According to recent media coverage, the Niqab is:
1. The cause for vitamin D deficiencies & teeth falling out.
2. A manifestation of vanity/a fetish.
3. A symbol of the female being submissive to the male.
4. Hideous.
5. An affront to Canadian values.
I really only have one main question: how many of the people writing these articles actually spoke to any women who choose to cover their faces? I can safely say none. Those who write articles begin by saying "in my research..." I don't know about you, but I'd like to know what this research is (which, conveniently is never mentioned).
Quebec's proposed niqab ban is outrageous, wrong, offensive, and disturbing on every possible level. But who's speaking up about it? Feminists? Nope. Muslim groups? Nope. Academics? Nope. Government officials? Nope and nope.
Why aren't we saying anything? Why aren't we doing anything to battle this xenophobic turn of events? People may think this will be isolated to Quebec, but that is far from the truth. It's a slippery slope - first niqab in Quebec, then perhaps the niqab in other provinces - and then any number of other civil liberties we hold so dear.
And even most individuals who are speaking up against the niqab always start their sentences with "look, I am against the niqab, but I think this ban is wrong." I find this a dangerous trend because by issuing such a statement, the person immediately distances him/herself from the issue. So if the niqab ban happens, well it's okay, I'm still safe because I already said I'm against it.
When was the last time someone opened your closet and told you that you couldn't wear what you chose to wear? And I don't start my sentences off with "look, I'm against cleavage showing, but you have a right to wear low-cut shirts." Why is that even my business? If a woman truly chooses to wear that, then that's her right - regardless of what I say or do. So why is it then, that we think we can make a decision on behalf of someone else in this case?
This reeks of colonialist mentality. You can decide for yourself what's wrong with this picture?
I don't wear niqab. But for those women who choose to wear it, all power to you, and you deserve serious respect for putting yourself in the public eye like that.
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8 comments:
I've deleted the previous comment because it was offensive and I don't have patience for bigots. Even if they are trying to be humourous.
go Asmaa!!
You make very strong points Asmaa. I think a state should respect the rights of minorities. I just wish we could do even more...perhaps raise more awareness about niqab misconceptions?
I think the niqab is wrong but..
just thought I would start off that way ;) no really, it's none of my business.
I don't think most people realize that even in Ontario, an extremely diverse and multicultural province, one where you cannot walk down a street (in TO at least) without seeing a Muslim man/woman, the whole niqab thing is becoming a major issue. My mother-in-law had THREE cops come to her house saying they received a call from a neighbour saying there was someone "suspicious" coming into her house. That someone suspicious was a woman with a niqab that comes over every week, mid-day, newborn baby in hand.
My question is, what're we doing about it? Aren't there enough educated, professional, and articulate, moderate Muslims to speak out against such a blatant breach of personal liberties?
Theres many uninformed article on the net. Nearly all for what I see.
The issue is not:
1. The cause for vitamin D deficiencies & teeth falling out.
2. A manifestation of vanity/a fetish.
3. A symbol of the female being submissive to the male.
4. Hideous.
5. An affront to Canadian values.
It is of unreasonnable accomodation by the rest of the population and a question of the secularity of the state.
I would like to add thats its not an ban. Its the obligation to show your face when dealing with public institution.
Unreasonable accommodation? Whoever says that clearly has no understanding of the issue. Most niqabis show their faces whenever it is required for security/identification purposes. There is nothing unreasonable about it.
Again, whoever believes that our state is truly "secular" and completely devoid of religion has not looked closely at our society! This nation was built on Christian values - my field (social work) started in the church! Regardless of whether you believe this state is secular or not, our systems are based almost completely on religious values. To deny that is to deny logic.
Considering the above, it's quite clear that the issue of religious clothing targets only certain religious groups, while letting others off the hook. If you try to pass that off as a fair and democratic situation, well then democracy ain't all it's cracked up to be, is it?
Also, your unnecessarily playing around with semantics. If you're required to not wear something in a certain situation, that's called a ban. Yes, the BAN is limited to certain spaces, but that doesn't make it less problematic!
If you haven't noticed, most spaces outside a woman's home are public institutions. And those spaces that aren't, will now be filled with people who will scoff at women wearing the niqab, hijab, and other religious garb - because Bill 94 sets a precedent. Those who can't see that, need to get their eyes checked.
Asmaa- I don't know you and I'm not all that aware of what's going on here, I stumbled on your blog by accident, but I applaud you and your willingness to speak out against this issue. I have deep respect for anyone who stays true to their religion, and I think it's awful that a government would EVER try to ban religious clothing. I would be utterly furious if my religious clothing was banned, and I don't think anyone should sit by and be okay while it's being done to others.
Thank you!
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