Dear Reader,
Recently an article was brought to my attention concerning the stereotypes surrounding headscarves, and the “liberation and empowerment” it brings to its wearers. The article, “Wearing the Headscarf Is a Matter of Feminism, Aesthetics and Solidarity for Me” by Celene Ibrahim, caused its readers to consider an alternative interpretation of the wearing of headscarves and what it really symbolizes to the women who make that choice. I found the argument incredibly thought-provoking, especially when the term “feminism” was used to demonstrate the author’s political stance and interpretation of the headscarf.
Typically, people view the hijab as a symbol of religious “obligation” that correlate to a patriarchal society. Celene Ibrahim confidently explains that to her, the headscarf provides a desired sense of privacy, as well as acts as a form of protest against the common stereotype of the veil being a result of “male privilege“. Upon the community of Muslim women, a headscarf largely represents their freedom in personal choice. Many enjoy the modesty it serves, and as I learned, it provides a sense of self respect and sacrality; people are forced to focus on the internal rather than the external. It is mentioned that it also prevents unwanted comments or gazes toward women, which suggests that the headscarf directly averts forms of sexualization and objectification. From what I have deduced, Muslim woman are also guarding themselves from the standards posed on all women; such as beauty and body standards. This caused me to deeply consider what “feminism” really means, and how I, too am guilty of believing headscarves were a signifier of male dominance.
I originally viewed the veil as a form of oppression and supported the circumstances when women broke away from the tradition, but I never considered the women who chose to wear it. I believe this could be a typical “westernized view” where ignorance results in the failure to consider foreign interpretations of feminism. There are arguably two modern interpretations; one embraces the choice to “show off” the female body, and the other favours the ability to cover it. The true definition of “feminism” within these two interpretations are not the forms themselves, but rather the ability to choose which one you embody.
