Given the recent media coverage of calls to ban the 'burka' and the carte blanche it seemingly has given to every Tom, Dick and Fred to air their misinformed contempt masqueraded as concern/passion for the 'Australian' cultural identity (as defined by the homogenous 'in' crowd bullies on their pedestals, much akin to the school-yard bullies who picked on you because your lunch didn't resemble theirs) , I thought it might actually be fitting for yours truly, an Australian Muslim woman who chooses to don the hijab (the Islamic head covering) to share my reasons for this not-so-welcome choice of attire.
Obviously, it isn't because its the line of least resistance- quite the opposite in fact. In the 16 years I have worn it, my hijab has many a times caused me to be subjected to prejudiced and/or ignorant treatment in a variety of social and professional contexts. It has robbed me of any kind of anonymity, which at times, is challenging to say the least. It has labelled me a whole myriad of undesirable labels- terrorist, fundamentalist, psychopath, oppressed, brainwashed, uneducated, prude and the list goes on.
As a consequence, I am pitied, despised or feared but most commonly I am simply misunderstood. And I am even denied, in many cases, the fundamental right of the whole 'innocent until proven guilty' notion, a right bestowed to any person charged with a crime no less!
But, alas, by choosing to wear a piece of cloth around my head, and favouring modest, concealing attire to the alternative, I am, according to some, complicit in my own oppression, and therefore fair game when it comes to persecution and hate-filled objectification. Very sad, really.
So, why do I choose to wear hijab, in spite of all these trials?
Well, first and foremost, because I whole-heartedly believe that God has decreed it. I believe that it is a commandment from God Himself. And, as a believer in God, I choose to follow His commandments.
That's right, I choose to wear it. It is my choice, and mine alone. As a Muslim, there is no compulsion in religion, and I am free to do from the religion as little or as much as I choose. As such, I choose to wear the hijab. Simple as that.
Why is it that noone questions the Catholic nuns that choose to wear the habit, or the devout Sikhs who wear a turban, or the Orthodox Jewish women who wear the sheitel? Why do those items connote piety and devotion whilst my choice connotes something far from positive?
I guess I will never know. But, let me assure you, my experiences with nuns, Sikhs, and Orthodox Jews have been on the whole far more positive and respectful than many of my experiences with secular 'Ostraayans'. Yes, the irony is quite astounding.
So, just to be clear, one more time for the dummies!
No, I have not been brainwashed.
No, I am not oppressed. Far from it in fact.
No, I do not need to undress to be 'liberated', thanks Senator Bernardi, but I'm feeling quite liberal already!
Peace.
