Veiling For Muslim Women

Veiling for many women is a Muslim practice consisting of women covering their heads with a head cover for others it's a personal choice to modesty. While there are various reasons as to why women may veil themselves, there are also various misunderstandings about the veil and what it may or may not represent. Misunderstanding the representation of this religious practice has led to discrimination towards the women whom choose to veil. Although the hijab is a symbol of modesty and empowerment for women whom choose to wear it, it's distinctive feature is usually misunderstood causing discrimination.

The act of veiling consists of various meanings and several reasons as to why woman veil themselves. "Hijab derives from the Arabic word hajaba,

"In fact, since September 11, 2001, Muslim women in the United States who wear headscarves face greater scrutiny and suspicion due to a generalized fear of Muslims" (Kavakici qtd in Droogsma 2). As a result of a horrific tragedy, Muslim women are discouraged on the grounds of an event that not only tainted an entire religion but a religious custom as well.

"While the women appreciate being recognized as Muslim women, people too often associate negative and erroneous attribute with this identity and treat the women according to stereotypes. For example, most of the women described facing discrimination on account of hijab, particularly post-9/11. Several women noted being repeatedly removed from flights for security screening, having a difficulty gaining employment after appearing for job interviews, and receiving angry looks and even shouts from passersbys on the streets, just to name a few" (Droogsma 10)

The level of discrimination has become so intense that veiled Muslim women have had to experience embarrassing situations in public areas such as airports moreover, being rejected for job

In this case, there is no amount of negative attention that can take away from a Muslim woman's respect and dignity for themselves. For this reason, just as equivalent to how Americans have their opinions about women who veil, there are Muslim woman who do not agree with how reviling some American woman may dress.

"Most of the women mentioned the lack of modesty in American women's clothing; they view the pressure to dress provocatively as oppressive and a tool of the patriarchy. In fact, they contrasted the pressure on American women to reveal their bodies with their own choice to cover; the first reflects patriarchal oppression while the second reflects conscious resistance to oppression" (Droogsma