Shakespeare Says: Niqab or not Niqab?

The niqab is a veil that covers the face and entire body. Certain women wear it by choice, many wear it by force. Today, the UK, a secular nation, is rather puzzled and seems to be preparing its response to a variety of cases in which the niqab has become a social problem and seems to be disturbing the peace. On June 21st 2007, an English woman stopped a "Niqabi" (veiled woman) and insulted her. Let's ask ourselves why.

Afraid

Yes, who wouldn't be afraid of a faceless dark shadow walking by you by surprise.

Traumatized

Hasn't the UK suffered severe bombings perpetrated by muslim organizations. Niqab seems to be muslim related. One could easily understand that fear, exasperation and "mental shortcuts" led to anger and insults.

Intolerant

Definitely. Why woud the poor niqabi not have the right to be the way she is?
That type of intolerance happens all the time. When I had green hair, I would get all sorts of sarcasms.

Predictible

Absolutely. We are all aware that attire and body language are both signs of one's identity, or one's search for identity. Seeking a reaction is part of the process. Meanwhile, reacting could be considered as the beginning of a dialog. At least that's what one could hope for. A dialog.

Faulty

Why do we necessarily assume that the niqab is worn by force? Doing so aren't we showing very little respect to the free will of the niqabi women? When in doubt (who wouldn't be), why not walk up to the woman and say something stupid like: "I know I'll sound stupid but hey... just in case: is everything ok at home? If you've been forced into this, please let me help you." You might get a nasty response like: "Why do you western women and men always think we've been forced into this ? This is my choice." You can just smile and walk away or, to explain why you asked, you can show her a video of a young 17 year old girl being stoned to death in Kurdistan.

The answer ?
Remember when the parents would say "Don't stare!". This is what I feel like saying to the Britons. Don't stare. If you feel that these women are in danger, then do what it takes to help them, with diplomacy. If you feel they are provoking you then just ignore them, I suppose they'll get bored and stop. If you feel that they are trying to say something, well... by all means, try to listen. Maybe dialog, as usual, may teach you and them quite a lot.

 
A light hearted video campaign

As my share of the effort, I put together a short humorous video (45 seconds) that you can watch by clicking here.



Ahmad Sherif