Oooh Controversy

I'm not sure what it is about having something covering your hair that makes people so upset... This is a worldwide issue that I have never understood. I had a think about it the other day, and I realized, no one has ever tried to ban nuns from wearing a habit? You don't see big signs in the streets with "BAN THE HABIT" written on them. So what makes the hijab different? What makes people feel so strongly about wanting to to ban a piece of clothing? I am leaning towards the ignorance of the meaning behind it. So, it is for this reason that I have done some research on the rationale of it all. So I hope that at least one person who believes it shouldn't be allowed can read this and make sure they know what they are talking about. Just a note before I begin, my source for this all is the internet, I do not pretend to be an expert on it at all lol.

Firstly, just to give us a point of comparison. Let me just tell you all about the habit nuns wear. Pope John Paul the second said that the habit is a sign of consecration (commitment of your life to something you cherish), poverty and membership to a particular religious family. Seem fair enough? Now there are lots of different colours and styles depending on which order you are from but they are all quite similar. So the main reason they wear it is to show that they have dedicated their life to God.

So what is the hijab for?

A hijab is a veil that covers the head that is worn by muslim women around adult men that are not related to them. It is a sign of modesty and morality. It is never specifically mentioned in the Quran (the Islamic holy book) that a woman should wear this. But it is worn to remain modest, which is one of the teachings from this book. There is lots of talk about how it is a breach of women's rights and freedom. However, women can choose whether or not they wish to wear it. Some Islamic women say the fact that it prevents non-consensual sexual advances in public places means they feel safer to go outside. Interesting thought.

There are some places in the world where wearing the hijab is compulsory by law for women. It was enforced by the Taliban in Afghanistan for example. Sadly, Islamic women have in the past been killed or punished for not adhering to dress codes in the area in which they live.
There are also places that forbid the wearing of the hijab. In France for example, you can not wear 'symbols or clothes which show your religious affiliation' in schools. I have heard of a particular example in Australia where a police officer tried to rip the hijab off a woman who refused to take it off for identification purposes. Although it turns out the woman was indeed up to mischief, there are laws in Australia which protect her religious rights which means she is allowed to accompany the male police officer to the station and be interviewed by a female officer without her hijab. She still gets the punishment for her crime, but we adhere to our notion of multiculturalism. Which I believe is fair. The only thing that that would affect in the example above is the amount of time it would take to go back to the station to interview. Sorry if your doughnut time is being impacted on Mr policeman.

Now let us have a little bit of time focussing on the Niqab or burqa (I believe they are called different things depending on where you are, although a burqa veils the eyes as well I think). Because that is what I believe Westerners fear the most. The Niqab is a veil that covers the face. Apparently, not only is there a debate amongst Westerners as to whether or not Islamic women should wear it, but apparently, there is an internal debate amongst muslim women. I think it is mostly worn by women from Saudi Arabia. But like I said, I am no where near an expert.

So boys and girls what have we learnt today?

1. A hijab is worn to remain modest in public
2. In some countries where some Australian citizens originate from, it is compulsory for Islamic women to wear the hijab. (So maybe they continue to wear it here because they have always done so)
3. Islamic women in Australia can choose whether or not they want to wear the hijab
4. Some Islamic women have claimed they feel safer from non-consensual sexual advances because of this clothing
5. It is not that much different from a nun wearing a habit. No one watches sister act and says "how could Whoopi Goldberg wear that!?"


Well that is all from me on this subject for now. I am sure it could create a bit of a stir. But hey, it's my blog and I'll rant if I want to, rant if I want to, rant if I want tooooooo. Sorry if you aren't as interested in more serious blog content. I will definitely get back to the funny topics but I just wanted to put my two cents out there. I meant this blog only as a means of educating people so if you were offended I appologise. Enjoy your day and I hope I gave you something to think about xx.