Redefining Hijab - Essay Example

Redefining Hijab

The American society has had a misconception for a long time about the Muslim women who wear the Hijab. Wearers of this Muslim veil tend to face severe discrimination in diverse places, where non-Muslim individuals perceive them with suspicion, forcing them to undergo unfounded scrutiny. Non-Muslim Americans also perceive this aspect as being oppressive to women, hence the need to abolish it. However, these individuals fail to understand the actual meaning of the veil in regard to the affected women.

 In her article, Droogsma critically analyzed the role of the veil, with information from a number of Muslim women (Droogsma, 2007). Their response contradicted the unfounded perception of the non-Muslim members. The women highlighted various significant aspects of the veil. Droogsma explains the veil is critical in displaying one’s identity while highlighting their affiliation to the Muslim religion. However, one’s clothing may be a source of discrimination (Droogsma, 2007).

The Muslim veil also served as a behavior control for Muslim women. Veiled Muslim women were less likely to behave inappropriately as opposed to their unveiled counterparts. Interviewed women admitted that the veil aided in upholding Muslim values, such as behaving decently in the presence of members of the opposite gender (Droogsma, 2007). This aided them in earning respect from both Muslim and non-Muslim members of the society.

In my view, it is critical for the societal members to respect the Veiled Muslim members, and look into their rationale for wearing the veil. Some researchers also script biased documents that tend to criminalize the veil while ignoring the opinion of the concerned Muslim women (Droogsma, 2007). Mitigation measures ought to be in place, to eliminate the discrimination of Muslim women within American society. However, the decision to put on the veil should be personal, and religion should compel women to put on the veil.