Where do some people get the right to judge others without knowing anything about them?

Question

In a previous question I found a couple of answers saying that Muslim women are oppressed/ brainwashed/ or that they are dillusioned, just because they wear hijab.

Why is it so hard for some people to believe that a woman can "choose" to be covered and not necessarily be 'brainwashed' or 'oppressed'?

Yeah, I guess it's easier for some people to generalize then to think things over one at a time, and understand that different people have different perspectives.

Tzadiq... thanks, but what's judgmental in my question? I litterally pay attention to use to word "some", so that I don't generalize, and what does a woman wearing a hijab have to do with the war in Iraq?

Answer 1

Ego tends to be an issue, and projection is another issue. Many believe Muslimahs are somehow put upon, and in some cultural corners of the world, as you know, they are, but it's ignorant (not-knowing all the facts) projection that causes many to "judge". Point out, to them, accounts by Muslimahs who choose to wear hijab and/or the niqab and they'll either educate themselves or remain ignorant by choice.

_()_

Answer 2

Everybody has a right to judge others. And you can take their opinions or leave them. That's up to you.

However, there is some merit to the opinion that Muslim women are brainwashed and oppressed.

First, religion tends to brainwash men and women. It starts with childhood indoctrination and then uses various types of emotional manipulation to keep converts bound to the religion. This is true of all religions, not just Islam.

Second, the reason for the hijab, originally, is to prevent other men from seeing other men's property. Women in those days were seen as little more than objects to own. The society was highly patriarchal. This is why the men who created the religion put in rules to hide their women. It may be that these days, you ascribe a different symbolism to your cover, but that's the original basis for it. However, you can see how others might see that cover as just keeping alive previous oppression of women. Note that it has only been in the past 100 years that women have gained a more of an equal footing in society, as evidenced by their right to vote. And, again, this oppression of women is common to many religions, not just Islam.

Answer 3

Everyone has a right to judge another person. But as for the muslim women, i think that most people feel that those women are forced into the religion and really don't know any other route, therefor being oppressed. I wouldn't call them brainwashed, but def. oppressed.

Answer 4

In modern times it seems that it would be quite uncomfortable or unnecessary to do so, so maybe people think that it is an oppressive thing. I am just making a guess. I will agree though that people should not judge about others without knowing them.

Answer 5

Well sunshine, Its because your not in Iran or Iraq anymore. Islamic extremist have attacked the west and constantly issued threats of more violence. It is natural for people to say hmm I don't want that here.

By the way your question is rather judgmental.

Answer 6

Everyone has the right to choice and freewill, if you choose to be covered then great. However, I believe there are quite a few others that don't want to be "covered" and that is where people begin to judge. But, as God said, Don't judge others! So, live like you want and just remember that according to my beliefs, Jesus died for your sins. Thanks and have a great day!

Answer 7

No one should judge others.I think we should all take the time to study one anothers cultures/faiths/beliefs before we have any right to say anything let alone judge.
There is too much misunderstanding in this world and no one takes the time to find out why.

Answer 8

After knowing you, i definetly know that i was wrong to judge you, i now believe that a woman can choose to be covered, you're a great example of strong woman who has the ability to choose her way through life

Answer 9

It's a hard concept for westerners to grasp. I think the main problem they have with it is all the stories of women who DON'T want to live that way and can't leave it. It's the extreme cases that they see. It's a clash of cultures.

Answer 10

No one is suppose to judge anyone except for God. People do because that is just their character. They can't be happy unless they are judging someone else. What they should do is look at their own selves and then maybe they wouldn't be so quick to judge.