Identities: Modern discourse on the hijab is problematic
(02/13/18 9:49pm)
When we were asked to write an article about the hijab in honor of World Hijab Day (Feb. 1), we sat and brainstormed possible topics. We came to realize that all of our ideas centered on the assumed oppressive nature of the hijab. Muslim women have a learned instinct to defend it. The words “oppressed, forced and medieval” have been thrown at us. Our immediate response is to reply with “empowered, liberated and it’s my choice.” We realized our discourse surrounding the hijab should not just pertain to its relation to oppression.