Me without my hijab

la times ^ | June 8, 2008 | Zainab Mineeia

[rocksblues]

When I came to this country, I took off my hijab. It wasn't an easy decision. I worried at night that God would punish me for it. That's what I had been taught would happen, and it filled me with fear.

I was 27, coming from my home country of Iraq to study in California. I hoped that by taking off the hijab I had been wearing for eight years, I would be able to maintain a low profile. In Baghdad, you keep a low profile to stay alive. But in the United States, I merely wanted not to be judged.

snip

But even as the hijab kept me safe, it became a burden for many others. After the fall of Saddam Hussein, there was a dramatic increase in the number of women wearing the hijab. Since then, as religious groups have gained more power, it has become dangerous to be spotted without one -- so much so that even Christian women now wear the hijab when they go out. To me, that signified that something was wrong with my country.

snip

At the same time, I was disappointed. We shouldn't have to hide the fact that we're Muslims in order to be treated like everyone else. In some ways, it's as bad to feel pressure to take off the hijab in the United States as it is to be pressured to keep it on in Baghdad. It's sad that people here do not always accept you for who you are.

[StolarStorm]

I used to think that as well... but the look they give is not one of suffering but of extreme arrogance and hostility.

I live in an area that has a large and growing Islamic population. They are not here to assimilate. They are here to dominate... and the women are doing their part.

[BIGLOOK]

American Japanese who wore tabis were also targeted. It tended to be a generational custom; Issei (first generation) alway wore then, Nissei (second generation) sometimes wore them when not wearing sneakers. But tabis are still worn to this day as a matter or choice. Can’t say the same about the hijab though.

[Onelifetogive]

Be honest — how many of you clicked on this thread to see if there was a picture posted of an un-hijabed Iranian hottie? :-)

You're not the only one...

[Onelifetogive]

They try to hide it, but it's obvious...

People try to make her feel as comfortable as possible, and this is the thanks they get...

[JLS]

The US the is not Turkey. Individuals have the right to do as they please here within very lose limits. That includes dressing as we please.

The lose limits often include not covering your face. I certainly will not argue that dress can be a unifying symbol. That apparently has some governmental standing in Turkey. It does not in the US.