Today was an interesting day overall. I found out I got a 100% on my biology paper, so I was feeling good...that is until I logged on to Facebook and read my sister's status. It said, "You guys sound so dumb and ignorant :/" I, being the nosy person that I am, asked her, "Who does?" Her simple reply was, "I might be looking for a new job asap. Imma call u when i get home." Of course that wasn't a good enough answer for me, so instead of waiting for her call, I called her...
She couldn't speak at that time, but I could tell she was upset by the tone of her voice. She eventually called me back 10 minutes later and totally vented. So, it turns out that she had wanted to start wearing her hijab again. She had just started a job about 2 weeks ago and she didn't want it to be a "culture shock" to them by suddenly wearing it, so she went to several supervisors and let them know. They said it was fine and not a big deal...some even encouraged it. So she decided to also let the owners of the company know (it's a small catering company). It's a husband and wife that own the place and she figured it'd be easier if she told the wife first, because she's also a woman and might understand a little bit better. While my sister anticipated she'd be open and understanding as the others were, that's not what she got.
The owner started stuttering and seemed almost baffled. She said that she's unsure about her wearing a hijab to work. Then it suddenly turned even more sour. The owner started talking about war veterans and said to my sister, "Well, we have war veterans that we sometimes cater for." My sister was absolutely shocked at what was coming out of this woman's mouth. My sister couldn't even say anything to her, because she was absolutely baffled. Does this woman know anything about Specialist Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan? For those that may not know...
He was a Muslim-American U.S. Army Specialist who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service.
Also...
His service was cited during a 19 October 2008 interview on Meet the Press with general Colin Powell. In particular, Powell referred to a photograph in The New Yorker which showed Khan's mother by his gravestone in Arlington National Cemetery. Powell said Khan's example refutes the anti-Muslim sentiment present in the Republican campaign during the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, namely that being Muslim disqualifies a person from being a genuine, patriotic American, or that a Muslim could not become President.
Or what about Major James Michael Ahearn?
Or Captain Humayun Saqib Muaazam Khan?
By her mentioning that war veterans might be offended, she just spit on every Muslim that has ever served, is currently serving, or will serve in the future.
But can you believe it got even worse? She then started talking about Jewish clients. You would think...hmm, what does that have to do with anything? Well she said that her Jewish clients would get offended if they saw her wearing a hijab. Yes folks, she went there. Again, my sister just stood there baffled and had no idea how to even reply, because she was fuming. My sister simply returned back to her desk trying to keep her composure. She later saw the owner around the office and saw that she had an odd look on her face. So my sister approached her and said, "Can we talk outside?" They went outside and the owner pretty much said, "Let me talk to my husband (he's the co-owner) and see what he says." See what he says, huh? What does she think he'll say? Why is she so afraid that she has to see what his response is? My sister's next move really upset me...she decided to go back to her desk without much of a reaction and finished up her work, then left. I wish she would have said something to this lady, but I guess she just didn't know what to say.
My sister is truly considering quitting the job. I told her to file a complaint with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), because they're great at handling incidents such as these.
I want to know though...Are people truly afraid of a hijab? What's so scary about it? I'm a Muslim woman and I don't wear a hijab due to different interpretations of the Holy Qur'an (I don't believe it's a requirement that Muslim women cover their hair). However, for those that choose to wear it, what's wrong with it? I know ignorance plays a large role, but that's not an excuse. It's so frustrating knowing that you can be born and raised in this country, have a college degree, pay your taxes, obey all laws, and do good things...yet, you'll still be treated as a second class citizen by some. So whether somebody wants to wear a hijab like my sister or doesn't like myself, we shouldn't ever be looked down upon.
And here I am wearing a hijab (I only wear it when I go to the mosque or pray, because I believe it's required while praying)...
Do I look scary? Hmm...I don't think so... :)
Update: REC LIST! Thanks so much for rec'ing this everybody! I'll be sure to share the positive words from you all with my sister. I know she'll love the support!!
Update #2: I think I should mention that this whole diary has nothing to do with whether or not women that wear the hijab are forced or not forced to do so. It's about my sister, somebody that has chosen to wear it, not being able to because it'll supposedly scare off war veterans and Jews. I get the whole discussion of some women being forced to wear it sometimes, but there are non-Muslim and Muslim women forced to do things all the time right here in the United States. For instance...you can have a married woman in which her husband forces her to dress a certain way, act a certain way, appear a certain way in public, etc. I think forcing a woman to do anything is simply horrible. Those that force women to wear a hijab are totally not right. I, as I've already mentioned, do not wear the hijab unless I am praying. It was never forced upon me as a child. My parents let us simply discover Islam on our own and that's maybe why I don't fit the stereotypical image of what a Muslim is supposed to be like. In fact, I don't think I fit the image at all. I'm a strong supporter of gay rights, I'm pro-choice, I think women are just as good as men...in other words, I'm a total progressive lol I've seen some comments on here that seem to assume that all Muslims are this or that...well reality check, we're not all the same. What you see in the mainstream media is not the way we all are.
I wanted to throw in this video of Rep. Keith Ellison. He's the first Muslim that was elected to Congress. While what's in this video has nothing to do with the hijab, I think it breaks many people's perception that all Muslims are conservative. I think he's a great example of a progressive Muslim. In the video he's speaking about same-sex marriage and does a great job with it. I should add that he's also a Vice Chair of LGBT Equality Caucus.
UPDATE #3 I know many won't get a chance to read this, but I do have an update. My sister went and talked to with the other co-owner today. While she expected a clear answer (a simple yes or no), he told her that he needs to think about it. What's there to think about? He also decided to mention Jewish clients. He said he doesn't want to offend them. Why would Jews be offended by a hijab? So, my sister is going to have a meeting with them on Monday. I'm just stunned that they're doing all of that for such a simple thing.