Am I (ME) Am I oppressed because I wear Hijab? How do you figure?

Question

When you look at me
All that you can see...
is the scarf that covers my hair
My words you can't hear
because you're too full of fear,
mouth gaping, all you do is stare

You think it's not my choice
in your own "liberation" rejoice.
You think I'm uneducated,
trapped, oppressed and subjugated,
You're so thankful that you're free.

But you've got it wrong
I am not weak and I'm the strong.
For I've rejected the trap of man.
Fancy clothes - low neck, short skirt
those are devices for pain and hurt.
I'm not falling for that little plan.

I'm a person with ideas and thought.
I'm not for sale, I can't be bought.
I'm me - not a fancy toy,
I won't decorate anyone's arm,
nor be promoted for my charm.
There is more to be than playing coy.

Living life as a balancing game - mother,
daughter, wife, engineer, cleaner, cook, lover
and still bring home a wage.
Who thought up this modern "freedom"?
Where man can love'em and man can leave'em.
This is not free, but life in a cage.
Always jumping to a male agenda
competing on his terms.

No job share, no creche facilities,
no feeding and nappy changing amenities
No time off for menstrual pain,
"hormones" they laugh "what a shame"
No equal pay equal skill
your job they can always fill.
No promotion unless you're sterilised.
No promotion unless you're sexually terrorised.
And this is liberation?

You can have your life.
Mine - it has less strife.
I cover and I get respected,
surely that's to be expected,
for I won't demean the feminine,
I won't live to male criterion,
I dance to my own tune
and I hope you see this very soon.
For your own sake - wake up and use your sight.

Are you so sure that you are right?

I am my own person, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a business owner, an engineer,
a mathematician, HEAR ME ROAR I AM FREE I AM WOMAN! I am not oppressed,
I cover my hair because I want, I pray because I want but I believe...
believe only by the mercy of Allah. Women's lib happened for me centuries ago and I
did not demand my rights GOD GAVE THEM TO ME!

So here is the question do you think the Hijab opresses people like me or liberates them?

Answer 1

The question is what happens if you decide not to wear the hi-jab?
Would there be repercussions from your community? Would your husband support your decision? Would your clerics make you feel as though you were not a good muslim, mother, wife?

You say you wear the hi-jab because you want to, but why do you want to? If it's for a sense of belonging to a community who would otherwise ostracize you, then I would say that yes you are oppressed.

What other reason is there to want to wear a hi-jab? To show your devotion to your faith? Show it to whom? The members of your community? Allah? If you're just showing off to other muslims, then you're doing it out of pride.

I think anyone who dresses, styles their hair, cuts off a portion of themselves or otherwise changes their outward appearance in the name of their religion, isn't being very true to themselves. I think if you're indoctrinated at an early age to do it, you never really had a chance and I pity you.

Answer 2

I noticed a exhibit at the detect channel wherein they interviewed a Muslim guy. He stated that he had crushed his sister for the reason that she used to be raped, and that he did it to be certain it would not occur once more. All the even as he had a smirk on his face. I do not know if that is real or no longer, however that turns out plenty worse than what you defined. And don't seem to be Muslims those that "circumcise" nine yr ancient women with a work of glass and no anesthesia? I would be unsuitable, if I am you then will have to talk to those giving out the fake understanding on Islam. Just like a few of the fake data you gave. Women don't seem to be FORCED to put on make up. Women don't seem to be FORCED to exhibit their legs. Not ALL husbands run off on their better halves. You cannot generalize on what a couple of guys do. If that used to be the case then I could ought to expect that a couple of Muslim extremists constitute all of Islam. And I'm definite you do not wish that to be the case.

Answer 3

Nice if you feel happy in your life. I'm sure many of your sisters in middle east envy you.
Is this the new poem for Muslimas to justify themselves or make you feel better? I seen this before on here. I'm Christian and free in Christ - don't need a poem. ;-) Everybody has the right to his own view on freedom. I enjoy my job in my own business and love caring for my family. Its all my own choice.
Wearing a Hijab does not make you more respectable or modest. Its all in the mind. And if your mind is weak pray for change but don't give the responsibility to others.

I don't care about Women wearing head covers.in any cultures. Its common not just with Muslimas. As long as it's not by force and Women don't get punished for it.

Answer 4

It is a nice poem. I don't consider you oppressed. I believe you are successful, and where you want to be. I also know Christian women that cover themselves. And I think this is how it should be. It is like what are some of these people trying to sell? I don't play that game. I am me... not all will like that, but I am created this way. I

Answer 5

You can be You if You dress up in glad baggies, LOL; hey that could be a good look for You Babe!!!! With all You've got going for You and God personally on Your side you could pull it off too! Go get them Kiddo!

Answer 6

Hijab is liberating. I am American in a Muslim country and I see this every day. I choose not to cover, but that may change one day.

Answer 7

MasyaAllah

a truly enlightening poem

Answer 8

As Saalam Alikum
Congratulations!!!
That was Awsome!!!
You are a fantastic poet, which also sounds like your life story, great I admire that in a person, please feel free to contact me I think your a real admiration for a lot of women.

Answer 9

Nice poem. you write it? It's interesting to hear it from a muslim woman's perspective.

Answer 10

Whoa! Good poem