By Murtaza Hussain is a political commentator and contributing writer at Al-Jazeera,The Guardian and Salon.
Source: NY Times
What do Muslim women want? In striking scenes around the world, ostensibly well-meaning topless women (mostly white Europeans) who think they know the answer have painted slogans across their chests, chanted and burned flags outside of mosques. Among the objects of their “liberation” movement, they appear to have provoked more bafflement and revulsion than appreciation. The counter demonstrations by Muslim women, some wearing the veil and some not, have deepened the confusion on this issue.
Femen’s ideals are incompatible with the values of many Muslim women. Its activism feels more like an attack than sisterly support.
European women have made remarkable strides in deconstructing the patriarchal power structures of their societies. Why would their efforts to extend public support to their Muslim counterparts be met with such scorn?
The right of women to live in society with full freedom, equality and respect is inalienable. Women around the world, particularly poor women, are subject to subtle and unsubtle patriarchy, from countless everyday indignities right up to the institutionalized horrors of human trafficking. Feminists of all stripes – whether topless or veiled, Muslim or non-Muslim, male or female – would agree on the goal of ending these injustices. However, there are many “feminisms,” and the paths by which women in different societies may choose to assert their rights are by no means identical.
Categories: Americas
Salam! I really enjoyed reading this article. Kindly note though that the title of the original article is “The Arrogance of Ignoring Muslim Women.” “Is the Hijab Worth Fighting For” is another article featured in NYT and written by Hind Makki.
Thank you for the suggestion. We changed the headline to the original.