World Hijab Day

[Marzipanface]

AIBU to feel uncomfortable with this day and also really irritated at the lack of discussion over this event from a feminist perspective. There seems to be a wholesale silence from the Feminist blogs and papers I subscribe to, and I can't find any discussion on here. No-one wants to talk to about it.

Just that really.

It's the absolution of men from responsibility for their impulses that ticks me off. If that is the prevailing attitude among both sexes in a particular culture or religion (or part of either) then it's not difficult to see how situations like NYE in Cologne happened.

For example I was thoroughly molested in a crowd in Marrakech while wearing long trousers and a t -shirt. I shoved the guy and screamed at him in Arabic. I will never forget the shocked look on this face - he apologized and called me "sister". Just one example of the massive hypocrisy that exists - presumably assaulting non-Muslim women is fine

It's naive for feminists to pretend that the hijab and niqab are anything other than a revolting misuse of male power and a misogynistic tool.

a hijab is hardly covering up. Its only a headscarf

I agree with Scattero.

Personally I much prefer to see a 'keep you fucking hands off women day'

Oh, and keep you lecherous comments to yourself as well.

So what's the point of it then?

I also feel very conflicted about this. I respect the right of women from all walks of life to dress how they want to, but I often wonder whether the women from cultures where the hijab is mandatory would choose it for themselves, if their communities allowed them to.

That said, the problem of women being coerced into behaving in a certain way under the guise of "modesty" is not limited to Islam alone, by any means.

I agree with scatter too. That'll probably have us down as racists or worse in some spreadsheet or another and you'll never guess the size of the fuck I don't give. None of it is going to end well.

From a fashion persepective, I think that Hijabs can look very glamorous. They were originally 'A Fashion'. And I'd like to reclaim that.

By diluting the Hijabs current message, and thus ingratiating Hijab wearers into 'popular culture' would this not make it easier for them to be more informed, less put upon and allow for greater personal freedoms'?

Thankfully, I won't be "celebrating".

But no-one wears a hijab with shorts and a strappy top do they?

I'll stick to my anorak and my freedom thanks

I will wear one if I can get it made to order saying 'Religion is a load of fucking shit' all over it.
It's becoming more and more common at DS2's school to see reception and Y1 girls wearing a hijab. Do their parents understand the implication that men find 5 year old girls sexually arousing if their hair isn't covered?

I prefer "no pants day" (it means no trousers, not no underwear );

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Pants_Day

Perhaps there is not so much participation over here in the UK. I'm usually quite out of touch with popular culture so assumed it was a big thing and I was the last to know!

Thank you people. Your comments are really interesting and reflect my conflicting views.

By diluting the Hijabs current message, and thus ingratiating Hijab wearers into 'popular culture' would this not make it easier for them to be more informed, less put upon and allow for greater personal freedoms'?

How do you envision that happening?

They don't BlueJug, but there's no valid reason why somebody couldn't.

In my mind's eye I can picture it being a really good coverup for terrible hair days

I do think it's current status in society is a problem though and this is the best way that I can think of to circumvent it.

Modesty

Go to Westfield in the middle of summer and see the woman and daughters covered head to toe. Whilst the husbands and sons walk around in shorts and flip flops.

It's really not just a headscarf Branleuse

Who is doing the spreadsheet? Is it someone who patiently explains islam to us all at great length?

I've worn a hijab for about two weeks once, it was in Iran so no choice, wear it or be arrested. The clothing was fun for about the first five minutes then it was just a complete pain. It restricted my movement (the long loose coverall), muffled my hearing, limited my peripheral vision and it was very hot. I think women would be much more liberated (in every sense) without it.

A special day to be self defeating, how fun.

What is the opposite of modesty in this context?

It's the absolution of men from responsibility for their impulses that ticks me off.^^
Couldn't have put this better myself.

I would rather have a world day of freeing Muslim women from the constraints of ultra conservative men with Muslim women who have the choice to wear a niqab choosing not to

hijab isn't restrictive but no I shall not be joining in I do not wish to further the cause of conservative Islam I would rather progressive Islam lead the way that allows women choice

Haha fake don't you love the insouciant way (some) women in Iran cover their heads though? You can tell they don't really approve of mandatory hijab and are only notionally wearing it (and showing off their hair and lipstick and wearing high heels....)

On the other hand I have noticed in the Gulf states Arab women "show off" by covering more and more....I have seen one lady overtaking me at 100kph in Abu Dhabi wearing a full face veil. I wish I was joking...

Anyway, enough sweeping generalizations from me!