill or do anything other than become "fishers of men" to save souls from spiritual torture and damnation.
Unlike the Muslim faith, Christians believe you are not born a Christian... you aren't Christian just because you're white, or born in America, or because of family tradition. Christians believe there is a re-birth involved in which you recieve an epiphany of spiritual enlightenment. And Christ taught that your faith should be internalized, that it is not a matter of blindly obeying a law. Just because Timothy McVeigh was white or an abortion clinic bomber went to church, it doesn't mean they were acting on behalf of Christ. And it for sure doesn't mean the Christian faith requires them to kill to be "good Christians."
I know this is falling on deaf ears, but even I, a non-christian, get so tired of these stupid statements trying to reduce Christianity to the same level of radical Islamists, that I had to say something. If any of you can't see the difference between Christianity of today and Islam of today (NOT of centuries past but of events we are all experiencing and a part of today) then you're just being bigoted.
I figured the article would be about how the Muslim women are repressed at home but nooooo, it's about Free to be Me in America! What balderdash. They could care less about being Free to be Me at home or in their country of origin where most of them are not even allowed to drive a car. (Now there will be people replying that they are free to drive donkey carts or something like that in their home country.)
I'd love to hear more from AmericanChristians about what they are doing to confront Christian domestic terrorism instead of pointing a finger at Islam. And, I'd love to hear more from American Muslims about what they are doing to confront Muslim domestic terrorism instead of pointing a finger at Christianity. Clean up your own houses first. Will each faith body dare to engage in some self-analysis and take action to change from within? Discussion welcome at http://i8ntnofool.newsvine.com/_news/2011/05/13/6637389-citizen-to-faith-what-are-the-faithful-doing-to-fight-radical-fundamentalism?last=1305648522&threadId=3126695&commentId=54319782#c54319782
Yes there is RN.....it's called Westboro Baptist Church.
HA!!! Good one!
I like it!!
I always thought I was ok with religious choices and whatnot, but I recently moved to a city with a higher concentration of Muslims than where I'd lived before. There's quite a few women here who wear a full-blown burqa. A woman I was sitting near in a burger joint was wearing a scarf that covered everything but her eyes and nose. As a woman, it unsettled me, especially with her three daughters sitting next to her chatting and playing like kids do and her husband just dressed in normal American clothes. I wanted to ask her what it's like having that barrier between her and the world and if she wants the same for her daughters when they grow up. When you are faceless, you inevitably just fade into the background unless you're causing a real fuss. I grew up on the east coast and have known a lot of Muslim people, including women who have worn hijabs, but I never knew any Muslim women who went so far as to hide their faces out of piety. And it really does bother me - it's dehumanizing. You interact with the world through your face, and these women are rendered largely faceless.
İ too don't get the burka....but İ believe in freedom of choice..and if its her choice than its not my business really. Just as it is my neighbors choice to wear sexualized clothing ( to the extreme!)...both send negative messages.
Thats the thing...its not a choice. I'm sure the man of the house has the word on his wife wearing a Burka. I'm sure it's their husbands who suggest to their wives to wear it.
How about the way Catholic nuns used to dress? Not as extreme as the burqa, surely, but the same concept.
And women would not be allowed into Mass unless they had a covering on their head.
I agree that it is dehumanizing to hide one's face to the world. But also, we live in dangerous times. There should be no exception, religious or otherwise, to allow people to go about masked in public. What if we all decided to start wearing ski masks? No, it's unwise. I support a complete ban on veiling, masking, or any other form of hiding one's personal facial features in public, in America. It is not simply an issue of how it is a bad fit for Western cultural values; it's a risk management issue, to me.
"Free to be Me", the name for this program, does not make sense. The only way for a Muslim woman to be "ones self" is to free herself from a religion founded by an ignorant man who believed the world was flat and that women are property.
John, I think you & the other ignorant & unaware people must read the books on the life of the founder of Islam (written by any good & neutral non muslim writers), before passing any comments. You will come to know that these are not just mulims but offcourse non muslims also who has good comments & respect for the founder & religion . You people just read & say wht your media ask you to do. Pls think out of the box............ Keep your mind open ... Islam is a religion who has given equal rights to women. she is not considered as a property but she has all rights - as a daughter, sister, wife & mother. Dont mix some stupid cultures where women are deprived of their rights to a peaceful religion Islam......... It is not always necessary that Islam & other different cultures of muslims match to each other..
It should be noteworthy that this seminar would only be taking place in America. The very place that extreme Muslims want to destroy and the only place that guarantees Muslim women the right to be themselves.
Well put
Achick....you are continuing the dis empowerment of Muslim women. Men with little education in many parts of the world have perverted İslam to subjugate women. Many Muslim women as well as men do not have the education or the self esteem to stand up to their religious leaders and read the Holy Quran in their own language and to Listen to the parts of the Quran that require the reader to follow the true path instead of that which their ancestors did.. İslam came to a part of the world where women were treated less than human...this cultural problem obviously exists today...but the example of the prophets wives ( remember many other prophets had multiple wives too) if you research shows how intellectual, independent, and respected they were. Religion is not static, but unfortunately it has remained that way in much of the world. This generation and the generation of our parents have the opportunity and the obligation to take back our religion and to show the beauty and peace that İslam does preach. All religions have had times in history where they were hijacked...this is our time to take it back.
Please do, maybe then my son and the other troops can come home and stop doing your work for you. No religion is a peaceful one that advises its people to kill anyone who doesn't go along with it or dehumanized their women by making them disappear in public. Its not modesty, its control.
sara--Can you say more about what Islam is doing to confront misogyny within their religion and within the cultures that practice Islam? This is very important for anyone in the West to take seriously the claim that "it's not the religion." Practially speaking, in a nation that is basically run as a theocracy, there is no difference between the religion and the culture, particualy the politics and laws. What is Islam doing to help bring the more medieval Islamic nations forward into the 21st century with regard to human rights for women? This is not an attack; it's an invitation to serious honest dialogue about the issue.
did most of you even listen to the video???This subject is postitive! İts about women loving themselves and who they are...how can the responces to children feeling good about themselves and feeling a sence of comunity from abviously elder people in the community who are integrated members of American society be a bad thing? Muslim women and girls are not boogy men (women) waiting to attack you! We are in America, were part of the -Melting Pot- that America praises itself on....dont aileanate us more....
SARA...There is absolutely nothing beautiful or peaceful or tolerant about Islam. You lie!!
It only represents bloodshed, bondage, slavery, dismemberment, sexual disfigurement, oppression, pedophilia, rape, honor killings. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck and walks like a duck... IT"S A DUCK!!
Initiated and led by an old man that hated the world and women, who lived in isolation in a cave, and lo and behold got millions of weak-mindedf followers to go along with his "teachings"...right up to this day.
Allah and the Qur'an teach hate and oppression, while Jesus and the bible teach love and compassion. I'm with JESUS.
There is no such thing as a moderate muslim. That's a contradiction in terms or an oxymoron if you will. Muslims all have the same agenda and it is required by their Qur'an, to deceive and kill the infidels (us Americans especially) and all those who won't embrace Islam. They're infiltrating America until they'll become the majority; they're using our Constitution against us; they're demanding special treatment; they're clogging our streets in prayer; 5 honor killings in Michigan while our courts look the other way; they're insisting on a mosque at ground zero...and the list goes on.
When you move to an other country you abide by their laws. Not muslims! they want us to live by Shariah laws which backs and teaches all the oppressions of the Qur'an. They come here to get away from the evils of the middle east and bring their evils with them and want us to abide by them.
Now, if SARA denies any part of what I'm saying, she is a bold faced liar, which she is required to be according to the Qur'an to further her agenda and the agenda of all muslims.
Islam is a military cult...not a religion.
If every last muslim dropped dead, the world would be way better off because of it. The sooner the rest of the world works toward that goal, the better off we will all be.
ladykroft, your post is one of the most despicable I have ever read.
Your post is so unbelievably ignorant and ridiculous that it makes me despair for the future of mankind.
...and it is clueless, braind dead people like you which will help the muslims' agenda, even to your own detriment, and to the detriment of your children and grandchildren in the future. Then you'll stand there and say " how come nobody told me this was happening?" boo hoo!
If you refuse to recognize the enemy...you become the enemy.
Tina...you tell me what I lied about in my statement. Tell me which are lies.
Ladykroft, what is a truth in your comments !!!!!!!!!!
...that befriending a muslim would be like reaching into a sackfull of venomous snakes.
Such hatred is beyond my scope of reasoning. You are welcome to yours.
Tina... you are a disgrace to all women when you defend the islamic way. When you defend islam's way of treatment of women then you are agreeing with it. For yourself and for your daughters and granddaughters. Shame on you. Go back to the middle east. You'd be ecstatic out there.
You are too filled with hate to reason with, but I'll give it a shot.
I do not defend the treatment of women in the middle east. I have never been to the middle east. How can I "go back" there?
Just because I don't condemn every Muslim person in the world like you do does not mean I condone what their leaders do.
Have you ever actually met a person who is Muslim?
I'd like to know.
Ladykroft,
It's obviously pointless to argue with you, as you have formed your own radical, hateful opinions (much like the Taliban). I WOULD like to ask where you get your information. If you have ONE credible, scholarly source, I'll be absolutely astounded. However, if you get all your information from the media and Muslim hating propoganda, then perhaps you should correctly research this issue about which you have such strong opinions. Take a class on Islam from a university or something. You have a right to your opinions, but before you form such a strong outlook, perhaps you should seek some scholarly information and not just believe everything you see on TV.
RN, why don't you tell us how you feel about Muslims? Don't hold back, now.
Nice piece, however the very first line of the introduction is inaccurate, "Growing up is hard enough for women, but in the post-9/11 era we live in today, Arab American girls have the added challenge of defending their faith at a time when anti-Muslim stereotyping is so high" Less than 20% of Muslims in America are Arabs. Most of the women you featured in this video were South Asian...Reporting should be researched and vetted if your goal is to disseminate information and dispel stereotypes.
The negative and bigoted comments here show that it doesn't matter what Muslims do to help their fellow Americans learn the truth about Islam and Muslims, some people will always refuse to hear a different narrative that would challenge their preconceived bigoted notions of a billion and a half people. sigh.
BRAVO Ladies! - GO FOR IT!
In THIS Wonderful Land you have The RIGHT to be FREE and WORSHIP as you CHOOSE!
PLEASE help your oppressed Sisters in the Middle East and other places, IF POSSIBLE!
Allahu Akbar!
RN in Silly
Don't worry about "chop-chop square", get back to your bedpans!
The ever present "witchhunts" continue to raise the same question from "Wizard of Oz",
Are you a good witch? Or a bad witch? I wish appearance could reveal this, but unfortunately, it does not.
Any woman forced to cover her hair or face cannot be empowered.
The origins of covering your hair come from when women had power and where the "creators" of life. It was believed that women had power through their face and hair as well as other body parts. When men removed power from women, they removed any sign that woman had once had power, including covering their bodies.
This religion also requires women to submit themselves.
No muslim woman will ever be empowered. It is impossible.
FYI:
I became truly liberated with my conversion to Islam. While I don't choose to cover my hair, I did for the first decade after my conversion and found that it freed me and made me more of a human being. You see, I am not yours to stare at, my body is mine. I reveal my beauty to my husband only and have taken back control of my own destiny. At work people were forced to deal with me as an intellectual and a contributing factor to the office and to our publications. You could never accuse me of sleeping my way or flirting my way into promotions -- which I got based upon my ability, not my looks.
In Islam nothing is forced on you. There is no compulsion in religion. We Muslims take up various affirmations of our piety as we feel comfortable with them. True, some cultures have social norms that require a certain dress, but this is not the religion, it is the culture.
What my fellow Americans fail to understand is the information they are fed by the haters in our society is inaccurate and misleading. Also, many of the negatives cast at Muslims actually originate in other religions, such as women as property. Women in Islam were always equal to men. Women in Christianity still aren’t equal to men, but are possessions (that is why Christian women have to vow to honor and obey their husbands). Jewish women are required to cover their bodies in long garments, cover their hair, shave their heads even and wear a wig in some Jewish communities. Stoning of people comes from Halaka (Jewish) law and does not even appear in the Quran. Honor killings happen in more than Arab-Muslim communities and sadly can be found in many places in Asia.
I strongly suggest that those of you who believe everything spoon fed to you by the likes of Ann Coulter, Pamela Geller and the enemies of tolerance and truth turn to other sources of information. What these groups are feeding you will rot your souls.
Note to Associate Producer Shannon Urtnowski: Shannon, please learn a bit about your subject matter before you write or produce segments. You have several fact errors here, the most obvious is asserting that all Muslims are Arab, when only a small minority of Muslims are Arab. With all the Muslims in the news today, I would think you would be better educated about the subject matter. Better yet, hire a Muslim for your newsroom. There are plenty of us who are journalists, myself included.
Convert, good post.
But why bother to get the facts straight when it is easier to believe all the sound-bites and hysteria that passes for news nowdays?
Then WhiteMuslimConvert
You must receive the death penalty for apostasy.
One more thing, you no longer an American but a fascist since muslims don't believe in democracy.
The reason why you are not forced is because you in the US. Go to Saudi Arabia or Pakistan and watch your self be acid washed.
Convert, I guess all those ex-Muslim women who tell a very different story than yours must be lying.
Convert,
You are assuming that we are all Christian Americans. And that our career success is based on our sexual exploitation of our bodies. You are a bigot.
I am not tolerant of anything that symbolizes repression of women. You, and your religion continue a belief that woman should hide themselves. This is a constant confirmation to men who believe they are better than women, that they are correct in their beliefs. That women who do not cover themselves are open to victimization.
You repress all of us. In that, you harm my child and every little girl in the world.
Women will only be equal to men when they are treated on every level as equals, that is impossible when women like you continue to reinforce that we are sexual objects that must be covered as opposed to a person.
Convert- Thank you for sharing your perspective. I'm not a Muslim, but I, too, am sick of all the blanket statements about Muslims. It's ridiculous for people to think they know everything about Islam because they've read a newspaper. We need more comments like yours for a better understanding of articles involving Islam (and actually, all religions).
Nav- You're obviously not a Muslim as you seem to be quite hateful towards them. Newsflash: anyone living legally in America is an American, whether or not they believe in democracy. I knew quite a few "anarchists" in high school, yet they were still Americans and had all the rights of Americans. I can yell and scream that I'm a fascist and burn the American flag if I want. Guess what? I'm still American. That's just the kind of country we live in.
Bert- Yes, this is obviously an either/or situation. Either all Muslim women are beaten OR all Muslim women are happy. There's no possible way there could be two (or, couldn't be- more?) perspectives out there. She never said every Muslim in the world is a perfect person who exactly obeys the religion, word for word. Yes, bad things have happened to and because of Muslims. What SHE is saying is that it's not the whole story. There are good things about Islam, too, if you would stop pretending to know everything and look around. Is every Christian in the world sinless? Hecks, no. Does every Jewish woman have the same quality of life? Hecks, no. Maybe you should open your mind to the possibility that there are varying perspectives and to the possibility that the media might be a little skewed.
And can I just point out that if Arnold Shwarzteneggar (I'm sorry, I can't spell his name) was Muslim, the media would be highlighting that at every possible angle. "Muslims don't respect their women, so obviously he had an illegitimate child with the maid." Yet, as it is, no mention has been made of Arnold's religion. Why is that? Perhaps because the American audience isn't predisposed to blame Christianity for husbands cheating on their wives. However, any time a Muslim does something wrong, it's because they're a Muslim.
That's because the Red Scare is over and it is fashionable to diss Muslims at the moment.
And Kato- She was not, actually, saying that all women's career success is based on sex unless she's wearing a burqa. She WAS saying, that because of the way she dresses, it would be hard to accuse her of using sex to get ahead. As a feminist, I admire your zeal against the oppression of women. However, also as a feminist, I believe that women should be able to choose what they wear. If the coverings she chooses make her feel comfortable and free and "more human," then more power to her. If her garb is forced upon her by her husband or father, etc., then that's oppression.
She ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT repress all of us. She is speaking about being empowered and feeling free, which is something ALL women should be and feel. And I've actually talked to other Muslim women who feel the same. YOU are repressing HER if you wish to force her into shorts and a tank top because that's what YOU are more comfortable seeing. Your little girl is only harmed if her mother does not explain to her that she can be and do whatever she wants, and so can everyone else around her. She's only being harmed if her mother doesn't explain that some people believe things opposed to what she does, but those people are still legitimate and should be accepted and listened to because perhaps they can shed light on a subject otherwise shrouded in stereotype and assumption.
Finally, "women like you continue to reinforce that we are sexual objects that must be covered."
Um, I tend to think that women who prance around in skimpy skirts and barely more than a bra reinforce that we are sexual objects. But that's just me. If you'd rather expose every morsel of skin possible without getting ticketed for improper exposure, that's your business, but I'd rather have an intelligent conversation with the lady in a burqa. American culture exposes women as sex objects by UNcovering them. Every woman (who doesn't live in a severely oppressive society) has the autonomy to decide who gets to see which parts of her body. My respect for my fellow woman tends to positively correlate to the amount of clothes she's wearing. I realize you can't judge a book by the cover, but that's one snap judgment I'll admit to. Of course, I would try to get to know someone before reaching any more sustainable judgments.
Kato, open your eyes and accept that there are different points of view. It is true that the garments worn by Muslim women can be used as reppressive. However, if you really try to understand something, you'll see there are many different perspectives and not all of those are repressive. Do you ever use the phrase, "rule of thumb"? Do you mean it in its original context (that men could legally beat their wives as long as the instrument was no wider than their thumb)? I'm guessing not. It's become a harmless phrase in today's society and few (if any) people are outraged at its use. Just because you say it doesn't mean you condone all of its past meanings. Same goes for what you wear.
White Muslim Convert, I believe I understand the point that you are trying to make, that covering your hair gave you control of your body and destiny. Research indicates that "beautiful people" (handsome males and pretty females) *both* have an advantage in social and employment situations based on their looks. So, I am curious about why Muslim males do not also veil? This is not a sarcastic jab; I am seeking serious discussion here. While I understand your point, I think it should apply to both genders, based on research about physical beauty and (unfair) advantage. What are your thoughts about why only the females veil in Islam? WIth only women veiling, it implies strongly that women are the only gender who might be taken advantage of...which in itself implies both weakness on their part, and suggests potential manipulation (sinfulness) that *women* might practice...but not men.
Good mornin Kato:) regarging submission: have you read ephesians 5:12, colossians 3:18, esther 1:22, corinthians 14:34 and many other references in "the good book" to women snd their rulers/husbands? Remember when part of the traditional wedding vows included the phrase "wives submit to your husbands as to the lord..."? Jus aksen. Have a wonderful day.
PEACE!
Who is paying for this?
I find it interesting that much of the conversation is focused on muslim women wearing veils. Why?
Nuns wear veils to this day at all times in public, no comments on that. Traditionally a bride wears a full veil when walking up the isle. Why is that? Where did the tradition come from?
In the New Testament Paul says a woman's head should be covered.
"Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved." 1 Corinthians 11:4-16 You can read it in full context there. Jesus's Mother Mary is always painted wearing a veil.
In the old Testament Priests are to wear Turbans: Zechariah 3:5, Exodus 28:4,37.39. Exo 29:6. Many other verses addressing Turbans.
We have other cultures that use veils yet we say nothing. We say we cannot see them, yet if the state law allows we will darkly tint our windows on our cars where we cannot be seen. We wear Hats and Dark Sun glass's to cover our faces. Even at night.
We have Holidays that celebrate our various cultures of being Irish, African American, Jewish, Mexican for we are to be proud of our heritage, where we come from. Our Roots. We dress up and party on to these cultural celebrations. However Arabs cannot do the same? Why?
The seminar for these girls is here in America. They are American they should be able to hold their heads as high as we do on their culture and religious practices.
Their History of being Muslim is violent? Going through my Genealogy there has been some embarrassing moments in the family tree I wish were not there. The Muslims call us Infidel's, We called the American Indians and Mexicans heathens because they were not Christian.The rest of that history with the American Indians you are aware of. The results were genocidal. Yet today, we want the Indians to practice their beliefs. Let the American Muslims practice theirs as well and be happy the woman have the protected freedom to do so.
All of these traditional hair coverings are based upon the ancient belief that women held magical powers in there hair.
In order to repress women, any sign of their powers is hidden and used against them.
This goes for the "power" to create life. A Shelia-na gig is a symbol that represent the belief that women had magical powers that stem from their reproductive parts.
Also, the "power" that women can sustain life is the reason men can go bare breasted but in most countries, women cannot.
The covering of faces, so women cannot "charm" a man into seduction and submission.
All of this stems from repressing women.
If women were equal in islam, they would be able to hold religious ranks.
I always thought it was mostly about not getting third-degree sunburns. Made enough sense to me since the founders of the Abrahamic faiths lived in a desert, and the lack of moisture makes it hard for clouds to form and filter some of the sunlight.
Never knew about the whole containing power thing though.
Did it ever occur to you that perhaps you veil something that is sacred? In the Catholic Church (and I'm gonna dumb this down so I don't have to explain every word I use. Not because I doubt the intelligence of this forum but because I know not everyone is familiar with the "Catholic" words for things), the left over Hosts (believed to be the ACTUAL body of Christ, not a symbol) are put into a box and locked. Inside the box in a veil. Are the Hosts veiled because they are dirty? Because we want to cover up their power? It's because they're sacred. In the Old Testament, the arc of the covenant was veiled because it was sacred. Women, as the bearers of life, are sacred. I'm not saying your magical powers thing is wrong, but couldn't it be both? Modesty is encouraged because women are sacred. Habits worn by nuns, burqas, and brides' veils symbolize the importance of what lies beneath them. So yes, women have amazing powers of creation. But traditional garments aren't trying to hide that, they're trying to draw attention to its importance.
All of you are referring the the Bible or quran to explain the origins of a veil or scarf.
This destruction of the power of women go back much further. By the time any of those books were written, women were already subjugated.
Sadly, none of you are thinking of a time before all of these religions.
A good book to read is" When God was a Woman", although any basic WGSS class will explain the removal of power of women.
It's great to know that someone out there is being noticed for trying to empower girls and dispel stereotypes.
I always thought it was stupid that it was okay to be proud of your heritage unless you happen to be of Middle Eastern descent, or proud of your faith unless you happened to be Muslim. And what's worse is that it's totally happened before only with different groups of people.
Doubt that's going to change any time soon, sadly.
Hateful and just plain wrong rhetoric are flying like mashed taters in a middle school cafeteria. Any faith is a very personal choice, what I have faith in is the truth, which is any religion is only as good as the way it inspires the practitioner. Most religious scriptures can be twisted to inspire violence, if that's what is in the heart of the individual. The sad thing is how militant fundamentalism can sometimes sway the minds of otherwise good people. I've got friends of every "mainstream" and alternate beliefs. None of whom like bomb-building, shooting Doctors, or even proselytising. In the words of Saint Paul McCartney, "Let it be."
RN in Philly, I don't know what part of the Koran you are claiming to have read, but its obvious, you a re full of bile and are perfectly entitled to your opinions. There are passages in any of the Holy books that have been misinterpreted by man over the ages. I will not attempt to explain anything to you, but you need help. You've been listening to too much of the right wing haters.
Empowered young girls--sorry folks but Islam does empower women--at least not in predominantly Muslim/Islamic countries. It is not possible for women to walk on the streets without a male escort even if only 2 months old in Saudi Arabia, covering is a must--from Saudi Arabia and the Wahabi's to Iran and the ruling @!$%#es. Doesn't matter. I keep womdering though--if Mohammad said that heaven would give men so many "virgins" where do they come from? What is heaven like for women? I have read nothing in any Koran translations describing that issue. The only thing I've been able to find is that Mohammad went to hell and it was only women.... would like some clarification on this point please.
A lot of people here are arguing the wearing of scarves and veils by women in ancient times, in biblical times; pictures in paintings and other depictions and so on.
The point today is not necessarily the wearing of scarves and veils it's that in some cultures it's demanded and required. Frowned on if you don't and in some cultures it's off with your head if you don't. This is ancient tactics, not modern day behavior. Yet it is demonstrated in modern day. In America we're in a free and equality society. Any degrading, demeaning dress code aimed at only one sex is frowned upon. If you're going to live in America...follow the American laws and cultures. Simple as that. But they wont do it.
The "American laws and cultures" state that you can wear whatever you want and be a part of whichever culture you want. Ever heard of freedom of expression? Do you want to take that away from those nasty muslims so they can't affect your perfect world where you can dress and do as you please, but you don't want to look at anyone who doesn't look like you? I know! Let's make everyone wear jeans and t-shirts and if they don't like it, they can get the heck out of America! Hm... This is starting to sound familiar... I wonder why...
(Hint: it's familiar because you want to do exactly the same thing as those people you're railing against, except with a more up to date fashion choice)
Hear hear Allielcea!
a quick study of american ethnic/cultural history clearly shows the following pattern for immigrant families: by the third or fourth generation the traditional native practices, behaviors, and beliefs become buried within american practices, behaviors and beliefs. the first generation of immigrants hold onto their cultural ideals and attempt to keep the younger generation in check with those ideals. the second and third generations are caught between both cultures, and struggle the most. the fourth generation is american in thought and practice, holding onto only the beliefs and practices of their grandparents and great-grandparents that do not interfere with their american values and goals. this has been the pattern for every major wave of immigration into america.
tom-
Very very true!
But all most people want to see is the here and now, so they have an excuse to condemn others.
I applaud Muslim women and girls for the importance they place on modesty. Many of the girls and women that I see on the street dress as if they want to be perceived as chunks of meat.
Modesty is nice but is it the clothes that make you modest or is it how you feel about yourself. I do not think that western civilization can go back to the 18th or 19th centuries where women were also "modest" in their dress. It sure as heck looked uncomfortable and I get the same feeling when I see Muslim women all covered up - and that sure as heck does not protect them from being abused. It is only a matter of time that they will start to ask why they as women have to adhere to ancient codes in dress and men do not. It is already out there anyway because many have already decided that it is not necessary ..
a problem with some of the previous posts: people often confuse "muslim" behaviors with "cultural" behaviors. the two can be quite different; and the question of burkas falls into this category. millions of muslim women around the world are not required to wear burkas; which suggests that this is a cultural practice; one that has its origins in specific ethnic groups, and pre-dates islam. likewise, female genital circumcision is often mistakenly identified as a muslim practice. in reality it has been practiced on females in north african cultures since way before islam found its way into africa. millions of muslim women outside of africa don't have to endure this brutally unnecessary practice because it is not originally (or authentically) islamic.
i have researched it; i've been to egypt, i've talked to people attempting to eradicate the practice (and support their attempts). to answer your questions: 1) they are all muslims because they are from north africa which has been predominantly muslim for quite a few hundred years now. 2) the islamic clerics who support it are from africa (or were originally from africa), 3) yes, it is practiced outside of africa now due to migration from africa. but that doesn't change the point: the practice pre-dates islam in africa, and the vast majority of muslims world-wide do not practice it or endorse it. i haven't studied the burka as much, so i'm no expert on its origins and history, but it seems that its history and use are similar to fgm in that it was in use prior to the spread of islam across the middle east and africa. the evidence for this supposition is that it is not universally accepted throughout the world, and in each middle eastern and african community there are different standards (full-coverage, partial coverage, coverage at certain times, voluntary coverage, etc.).