There is nothing that I enjoy more than after a gruelling week of 'working' at Brown Man Clothing Co. is to head down to the local desi area for some great Indian food.
Last week a few of us ventured off to this great little mom and pop shop for some nan and chicken tikka. The owners, typical auntie and uncle ji types welcomed us in the true desi fashion by plopping menus down on our table and leaving us to ourselves for about 10 minutes before anyone came to get our drink orders.
Instead of the typical submissive under the table working FOB server, we were approached by a pretty hijabi young girl by the name of Hina. She took our orders and upon returning, glanced at our designers 'Hijabi's Are Hot!' shirt. We all sat waiting for a response. With a cute innocent smile, she looked at us all and said "I like that shirt!". We invited her to sit with us and to tell us her perception on what it is like being a Muslim woman that wears a hijab.
Hina related stories about being called a 'terrorists wife' or a 'terrorists whore' in university. She told us about having her hijab tugged at during lectures at school. But inspite of all this, Hina does not let any of this bother her. Instead, she uses events such as these to educate people on Islam and what it is like to be a Muslim woman.
"People who do not understand Islam will always have a prejudice against it. They understand that we do not eat pork and that we pray on a carpet," Hina states. "But what they don't understand is that Islam means peace and the religion itself preaches peace. What the Western world knows about Islam is what is broadcasted on television in order to make news worthy news."
Hina did state how she fears for the future for herself as a Muslim woman and if the prejudices that she faces today is a sign of things to come. She did state that she felt some sense of relief that Brown Man Clothing Co. is at least trying to portray women that wear the hijab as beautiful and not as repressed.
After leaving, bellies full, Hina did ask if she could forward an e.mail regarding a news report that she hopes will be a sense of inspiration for all Muslim women and for people who are trying to understand Islam. I promised that I would inclue the article in my blog so here it is. Do let us know what you think.
2 comments:
I bought this shirt for my borhter's birthday. He told me the first time he wore it in public he had at least five people come up and comment on his shirt. Even an auntie came up to inquire about his shirt! I love the edgy hummour and cultural relevance of Brownman clothing. It's about time there was a clothing line that was geared towards our culture!!
What a Brave girl Hina is. To wear the Hijab with pride is to be celebrated.
Post a Comment