ok ok i'm sort of holidaying in the states .. will be travelling alone just to enjoy myself.. but then i'm a muslim wear the headdress (and not burka that kind of thing) .. but am not middle eastern not from the middle east..
do u think there will be some sort of "complications" like more stricter rules on muslims being imposed? i dont want to get held up for nothing .. its going to be embarassing
anyone helpp .. what are yr thoughts. it is safe rite for me muslim lady going to US..
thanks
2007-03-18 18:55:55 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
You may suffer a bit of racial profiling and find yourself scrutinized unnecessarily when you enter the country, but you probably will not have any major problems. Familiarize yourself in advance with the TSA's list of forbidden items in luggage -- some of the restrictions are (in my opinion) absurd, and very easy to violate by accident. Take some basic precautions and you should have no problem.
As for dealing with your average American on the street, that really depends on where you are going and what you are doing. If you are going to visit some metropolitan areas, you will probably not have a problem in the least. Maybe a few curious glances, but little more. In many parts of the US it is quite normal to see a woman in a headscarf -- it certainly is in my area -- so you may find that no one even notices! There are some areas of the US that would be less familiar with the sight of a woman in a headscarf, but it is unlikely that you would choose such a locale for a holiday and unlikelier still that you would have any seriously negative experiences during your trip.
On the whole, I don't think you should worry. It actually might make a good conversation starter with people you meet on your travels! Americans are, on the whole, very open and friendly people. The US also draws an exceptional array of people from around the world - through both immigration and tourism - so you should remember that no matter your religion or nationality, you are not really alone in the US! I'm sure you will have a great time. You don't specify where exactly you are visiting, but may I recommend that you visit some of the natural wonders of the US. I've always been partial to evergreen forests, but I recently visited Joshua Tree State Park in the Mojave Desert (in Southern California) and it was just incredible! As much as I love the city, there are still so many wonderful open spaces in the states.
Have a great holiday!
2007-03-18 19:05:12 · answer #1 · answered by coreyander 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on where you're going to be. You may have more difficulties at the airport, as sad as that is. I doubt anyone would do anything really extreme, but you may have bags searched, etc. If it makes you feel better, though, that happens to lots of people so it's nothing to be embarrassed about. My family jokes that I must look threatening because everytime I fly I have my bag randomly searched.
Some areas have large minority populations or muslim populations. In those areas you wouldn't stand out much so I doubt people would even pay attention to you. I think it's safe to travel, just follow the type of precautions anyone would take while traveling. Use traveller's checks instead of cash, be careful of where you keep your passport, don't walk in the cities alone at night, etc.
Enjoy your trip! :)
2007-03-19 02:06:47 · answer #2 · answered by kaitlyne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as once you get inside the US, you should be alright.
I would be very careful though at the border and such. If youre flying, make sure youre not bringing anything in your baggage that could be a weapon or whatever. Theyve gotten really serious about that stuff lately in US airports.
Once youre in the US you should be alright. I doubt anybodys gonna bother you at all. Try to stay around major cities. Avoid the deep country unless youre with someone who knows what theyre doin. And do be careful with the border people.
Good luck and have a nice vacation
2007-03-19 02:03:41 · answer #3 · answered by Jesus W. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
overall yes. doesn't mean that you won't meet some idiots that may be rude to you but most americans do understand that not all muslims attacked the u.s. the big cities and the coasts east and west are much more exposed to international cultures and more open minded. still will get some stares wearing a headdress.
have fun in the u.s. and maybe you can be a positive experience for americans, a chance to learn from your culture and realize that your values may not be that different from us.
2007-03-19 02:07:19 · answer #4 · answered by onlinedreamer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so long as you stick to populated and educated venues you should not have any problems.
i would advise that you travel durring the day and be in a hotel or at a friend's house at night (as i would advise anybody)
avoid the deep country. places with dirt roads and such. (as i would advise anybody. )
and you can probably find a little taste of home in one of the many Hookah bars that has sprung up acrost the country.
2007-03-19 02:01:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most larger cities and national "play grounds" like Disney are used to diversity. No worries.
2007-03-19 02:12:53 · answer #6 · answered by Denise W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am sure you'll have to go through the same procedures as any other international person flying into the US.
2007-03-19 02:05:51 · answer #7 · answered by JamQueen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOT A CHANCE! THERE WILL NEVER BE STRICTER RULES ON MUSLIMS, ANYWHERE!
2007-03-26 11:40:36 · answer #8 · answered by Shady Hazem 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're just going to have to put up with whatever happens. Live with it...we all have to.
2007-03-19 02:00:27 · answer #9 · answered by DeborahDel 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋