The Hijab or head coverings has drawn misconceptions toward the Muslim women. Many Americans or those from the west have formed the opinion that it is mandatory for a women to be covered from head-to-toe because of religious beliefs. It is actually not all true. The Quran advises both men and women to dress modestly, and conservatively. The way each person or country interprets it and exercises this rule varies widely. Much of the way the rule will be enforced is based off of the culture or traditions. When the veil started in the pre-Islamic Byzantine and Persian customs it was to show social status. Typically, the less fortunate would be barely covered, and those of higher class would flash their wealth through their veil. There is also the misconception that a women has to cover her entire body. In Islam, the hijab change again, by the culture. You may see a women wear a loose scarf, veil, or even the burqa, (full-length body covering) it all just depends on which country you are in. For instances, you are more likely see a women wearing a burqa in Afghanistan. Also, not all women will cover their face either, as generations have passed this idea has faded. The idea of covering your body/face is also to reserve your self image. It was thought that this way no sexual thoughts would be brought about. Maybe, this is the reason why many find the eyes of many Middle Eastern women so attractive. Saudi Arabia and Iran for example, require the women to wear veils, while Turkey prohibits a women to wear it in public offices, or universities as they are a country with a forming identity. What pieces of clothing do you wear that could misrepresent you? What are your thoughts on the burqa and hijab?Sunday, March 6, 2011
Hijab
The Hijab or head coverings has drawn misconceptions toward the Muslim women. Many Americans or those from the west have formed the opinion that it is mandatory for a women to be covered from head-to-toe because of religious beliefs. It is actually not all true. The Quran advises both men and women to dress modestly, and conservatively. The way each person or country interprets it and exercises this rule varies widely. Much of the way the rule will be enforced is based off of the culture or traditions. When the veil started in the pre-Islamic Byzantine and Persian customs it was to show social status. Typically, the less fortunate would be barely covered, and those of higher class would flash their wealth through their veil. There is also the misconception that a women has to cover her entire body. In Islam, the hijab change again, by the culture. You may see a women wear a loose scarf, veil, or even the burqa, (full-length body covering) it all just depends on which country you are in. For instances, you are more likely see a women wearing a burqa in Afghanistan. Also, not all women will cover their face either, as generations have passed this idea has faded. The idea of covering your body/face is also to reserve your self image. It was thought that this way no sexual thoughts would be brought about. Maybe, this is the reason why many find the eyes of many Middle Eastern women so attractive. Saudi Arabia and Iran for example, require the women to wear veils, while Turkey prohibits a women to wear it in public offices, or universities as they are a country with a forming identity. What pieces of clothing do you wear that could misrepresent you? What are your thoughts on the burqa and hijab?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The biggest misconception about an article of clothing that I wear has to be my jeans and Ugg boots. One day I was in Starbucks ordering a latte and I ran into someone I knew. We started talking and at the end of our conversation, he proceeded to tell me to enjoy my day off. Due to my casual attire, he automatically assumed I was not going to work. I, however, work in an office where the dress code is extremely casual. In regard to wearing a hijab, it seems that the culture is affording the woman the choice to wear it. It is not mandatory and left to the discretion of the woman. It also appears that the burqa is beginning to take on the same form. Personally, I feel that misconceptions in our society are due to a lack of ignorance.
ReplyDeleteTypo, lol. should read: is due to ignorance and not a lack thereof. Tired. :-)
ReplyDeleteMisconceptions in clothing in our society follows the "don't judge a book by it's cover" philosophy. We often "judge" people by the clothes they wear...we make assumptions in the business world that if someone isn't wearing "appropriate" business attire that they don't take their work seriously. My entire career has been spent in the advertising world and nothing could be further from the truth there. Some of the most brilliant people I've worked with worn jeans and and a tee shirt to work. I won't even get into the role clothes play in the world of the high school student. As the parent of a 10th grader, nothing is an important as what she wears so that she will fit in. It isn't until we're older we learn to dress for ourselves!!!
ReplyDeleteAs for women in the Middle East, how they dress demonstrates that woman are treated as second class citizens. Friends of mine who have lived in Saudia Arabia and who had to wear similar head wear to be "accepted" in society also told of how woman have less privilages then men - they aren't able to drive, aren't able to appear in public unescorted, in some cases, do not receive the same education as men. Covering their faces is one more burden that woman must tolerate to be accepted in their society.
Lynda-yes I agree! I just had a job interview to a shoe place at the mall and was trying to decide what to wear. I ended up wearing ugg boots, leggings and a nice dressy top...after walking in and bumping into a friend who was also there to get interviewed he had thought I was just there to shop. It's a shoe store why wear heels when you wouldn't do that on the job?! Direct-I totally agree! What you wear in the work force matters! To me as a high school student, I have learned that although the type of clothes can bring you together with a particular group, it doesn't alway mean you're "in." There are kids in popular brands, but not with the "popular kids," which is almost like the saying, "money can't buy you happiness," because most feel in order to get the best high school experience you have to be popular.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first entered the workplace. I was dressed to the nines in these real expensive suits, and the lawyers were all dressed in shorts or khakis. I was like what is wrong with this picture? lol. Money cannot buy love or happiness and you do not have to be popular in order to have the best high school experience and the very best of friends. You have a very good head on your shoulders and are a very smart young lady. Your parents did an amazing job with you!
ReplyDelete