Is it Islamophobic to question why Muslim women in Western countries advocate so hard to wear burqas and niqabs? Or to generally critique gender and religion and using Islam as an (unfairly) intense example? Especially from non-Muslim women?
Religion is important to people and sure women should wear what they want, but Iâm not sure if others deserve such harsh criticism in asking why or saying that itâs not a good thing but a fetishized modest ownership tradition. Itâs not fair to the women who want to practice their faith wearing it, but a good part of liberal western society acts like calling out traditional conservative behaviors from a majority probably ânon-whiteâ religion is bad.
Obviously women pulling off their veils or hijabs should be their choice, and that simple acts like that shouldnât be simplified as âliberationâ (a very western narrative), but is it also wrong to see it that way? Religious women are deeply entrenched in conservative narrative which I can understand; it just makes me sad.
I wish you well, sorry to bother you and if you prefer not to answer that is valid!
I donât really believe in the concept of Islamophobia to start with. Being wary or critical of any religion isnât a bigoted stance, and all religions need to be criticised for human rights and womenâs rights issues. That doesnât mean that Muslims arenât oppressed in regions where theyâre the minority, but I believe that has a lot more to do with racism than religious persecution.
Is Islamophobia a useful term to discuss Arab/brown-specific experiences in the west? Maybe, but I find it a lot more harmful than helpful most of the time. It seems to be mainly used to stifle discussions and criticism, and foster a narrative of persecution to create an âus vs themâ mentality which is subsequently used to control Muslims and prevent them from seeking community with the âotherâ, and to scare them into remaining within their existing community and faith. Itâs a lot like the Jehovahâs Witnesses tactic of sending their young out with intentionally annoying guides to ârecruitâ people, knowing theyâll be met with hostility that only reinforces their safety and belief within the religious community.
That said, critical analysis of why women hold on to, and even advocate for, religious or cultural practices that contribute to their subjugation - even when they live in countries where they can theoretically be free of these expectations - is not only not Islamophobic/racist, but necessary. I could go into that topic in depth on a separate post if anyone is interested in hearing my thoughts.
Critiquing religion, as I mentioned, is a cornerstone of feminist analysis and can not be ignored to preserve peopleâs feelings. However, most people who are the racial or religious majority in their communities will hold conscious and unconscious biases towards racial and religious minorities, and donât usually bother to learn about the religion or culture theyâre critiquing. These critiques tend to be based on stereotypes and fear mongering, and usually stem from a place of xenophobia rather than any true concern for women. The best way to remedy this is to take the time and effort to learn about the religion and culture in detail, and listen to women, feminist or not, from said culture or religion to properly understand their experiences and issues before you start making criticisms. Try to run your thoughts by someone from that culture or religion who shares your political ideology (in this case, Muslim or ex-Muslim radfems, especially from SWANA) to sound out any misguided ideas or unconscious biases. Itâs a lot of work, so if youâre not up for it, maybe itâs best to stick to criticism of your own culture and/or religion.
When it coms to hijab/niqab/burqa/other modesty garments, you need to tread carefully with real women (as opposed to impersonal ideological critique). Modesty culture is deeply ingrained and many religious people are brainwashed into fear and abject horror at the mere notion of critical thought about their beliefs. Try not to get into heated arguments with religious women unless youâre trained in de-programming and cult tactics. On the other hand, if youâre talking to a liberal who supports dehumanising and oppressive religious/cultural practices on the basis of cultural relativism, you need to stress the dignity of women above any culture or religion. That said, gently questioning the beliefs behind something is never a bad move if you can keep the discussion civil; best case scenario you plant a seed of doubt that can lead to more critical examination, worst case scenario nothing happens and you move on with your days.
As for calling something as simple as shedding modesty items being called âliberationâ, while I donât think itâs offensive or a western concept (in fact, considering liberation a western concept is very⊠paternalistic? I canât find the right word but it definitely rubs me the wrong way), it is a reductive way of looking at this. The shedding of modesty garments should be a protected human right regardless of faith or location, such that gaining the ability to do so is a tiny drop in the ocean of rights that need to be gained in order to achieve liberation. If we deem the simple right to dress as we please to be liberation, we lose sight of the much bigger battles ahead, and we give conservatives and religious extremists an opening to claim that liberal and feminist movements only strive to achieve sexual freedom and degeneracy for the benefit of men. We already see this happening in SWANA, where MRAs and religious extremists have taken up slogans like âthey donât want your freedom, but the freedom to get to youâ (aka the freedom to have sex with you).
Thank you for the thoughtful ask <3
