Introduction
Although there is a decrease in the rates of oppression and stereotypes, many modern people are still discriminated against based on their appearance, religious views, or other characteristics. Public unawareness of certain traditions or values often results in prejudice or bias. In her essay, Maysan Haydar sheds light on wearing a hijab or another religious covering. This inspiring, educational, personal, and rich account explores in detail why veiling is a manifestation of females’ freedom rather than an oppressive tool used by men.
The Most Striking Ideas of the Text
The writing is filled with valuable insights and examples that expand one’s understanding of veiling. It is of great importance that Haydar sets parallels between covered Muslim women and other people holding stereotypes against them. The author says, “Ironically, the population that spends millions on beauty products, plastic surgery, and self-help guides is the same one that takes pity on me for being so ‘helpless’ and ‘oppressed’” (Haydar 414). Indeed, instead of promoting the violent and oppressive nature of a hijab, non-Muslim people should pay more attention to the social constraints that limit their rights and freedom.
Another valuable component is that the author breaks the traditional image of a veiled female being boring and having no interests. Haydar refers to her hobbies, stating that a hijab is never a limitation or cage, and covered women can also like karate, heavy metal, or other “unfitting” things (414). After reading her essay, the audience gets a better idea of most of these girls’ and women’s parents, as the latter often allow their daughters to choose whether to begin veiling (Haydar 416). Moreover, the author provides an informative discussion of how Muslim females find their bodies valuable and essential (Haydar 416). More articles should shed light on certain aspects of cultures and religions so that other communities understand them better and eliminate historically or recently set stereotypes.
Personal Reaction
My opinion about the article by Haydar can be expressed in a single phrase. I am grateful that there are writings like this that promote Muslim females’ rights, protect their freedom of choice, and educate people from other religions and cultures about the value and concept behind veiling. Haydar’s text is inspiring and filled with personal experiences and facts from religion or history. I find the reading insightful and engaging because the author expresses her opinion about wearing a headscarf and proves all her expressions with relevant examples.
Thus, when stating that modesty is one of the ideas behind veiling, Haydarrefers to other religions promoting modesty (414). The critical difference is that the “interpretation of modesty varies greatly” (Haydar 414). Consequently, if Muslim females choose to wear a hijab, it does not mean that males impose this practice on them.
Further, getting acquainted with the text, I drew some parallels with some personal conversations I used to have with Muslim girls and women. I remember they also told me about the freedom of choice that their families gave them. Indeed, for some girls, beginning veiling was not an entirely conscious choice, just like for the author of the text in her childhood (Haydar 413-414). However, they all later realized the value of this clothing. They began to cover themselves to protect their bodies, be perceived by other people as a whole person, and demonstrate sincere loyalty to their religion.
At the same time, I have some other comments regarding the evidence and examples the author provides. Thus, when describing how veiling helps her avoid harassment, Haydar refers to construction workers making discriminatory, aggressive, or degrading comments (414-415). I understand that many males, especially those working in spheres similar to construction, behave unacceptably toward women passing by. Nevertheless, not all men and not all construction workers are such, and this generalization leaves a somewhat questionable impression.
The same may be said about other females the author compares herself with. Haydar indicates that wearing makeup and skinny jeans or wishing to appear in a magazine are more oppressing experiences than veiling (414, 416). While it is essential to understand that wearing a hijab is a personal choice of many Muslim women, some are still made to cover themselves, especially in distant, underdeveloped regions. This also refers to girls wearing makeup: some are under severe societal pressure, but others find this practice beautiful and a manifestation of their freedom. While I understand that the author never intended to stereotype males and non-Muslim females, I wish there was a better indication that the mentioned experiences are oppressive only in some, rather than all, cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, reading this essay was an astonishing and educating experience, allowing me to enhance my perceptions of covered women. Numerous people tend to degrade and define as oppressing those traditions or concepts they do not fully understand. This unpleasant tendency increases the value of Haydar’s writing as the audience becomes more aware of veiling. Wearing a hijab manifests personal freedom and the desire to uncover their bodies only in intimate settings, and the author manages to convey this message brilliantly and persuasively.
Work Cited
Haydar, Maysan. “Veiled Intentions: Don’t Judge a Muslim Girl by Her Covering”.
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