The Fire of the Feminist Movement

http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/get-angry-and-smash-patriarchy-1/

As a radical feminist, Shulamith Firestone, became the fire to the feminist movement. She had very extreme and strong beliefs that she stuck to, never budging for anyone. Though some of her ideas are aligned with the type of feminism I support, her idea about the elimination of sex distinction from our culture doesn’t sit well for me. I just don’t see how that would ever be possible when your type of sex runs through racial, social, and class differences.

Firestone didn’t just want to bring equality for women in the business area or in politics, she wanted to uproot how societies have been founded for centuries. She wanted to get rid of the patriarchal system once and for all. Though I do have to agree there are some faults with the patriarchal system that does at times lead to women oppression, I don’t see how it would ever be possible to get rid of it. Since, gender does not separate between class, religion, race, and so on, I believe it would be too big of a change that would have many unseen effects. For example, in third-world countries, women are taking a different stance on feminism. Because of their financial struggles and their social standings, women in third world countries are asking for social equality and representation in government. If they would try to uproot the bases of their society and culture, it would lead too many for issues that they might not be able to fix, because they do not have all the resources and stability to fix them.
So, I guess my main problem with Firestone is that she took what feminism meant to her and applied it to all other women, not realizing that for others her type of feminism just wouldn’t work. But now reflecting on my own thoughts and experiences, I realize that Firestone does have a point. She’s really just talking about how degrading our culture is to women, and she wanted to change that. I can see her point in many places in our culture today, like the role of women in advertisements. Also, Firestone grew up in a different time as me. Her life was spent in a time where no one was really having any conversation about feminism, while nowadays the conversation about feminism is everywhere. Plus, back then women weren’t allowed to to do half as much as they are allowed to do today. Today, even though there are still inequalities, women get college education and are apart of the workforce. We even have stay-at-home dads instead of stay-at-home moms. Back then, during Firestone’s time, these things were unheard of, just a dream many feminists tried to catch. 

Overall, though I do not agree with some of Firestone’s ideas, it is because of her fire, courage, strength, and determination that we are having open discussions about feminism. It is because of her that I am able to attend college without disapproval from the opposite gender. It is because of her that women across America, and the world, are able to get a job without too much worry. Without her the feminist movement would not have went as far as it did, and for that much I am wrong to judge Firestone based on experiences and a background unknown to me.

The Struggles of a Hijabi

 Have you ever wondered what types of struggles a Muslim girl faces? A Hijabi is a term for a Muslim girl who wears the Hijab, a covering (usually a scarf) around her head that hides her hair, neck, and chest. The Hijab is a known symbol for a Muslim girl and Muslims girls are required to wear it according to Islam. The Hijab of course doesn't stop at the head either, it spreads to one's character and the rest of one's body. Being a Hijabi brings about its own set of struggles and here seven of them. Being a Hijabi myself for eight years, I gave some of my opinions on how to face these struggles.

1. Bad Hijab Days

    I always get the comment “Omg, you’re so lucky, you never have bad hair days!”. Though i might not have bad hair days, there is such a thing as a bad hijab day. When you’re fifty pins don’t stay in, and your hair keeps sneaking rebelliously out the back, or the front, or the side, it’s a bad hijab day. The worst is when your hijab is made of a slippery material, so it just decides to fall off whenever it feels like it. A simple solution though is to wear under pieces that are of a cotton material so that the scarf sticks and doesn’t slip off. Also, wearing more than one pin can also help.

2. Shopping

    The hijab doesn’t stop at the scarf on one’s head, it extends to modesty in character and dress. So shopping can become a bit of a problem. Imagine yourself in this situation: You’re a hijabi, searching for a nice long shirt, that’s full sleeves, and not too tight, preferably in a style and color that you like. You’ve been at the mall all day searching for this dream shirt. Just when you’re about to give up hope, after having looked through short sleeves and crop tops, you found a really nice long shirt. You pick it up excited and turn it around to see that there's no back! This is only one examples of the many shopping struggles a Muslim girl can face. But there's a easy solution, just keep shopping. You'll find something you like eventually. And if that doesn't work, buying something you like and then sewing it to fit Islamic requirements is an easy fix.

3. The Muslim stereotype

    Like every Muslim, the “Muslim stereotype” follows a Hijabi around. From being called a terrorist to being called a towel-head, Hijabis have serious struggles to face. These taunts come from all people, including less religious Muslims, who don’t understand why a Muslim girl should wear a Hijab and show that she is a Muslim. But the simplest way to go around these taunts is to ignore them. Stick to your faith. Like any other person who is bullied is supposed to do, just ignore the insults and keep good character, even to the worst of people.

4. The Oppressed girl stereotype

    Another stereotype that comes with wearing a Hijab, is the oppressed girl. This stereotype is painted in the minds of people who are above insulting and bullying Muslims, but just don’t understand the religion and think that all Muslim girls are forced to wear Hijabs by their parents. These people, though they mean well, will give you a piety look to show you that though they might not understand what you are going through, they are there to support you. Though I will admit that there are some girls who are forced, the majority of Muslim girls are not forced to wear their Hijabs, just like Islam dictates. A Muslim girl should be allowed to choose to wear her Hijab, not forced to wear it. The easiest way to get people to stop thinking that you are oppressed by your religion and family, is to educate people about your choice to wear the Hijab. Also, show that you are proud to wear your Hijab, don’t shy away from it.

5. Where are you from?

    Seeing my Hijab, people just assume that I don’t speak English and many times they just stare at me waiting trying to figure out how to communicate with me. Though I do sometimes enjoy people’s confusion (don’t tell me you wouldn’t either), at times it can get a little irritating when people look at you like you’re a foreigner in your own country. Though I do understand why people would be hesitant to talking to me in English the first time they meet me, my advice is just go for it, it’s more likely that a Hijabi will talk back to you in English than another language. English is taught around the world and many people who move to the U.S. learn English before doing anything else. As for the Hijabis out there, try to speak first to clear the confusion before any awkwardness can occur.

6. Questions

    I love when people ask me questions about my Hijab and religion. Questions give me a chance to explain to people and help them understand Islam from a Muslim’s perspective and not the media’s. But sometimes the questions can get a little ridiculous. “Do you shower with it on?” “Are you bald?” “What color is your hair?” I have come across these questions and many more, many times. Though I don’t mind answering them, sometimes if people just thought before they spoke, they wouldn’t have to ask these simple questions in the first place. No, I don’t shower with my Hijab on, just like people don’t shower with their clothes on. I am not bald and my hair is still the same color as my eyebrows. Again, I really don’t mind answering any kind of question, but sometimes it would be nice if people would think before asking questions and making me feel like I’m a freak that needs to be asked these simple questions. At the same time, Hijabis do not be rude to people who asks questions, just answer them. People really do not have any idea about our religion and the way we live and it takes a lot of courage to ask a question. Answer any question that comes your way in the best of your character.

7. People acting awkward

    Have you ever been in the situation where you know that the person sitting next to you wants to say something, but every time he/she gets the courage and turns around to face you, his/her courage is squashed and he/she turns back around? Well I’ve been in those situations plenty of times. It comes to down to people being shy around me because they are afraid to offend me if they say something or ask a question. With my shyness and their fear of offending me, we create an awkward situation. The best way to avoid awkward situations is for me to more friendly and talk first, so other people become less afraid to say something. Also, for people who are afraid to say something, just start with a simple question, a smile, or just a “hey!” would be fine. I promise most Hijabis are friendly and won’t bite. Whether you're a Hijabi yourself, or someone who isn't a Muslim at all, these few suggestions I hope will help you in any way possible.

So, the next time you find yourself having a bad Hijab day or you find yourself next to a Hijabi having a bad Hijab day, you are now equipped with the information to know what to do next.
Photos:
http://citrastyle.com/muslimfashionblog/bad-hijab-days-and-how-to-tame-them/
http://notyourtypicalshakira1.wordpress.com/category/common-misconceptions-of-hijab/
http://www.enargywebzine.eu/spip.php?article254
https://audioboom.com/boos/936878-i-speak-for-myself-scottish-muslim-woman-challenge-stereotypes
http://zaraweir.wordpress.com/
http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMi0wZDUzN2FhNjMzMWU2Njky

What do you listen to you?

All around the world, music is an argument. From old classics to edm trance songs, music is used as a way to express one’s inner self and the music you listen to can say a lot about you and your interests. Music is used to express different emotions and thoughts. It is used to get in touch to people’s inner selves. And the best thing about music is that it can be used in so many different ways. It can be used to reflect on one’s self, actions, and life. Or it can be a way to shut out the world and get lost in the music. Personally, I like the second option better. After a long day, it’s nice to just lay down on my bed, music blaring, and forget about the world. At the same time, music is a way to connect to others. People connect over their favorite bands or types of music, and going to concerts with friends is great way to spend time together. There are many blogs and sites dedicated to fandoms celebrating and connecting over their shared interests.

The type of music you listen to is an argument. It is the way you chose to view the world. The music you listen to plays on your emotions in a way that’s different than to someone else. That is the beauty of music. Anyone can have whatever view they want, nothing is right or wrong. Whether you chose to shut the world off or reflect on the world, music has a way of shaping your views. That’s why music is used in advertisements, movies, etc. Music is a way to hook people in. An ad showing a cool new product with upbeat music is far more effective at getting you to buy the product, than an ad filled with statistics and reviews about the product with boring or no music. Whatever music you chose to listen to, music always has the effect of leaving you with a feeling or putting you in a mood. For example, after listening to a song about a terrible breakup, you tend to feel sad, while after listening to a song about letting go and having a good time with friends, you tend to feel happy and excited, ready to go out and have a good time. Everyone has their own playlists of songs that can put you in a certain mood. Athletes have their perfect playlist that they listen to before a game, while a playlist of Adele songs is sure to put you in a completely different mood. The songs you listen to is a way for you to express yourself about the way you feel. At the same time, music has a way of pulling you in and effecting you in a way that changes your mood.

So, the next time you grab your headphones, think about what argument you’re making. What are you listening to?