Monday, March 24, 2008

More Hijab Hysteria

Isn't it interesting how self-righteous people get about hijab? Both Muslims and non-Muslims, actually... But in this particular case, we have a group of non-Muslims--none of whom actually know any Muslims who wear hijab, I'm sure--who have decided on BEHALF of all of us that the hijab signifies submission to men.

GENEVA - Swiss media and politicians expressed outrage Wednesday that the country's foreign minister, an outspoken supporter of women's rights, wore a headscarf in a recent meeting with Iran's president in Tehran.

(snip)

"Like a submissive woman," the Lausanne daily tabloid Le Matin said in a front-page story.

(snip)

"Of course we have to respect customs," said Liliane Maury Pasquier, a Social Democrat like Calmy-Rey. But, she added, "Where is the solidarity with the women who fight against wearing the headscarf?"

It reminds me a bit of this ridiculous article, in which the author takes it upon herself to decide that women who wear niqab should take it off because she thinks it's rude. Because it's ALL about her!