From another friends update. Some wise reflections ( hark hark! self proclaimed liberal White feminists) - Today after conducting a tour of my building at work with a group of visitors (who for the most part were lovely and receptive) one of the ladies approached me and said I would never convert to Islam because of THE WOMEN. To which I had to give a diplomatic nod as she walked off. Another woman then came up to me and said I love your head scarf, I learnt how to put one on, but I would never ever wear one. Its ridiculous. And again, walked off before I could say anything. Im used to all sorts of comments like this, but I couldnt help but think, this epitomises so much of the struggle. Within seconds i was stripped of a voice, lumped with the other and judged for actions and ideas that are not my own. Within a few words they imposed their privilege and saviour complex on me and exemplified how (whether its to do with understanding Islam or feminism) middle class, western values are so forcefully considered the model to which all must fit. With a point to my hijab they objectified me and reduced my identity, beliefs and womanhood to something as shallow as a scrap of cloth. Knowing so many wonderful and intelligent people it is easy to forget how politicised every aspect of my being can be and how ignorance, ultimately, is a choice.
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 06:07:25 +0000
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