The
veil seems to carry many different meanings ranging from person to person. In
the article we read in class by Ashraf Zahedi, Contested Meaning Of The Veil And Political Ideologies Of Iranian
Regimes, Zahedi states, “This essentialized singular image has led to the
empowerment of some women while marginalizing others and violating their rights”. I feel like Zahedi does a good job bringing
to attention the different ways the veil can impact different individuals
through this short, but informative segment in her writing. In the case of the
article by Hillary Reinsberg that I came across the veil is ultimately a symbol
of empowerment. A woman by the name of Shaima Alwadi was murdered simply
because people labeled her as a terrorist because of her religion. The article
reveals that it was a hate crime, and that she was beaten to death only to be
left with an ugly note labeling her as a terrorist. In Shaima Alwadi’s case “the
veil” marginalized her in some peoples eyes. I thought it was very
interesting how in attempt to protest what happened to this woman so many more people
around the world took the veil in the same situation and used it as a symbol of
empowerment. This put into perspective what different effects the veil can have
on everyone. I am glad that the one million women from all walks of life were
able to come together and portray the veil as a symbol of empowerment on behalf
of Shaima Alwadi after such an ugly crime was committed out of the negative
view others had on it.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/hillaryreinsberg/the-women-of-one-million-hijabs
I thought your examples tied in well with the contrasting views of the veil and I agreed with your stance. I think it is fascinating how one piece of clothing can be viewed in so many different ways and can even mean life or death in certain situations. I believe that each individual has the right to believe whatever they so choose and wear whatever they would like to wear. It is heartbreaking to know that so many women are scrutinized for wearing a piece of clothing that has a great meaning to them and their religion. On the other side of this argument is the idea that some women are forced to wear a veil even if they do not want to. An individual should also not be forced to wear anything they don't wish too, so the veil can also be seen as an oppressor for the women who are forced to wear it. I think it is important to find out how a woman feels about wearing a veil and support their decision to wear one if thats what they desire. In the same breath, if a woman if being forced to wear one and seeks help in gaining freedom, then it is a whole different matter entirely.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the veil does have many different meanings. In the reading of Zahedi, it was sad that the king Reza Shah made unveling part of his reform for women and used physical force on some women to get them to unviel. “The veil was a source of respect, virtue, protection, and pride”, “ they viewed unveiling as a moral violation” (pg. 82). The decisions he made were was as if his morals and values of the veil were more important than those who were literally wearing it. Although all of this took place in 1936, today women are still having to deal with these same issues of veiling or unveiling. It’s just sad that they would have to choose between their beliefs and safety. Just because you don’t like something or someone does not justify your decision to cause maltreatment.
ReplyDeleteI think your article is very interesting and ties in well with the class discussion over the veil. The veil does have many different meanings and it's sad to see people who have not taken the time to study those meanings and participate in hate crimes like the one against Shaima Alwadi. This article to me shows how a violent crime against women turned into an empowering and unified movement. In class discussion, we talked about how the United States characterizes women who wear the veil as oppressed which in turn symbolizes we, as a nation, are superior. Women who wear the veil choose this as part of their religion and culture. Labeling them as oppressed ties in with the lack of knowledge of the veil.
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