Diversity among Muslim Women
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Perceptions of Muslim Women
America prides itself as a country that is very diverse. There is much diversity with the United States; however, the melting pot concept that is part of Americana-homogenizes cultures. The cultures do not fit the"image" or adhere to American values are "othered." The standard causeway towards acceptance into the framework of America is assimilation or discrimination until assimilating. Every racial minority immigrant group has been a target of this "othering" within the United States. This "othering" includes Muslim and more specifically Muslim women. Muslim women are not afforded the same liberties that other American women receive. . Link
Often as a result of Orientalism (Edward Said), Muslim women are viewed as exotic and mysterious. In addition, Muslim women who where hijab and dress conservatively are seen as deeply religious. Conclusions follow that they must be subservient and oppressed by men within their Muslim community.Other concepts are that marriage is forced upon women and children are a requirement and that overall Muslim women are seen as second class citizens.Generally this view promotes the 'rescue' narrative, meaning western society needs to protect or 'rescue' Muslim women from their own men,which can provide justification and legitimization of interference and even invasion in the form of war in Muslim countries. |
How are these images shaped?
Orientalism is the theory of Western perceptions towards Middle East as backwards, exotic, different, and weaker (feminine). This theory can be applied towards Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Orientalist mentality breeds a sense of white supremacy and white entitlement. The notion of civilizing the "un-civilized," which is the white man’s burden is an essential part of Orientalist theory. Thus, the perception of our Westerner society is determined by Western norms that are standardized. All cultures are judged upon Western ideals and then culturally devalued. Link
Media perpetuates these images of Muslim women with an Orientalist bias. These images feed into the perception that these women need to be saved from this oppressive religion, oppressive family, and oppressive culture. The only image of Muslim women displayed in Western media are those that are "veiled." Veiled from a Western perspective is oppressing; however, the cultural practice can also be liberating. Many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab, which displays strength within a society that view women in a sexually demeaning way. These women are able to view themselves as more than their sexuality. However, these types of "Orientalist" Muslim women books display only the phenotype representation of Muslim women. Even with the best intentions Christopher Neil states: "The irony of these books is that the stories they tell often refute popular assumptions about Arabo-Islamic Muslims- these are stories of women overcoming torture, facing draconian traditions, discussing the illicit details of Lolita in a clandestine book group in Tehran, and finding their voices." This demonstrates the power of an image. Although these books aim to enlighten readers, they continue to perpetuate the Orientalist perspective of Muslim Women.
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Being More Than An Image
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Suheir Hammad -NoT Your Erotic, Not your Exotic
Hammad's poetry expresses the negative stereotypes towards Muslim Women within the US. Her poetry is reflective of her own personal life experiences. In this poem she actively questions Orientalist perceptions towards women. Ironically, this poem displays a Muslim Woman that is empowered, which challenges Orientalist perceptions. |
Reality of Muslim Women
While the stereotypes of Muslim women maybe true to some extent; there still remains a majority of Muslim women that are able to enjoy the liberties and freedoms. These Muslim women are never conveyed within Western media because they go against the conventional norm.
Fast Facts However, these facts are not trying to diminish from the abuses that do occur within the Muslim community. These facts aim to paint a complete image of the Muslim woman. Since, Islam is a very diverse faith ranging from socioeconomic, educational, religious observance differences the image of Muslim women is difficult to surmise with one phenotype. In addition, many of the issues that face Muslim women are seen in all ethnic groups and religions. The relationship between males and females (e.g. patriarchy) is seen across the racial, cultural, and religious lines. Therefore, males treatment of females is something that all groups need to work upon.
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Sources
http://www.arabglot.com/2011/05/book-covers-promote-orientalist.html
http://www.rghr.net/mainfile.php/0530/587/
http://insideislam.wisc.edu/2012/03/perceptions-of-the-head-scarf/
http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/457126-how-the-female-muslim-perceived-in-the-west.html
http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/remi_0765-0752_1990_num_6_1_1224
http://www.rghr.net/mainfile.php/0530/587/
http://insideislam.wisc.edu/2012/03/perceptions-of-the-head-scarf/
http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/457126-how-the-female-muslim-perceived-in-the-west.html
http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/remi_0765-0752_1990_num_6_1_1224