09
Nov
2006
10 Comments
A Veiled America: An Experiment in “Free†Writing
This picture took my breath away…
I find nothing disturbing about this powerfully expressive piece of art. On the contrary, it evoked in me a deep sense of peace, tranquility and inquisitive curiosity. It put a wide smile on my face and stirred a billion pleasant thoughts in my head. Coexistance of the seemingly clashing and “uncoexistance-able” all wrapped up within one picture… one very magnificent picture. What do you see in it? What does it evoke in you? I’m quite sure some of you will find it rather disturbing and maybe even horrifying. Share your thoughts and sentiments in the comments section.
(hat tip and thanks to: Wasalaam)
Join the Conversation
I don’t think Muslims as a whole understand what Americans see as wrong with the whole veil issue.
It is not the veil on the head. Many groups do this. Nuns do it. Women here, especially older immigrant ones (and not only Muslim, but many others), have long worn kerchiefs on their heads. We see it all the time. No big deal.
But the veil over the mouth- that says “gag” to an American, and is on the instinctive, gut reaction a horrible, hateful thing. Even Americans who cannot consciously explain this will feel that inside. The very sight of a gag disturbs us, frightens us, angers us. To take away the power of speech- which is what the mouth covering symbolically does, is an abomination to us. That is why we get upset over that kind of veil, and ignore a mere head covering.
And then there is the next step, the veil over the eyes. What do you think that says to an American?
Ben
Ben is right that a headscarf or kerchief isn’t unusual: the issue is covering the face. I wouldn’t say a gag, though: I think it is seen as a mask. Now, in America it’s taken for granted that masks are only worn by people with ill intent: an honest person has no reason to wear one.
Further, it is perceived as oppressive to women: the message is that she is the property of some man and he doesn’t want anyone else looking at her.
The mask makes us nervous, the oppression makes us angry: this is a very bad combination.
Wow okay, I didn’t really know you guys perceive it like that. Thanks for the insight.
Actually there are many ways of looking at it. 2 are:
1- Many women wear the hijab or burka all by themselves. Nobody forces them to do so. When they do, they claim that they’re at peace and feel secure. To me it sounds weird but to them it’s a good “modest†feeling. So… in this picture that’s what the American flag represents. It represents an America that protects her and gives her “modestyâ€. The fact she chose the American flag is expressive in itself. America gave her peace, freedom and the chance to choose what she wants to choose. Freedom is pointless if everybody was going to live the same exact way of life and do everything exactly the same way like each other. This picture expresses to me freedom at its peak even if we don’t agree with her attire. That’s the beauty of freedom. Live and let live. The only way that can happen is in a truly free country. The girl looks above in prayer to find protection from “the heavens†and at the same time she finds protection and security within the freedom of America.
2- The Burka is an oppressive tool which will indicate the girl is being oppressed by America and that she’s praying to God to help her.
I obviously see the 1st and defintely not the 2nd. I know it might seem weird to you but I find this picture very pretty.
you know what’s funny guys? If she wrapped herself up in the Saudi flag, I will have a completely opposite reaction. I guess that says a lot about the way I feel if I had to look at both flags.
Interesting photo. worth a thousand…..?
My reaction is that the American flag is like an article of clothing. It covers whatever. In the US the myth is that one is free to do whatever is an expression of your freedom to communicate your opinion. This freedom is continually pushed to we think is the limit, but news will tell us of a new boundary. “Is this freedom of individual expression a net destructive force or a constructive one?”, that is the real question.
My reaction to that is very bad- not only because the mouth is covered and so, symbolically, she has no voice, but because of the eyes- I connect that kind of upward stare(eyes rolling upward rather then the whole face turning) with someone who is looking up at someone, but is too afraid of him turn her face up.She looks as if she is trying to protect herself from someone by removing her voice and/or is trying to use the US(and by implication, the western world) as symbolic “defense”.
Oh, and EdoRiver – as to the freedom of speech net effect?I’d say it is constructive, but like most forces, it can be used for both construction and destruction, and it has great power in both directions(see the various hate-mongering leaders for examples of destruction)
A head-covering is not a veil… in order to be deemed a veil it must cover the face. You should be more clear about these explanations.
All you people seem to prove from these statement is that you have very creative imaginations. Do you know any niqabis or hijabis for that matter? Have you spoke to them? Have they confided their deepest secrets and fears concerning their faith? The what gives you the mind to write these things other than your imaginations… my wife is a hijabi so am I her oppressor? She takes it off when she wants and wears it when she wants. Contrary to what you may think I prefer her not to where it because of idiots like you… but since she is a pious Muslima she donns the hijab for the reward from her Lord. May God give you guidance…
Ya Hadi
Abu Sahajj
Wa Salaam
“Contrary to what you may think I prefer her not to where it because of idiots like you.”
Idiots like who? I mean, are all five of us idiots, or are only two or three of us idiots? Since you used the plural I guess at least two of us must be idiots…
Idiots like Ben who claim the dramas conjured in their imaginations is an accurate description of a thing and decide to bring these dreamt up sagas as an argument against a people, ideal or culture. Idiots who would associate this quibbling drivel the Muslim niqab
I’m really a nice guy… I’m just giving you all a hard-time.
wasalaam
I live in Iowa and we have a large community of Amish and Mennonites here. I lived for several years as a conservative Mennonite and took to wearing what they called “the veil”. This was a small white cap that distinguishes Pacifist Mennonites and Amish from other Christians. I loved my time in that religious community. It was a very “monastic” experience for me and a good one. I eventually left (on good terms) because I did disagree with elements of the theology which dealt with women being submissive to men and unable to hold leadership in the church. Though this is an obviously contentious issue, I was able to maintain positive relationships while going on to the more liberal church. But I had to give up the veil. I loved wearing it because to me it symbolized peace, identity, simple living and community. I suspect that many Muslim women have just as nuanced and complex reasons for choosing to wear a covering. Some may submit to the authority of God or community rather than push for their own beliefs. Some may be forced to wear it, under threat of losing their families or their respect. I knew many Amish and Mennonite women who hated the covering, because it symbolized to them oppression. They usually left the community, which was a very painful decision. I think in America there is a special way of thinking in which we can support freedom of expression and yet fight for justice at the same time. In other words, we must proclaim constantly the equality of all people, of women, and immigrants, and all religions, and yet detach from the intensely personal and complicated choices that individuals make. Sometimes Americans forget that paradoxes like this are okay. We always feel like we must take a totally consistent stand on some issue or another. It would have been possible for me at one time to have said, “Yes, I do support Equal rights for women in church and at home and in all of life” and at the same time I really liked my head-covering. I think in the countries that so many of these bloggers are dreaming up in their hearts, anything is possible.