C U LT U R E
MISUNDERSTOOD
the fashion of the
HIJAB
E
ver since the occurrence
of the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United
States, the American public
has questioned, misunderstood and
even created stereotypes about Islam. One of the most disputed topics
concerns women who practice Islam
is their right as women compared to
that of men. Moreover, there has been
heightened interest on the dress of
women in the Islamic culture. People have continuously deemed Islam
as barbaric and unethical, and have
created the stereotype all women are
oppressed in Islam. The wearing of
6
By Kayla Tolbert
a hijab has fallen under the category
of being oppressed multiple times.
However, in my experience, especially in Dubai, where women made the
choice to wear a hijab and to cover
their arms and legs—although it is required in some countries—it is a part
of their culture and it does not necessarily equate to being oppressed.
While abroad, I learned women were
not forced to wear the hijab, and in
many cases it was their choice. There
were women who did not wear a hijab
and they identified with being Muslim. Wearing the hijab is beautiful in
its own way like other forms of dress.
www.facebook.com/determinednationmagazine