Essay on The Hijab - 1234 Words

How Identity is Represented Through Gender: Femininity and the Hijab An individual’s identity can differ depending on several different physical and biological factors including sexuality, gender, age and class. Throughout Ruby Tabassum’s article entitled Listening to the Voices of Hijab, identity is related to gender in a number of ways. I have decided to discuss this specific article because the idea of how femininity is portrayed is a significant aspect of Canadian culture nowadays. I am also interested in focusing on how the identities of Muslim women are recognized in society and how individuals interpret the meaning behind wearing the hijab. Throughout this article, I have distinguished several different reasons for wearing†¦show more content†¦This is a significant aspect of the course because the article examines the strengths and weaknesses of femininity through a cultural Muslim perspective and the reading is a prime example of how ideologies regarding race affect those involved. In class we have discussed the si gnificances of social constructs and how assumptions are made on the basis of physical characteristics. In this situation, identity is related to gender as Muslim women are categorized as both good/respectful and rebellious/evil individuals because they are apart of a culture where they are both oppressed and liberated simultaneously. The hijab used as a symbol of the Muslim culture is just one characteristic of how it can be perceived; the hijab is also a sign of life, safety and personal identity (Tabassum, 2006, p. 37). Tabassum (2006) interviews an individual by the name of Raheelah who identifies the hijab as not just a piece of clothing that covers a Muslim women’s face, but also as a portrayal of themselves as a person (p. 37). I think that this is an important aspect of Canadian culture for feminine identity to be recognized appropriately and respectively rather than being looked down upon. There are several stereotypes within society which makes it difficult for any female to portray themselves as decent and demonstrate morality; thus the hijab is one way for Muslim women to take advantage of its purpose and be recognized as proper as the hijab somewhatShow MoreRelatedHijab, Veil Or Scarf?1983 Words   |  8 PagesHijab is mentioned in many different ways but, some of the most common names that are used are headscarf, veil or scarf. There’s various types of the hijabs and some of them are referred as Burqa (a long and loose garment covering the whole body from head to feet), Chador (cloth that is wrapped around the head and upper body leaving only the face) and Niqab (covers the whole face except the eyes). The headscarf is traditionally worn by Muslim women in the existence of adult male outside of theirRead MoreIs the Religion of Hijab Oppression691 Words   |  3 PagesHijab, is it another word for oppression? In the fifteen hundred years of existence this norm in the religion has ignited dispute that has still not been resolved all over the world. According to BBC news Hijab has been banned in countries like France, Netherlands, Syria, Belgium and Spain. As they believe that wearing Hijab is domineering and degrading towards women. I strongly believe that banning the Hijab is a desecration of one’s religious beliefs and freedom; it is also an object of controversyRead MoreFaith and the Hijab Essay examples1707 Words   |  7 Pagescoverings? Finally what objections are there against women wearing the head coverings? Why Hijab and the Origins The word hijab translates into to hide or to conceal. It is a head covering, usually a scarf, that covers the hair and the bosom and at most times leaves the face exposed. The origins go all the way back to the prophet’s time, when the Quran was being written. What the Quran says about the hijab is: O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women, that they shouldRead MoreThe Unfair Treatment of Muslim Women833 Words   |  3 Pageswears is called a hijab. Some Muslim women also wear a veil to conceal their face, also known as a niqab. The long dresses that they wear are called burkas. The requirements for these dresses are that they should be loose, but thick enough as to not show the color of their skin. Many Muslim women also wear shaylas, which are veils that cover the head and chest. Muslim girls start wearing these pieces of clothing around the age of puberty. A lot of them choose to start wearing hijabs and some of theRead MoreEssay on The Veil2050 Words   |  9 Pagesbecause of the Quran nor the prophet, nor the Islamic tradition, but simply because those rights conflict with interests of the male elite (ix). The Hijab (curtain or veil in Arabic) in early Islam was not to put a barrier between a man and a woman, according to Mernissi, but between two men. The verse in the Qur’an that mentions the Hijab says that it descended in the bedroom of the wedded pair to protect their intimacy and exclude a third person. That was because of God’s order to his prophetRead MoreWearing a Uniform of Oppression Essay702 Words   |  3 Pages Having lived my whole life by the teachings of the Islamic faith, I understand the appreciations and values associated with the Hijab. However, also living in Canada, a pro-western society, I also see how some might see it as an oppression set upon Muslim women; objectively isolating them from the rest of society. I believe that the Hijab means much more than just a piece of cloth covering a woman’s hair. It represents their identity and their pride. It is considered to be the flagRead MoreMuslim And Non Muslim Women1425 Words   |  6 Pagesladies trust that God has instructed them to monitor their modesty and wear the hijab with poise and self-regard, where they are satisfied to be recognized as perfect and virtuous Muslim ladies, however, there are various Muslim and non-Muslim both are think about that whether the wearing of Hijab, Naqab and Burqa is a Muslim women identity, are they truly essential for them and the misconception of wearing these outfit. Hijab may appear like a simple head cover worn by Muslim ladies for a long timeRead MoreThe Islamic Religion And Culture1216 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the Islamic religion and culture, the Muslim veil has developed into a symbolic concept that cannot be easily contained under one meaning. The veil, which is also referred to as the â€Å"hijab,† is both material and conceptual. Depending on the person’s cultural beliefs and practices, the veil is a fabric which comes in multiple forms. Despite these variations, the concept of modesty and veil is holistic. This concept has evolved into a significant hallmark of many Muslim women. However, theRead More`` Shafana And Aunt Sarrinah, Soft Revolution `` By Alana Valentine And Shrinking Women1043 Words   |  5 Pagesunknowing,† – Shafana. Here the veil is symbolic of the uncertainty that waits when escaping the societal criteria and transitioning to adulthood and life wearing the hijab. Shafana uses a mono logue to expose her feelings of the unfamiliar, she explains the deep sea; this becomes a symbol for what she will endure while wearing the Hijab. â€Å"We still don’t know half of what is in the deep sea, deep oceans because their veiled with darkness†¦ which is not just veiled †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Therefore her transition is a mysteryRead MoreThe Functions of the Veil for Muslims1359 Words   |  5 PagesThe Functions of the Veil The practice of veiling has been a topic of controversy amongst several Muslim and non-Muslim scholars (Ruby, 2006). The â€Å"new hijab phenomenon† originated in Cairo approximately two decades ago. Although not a common practice in Cairo, by the year 2000 over 80% of women adopted some form of veiling. The practice of veiling has also been embraced by several other Muslim societies around the world (Carvalho, 2013). The Western world has associated veiling as a form of oppression

The Importance of Civil Disobedience Free Essays

Gandhi, Martin Luther King Junior, Rosa Parks, Cesar Chavez. Each of these people were leaders and role models to different civil rights movements. However, they all share similar views on how society should react to oppression. We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Civil Disobedience or any similar topic only for you Order Now The motive behind each and every protest in American History is civil disobedience, an idea thought up by Thoreau while he spent the night in jail, due to tax evasion. He believed â€Å"that government is best which governs least. †1 His revolutionary idea weaved its way into the fabric of American life. As free people, we see it as our right to protest any laws we see unjust. In a society which controls, the need to rebel will always be present. This theme is abundant throughout the many different time periods in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. Early American newspapers were often opinion based. These articles slowly became less and less fond of the King and his laws. For example, the Pennsylvania Gazette contains many articles pertaining to the injustice of the stamp act. This particular paper contains a segment from a meeting with the Sons of Liberty. The first point states, â€Å"we will cheerfully, to the utmost of our power, defend all of our just rights and privileges, as they have always been heretofore allowed us†2. The Sons of Liberty make it clear to the public that no injustices will go unnoticed. The paper continues, â€Å"that we will oppose all attempts to deprive us of our rights and privileges as Englishmen. And therefore will at all events oppose the operation of that defeatable thing called the Stamp Act, in this colony†3 This article is one of the first to take a stand against oppression. The Sons of Liberty published many columns similar to this one in papers throughout the colonies. Although these articles may seem aggressive the motive is still passive. â€Å"That we will, in all cases, behave ourselves peaceably as far as our influence extends, weill preserve the public peace†¦ †4 They are recognized as pioneers in the field of civil disobedience. Thoreau can be thought of as the father of civil disobedience, turning what was once a bloodbath for power into a peaceful yet effective plan for change. In all of his writing it is clear that Thoreau is not fond of American government, or any other government. Henry Thoreau once said, â€Å"any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it†5. This quote summarizes how Thoreau felt about politics. It is frustrating how one fool can pass a law which effects everybody, however what Henry could not stand, is how the majority of people would stand by and let it happen. Anyone who has studied Thoreau would know that his biggest pet peeves are the government and conformity. He believed that â€Å"disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves†6. As Americans, we deserve the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The dictionary definition of liberty is â€Å"freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control. †7 This means that we deserve the right to rebel against government control. Maybe Thoreau was not as revolutionary as some thought, he was simply quoting the Constitution of the United States of America. Civil disobedience was catching on in the colonies as taxes got higher. However the phenomenon was not as popular in Britain. â€Å"It has been reported to the King that several writings†¦ nder the title of Revolutions, or Protests or different bodies and communities, cary with them an air of disobedience and revolt. These writings are in their form-illegal-in the effect that they are intended to produce-fallacious superiority over the royal authority†8. These letters were a response to articles such as the one put forth by the Sons of Liberty. The King would send ultimatum after ultimatum, attempting to stop civil disobedience from becoming mainstream. â€Å"The King being in his council, orders that the deliberations and protests of his courts and other assemblies made since the publication of his laws of the 8th of May†¦ articularly officers of the courts, or other judges, to afflict just penalties†¦ †9 Yet his threats did not stop the rebellion from coming. Like previously stated, in a society which controls, the need to rebel will always be present. Through the hard work of Henry Thoreau, the Sons of Liberty, and all those who opposed British rule, America is now a separate and free country. However as long as a government controls the way people live there will always be a need to rebel. Society’s right to free speech is essential in the preservation of freedom. Hopefully citizens will always see the positive outcomes of peaceful rebellion, it has and continues to shape the way our country works. The American society would not be what it is today without people crossing the line in order to show better ideas that will benefit the future that we live in today. Martin Luther King proved this when he crossed the line and protested in order to eliminate segregation. Now Americans can live freely together, in a society that rebelled, and is now better off than it ever has been before. How to cite The Importance of Civil Disobedience, Essay examples

Dominic free essay sample

I know I’m not God, and I know I’m not the Grim Reaper, but I can be the difference to somebody, and that’s what’s most important to me. I want to spend the rest of my life pursuing a career in the Medical field. That, in my eyes, is fulfillment. I’ve seen and gone through many Medical experiences in my seventeen years of life, but there was one person’s particular experience that stood out the most to me; more than any of my own. I had a nephew named Dominic. He was born on August 5, 2005 – ten days before my little and only sister. He was born with an eye problem, and by the age of two, he had to have his eye removed and replaced by a glass eye. During this time, we began to notice little lumps on his neck, but when we addressed the issue to the doctor, he simply dismissed it as nothing to worry about. We will write a custom essay sample on Dominic or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page That was the same doctor that also never gave a clear explanation for his eye problems. A few months passed, and that poor baby felt worse and worse. The lumps on his neck multiplied, so we took him to another doctor. This doctor floored us all when he delivered Dominic’s diagnosis: Dominic had cancer in his neck. And so as the months dragged on, he became more aware of what was happening to him. He spent the last year of his life with a brave spirit, wise beyond his years. He told me that he was going to meet God soon, and that everything was going to be okay†¦ He soothed my family’s souls when we had no idea how we could ever soothe his. After his fourth birthday passed, he began to get worse. The cancer was spreading, and at that point, it was a waiting game. I was into my first year of high school, and my quinceanera was coming up in the winter. My cousin Robert (Dominic’s father) came over one day in September and after having heard that Dominic could have had more time and maybe even beat cancer if the first doctor checked his lumps thoroughly was beyond me. I felt enraged, upset, and depressed. Time passed, and then came the night of my quinceanera. I traditionally did the waltz, the changing of the shoes, and the surprise dance, but when it came to my thank you speech, the mood in the room was different. My family’s faces changed from proud smiles to thoughtful grins. There was a sadness in everyone’s eyes, and I was confused. When I was done, I left the podium and tried to socialize with my relatives. It seemed like everyone was avoiding me. Soon I found my cousin Lalis, and then in that moment is when I heard the news: Dominic had died about a half hour before my speech. My world had stopped. I sat in shock fo r an hour as my ball fell apart; and it didn’t matter that my make-up was ruined by the flowing tears or that my fake eyelashes may have stained my expensive white dress, because all I could think of was that little boy telling me that everything would be okay. He died December 26, 2009. After his funeral a week later, I returned to school entering a fresh semester. My new class was Health. My sadness was comforted only by my increasing curiosity and wonder of the workings of the human body. I found a love for the anatomy of humans. My world was moving again. I knew then how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I want to be a doctor. I want to help, if not save kids like Dominic who could have had a chance. I know I’m not God, and I know I’m not the Grim Reaper, but I can be the difference to somebody, and that’s what’s most important to me.