In Search for Common Ground Over Muslim Dress Code

LaShonda Williams
September 23, 2011
Blog # 4

Muslim women are beginning to engage in finding some common ground among each other to decide if wearing the niquab also known as the veil that covers their face is longer acceptable. Many women are starting to argue that it is no longer good for their culture to stick to these old traditions. It is becoming harder for women to find jobs due to society responding as if they are afraid of them, also the stereotype that they are automatically associated with terrorism. Some of the women such as Ms. Majeed argue that wearing the veil is considered a tradition which exists within a Muslim home. She feels that the veil associates women with how Islam is being portrayed throughout the world. One teenage girl states that her and her friends have no problem wearing the veil and feel that it should be a woman’s choice.
I understand the importance of tradition and what it means to families however at some point families should be allowed to create their own traditions among their own families. Society has modernized and changed drastically since many old traditions where born. With changing times and new foundations being laid Muslim women should be given the choice to wither they choose to wear the niquab without being criticized. The women that want to change this old custom are being discouraged by not only men but also some women who think that the niquab is essential to continue their long time tradition. Many Muslim households in the U.S consist of women that work as well as the men. If the veil is keeping these women from finding jobs then it only makes it harder for them to provide for their families.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/world/europe/21iht-letter21.html?ref=women