True. Here's a poem from sydneyislamicyouth.com about the hijab. It hits the nail on the head and shows that, contrary to the popular Western view, Muslim women are not forced to wear the hijab by their so-called "oppressive" husbands (although unfortunately this is a reality for only a few Muslim women) but in fact choose to wear it out of their own accord. I myself donned the hijab last year. The reason? Id walk down the road minding my own business when some guy decides to whistle at me or make lude hand gestures. Perhaps in theory, to many girls, this is the aim of wearing skimpy clothing- to attract the attention of the opposite sex and feel "sexy" and "appealing" as a result. I on the other hand, found it degrading and felt subjugated by the lecherous desires of men. I felt trapped by my own appearance and more so, i was frustrated that the value of my personality was being overrided by my looks(btw, im not trying to boast, im trying to make a point). It was then i decided to put on the hijab and i can honestly say, ive never felt so liberated. Im now valued for my intellect, personality and opinion rather than my cleavage , bum and midriff.
If being valued, appreciated and taken seriously as a human being rather than as a piece of flesh is oppressive, than so be it.
When you look at me
What do you see when you look at me
Do you see someone limited, or someone free
All some people can do is just look and stare
Simply because they can't see my hair
Others think I am controlled and uneducated
They think that I am limited and un-liberated
They are so thankful that they are not me
Because they would like to remain 'free'
Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used
Describing women who are cheated on and abused
They think that I do not have opinions or voice
They think that being hooded isn't my choice
They think that the hood makes me look caged
That my husband or dad are totally outraged
All they can do is look at me in fear
And in my eye there is a tear
Not because I have been stared at or made fun of
But because people are ignoring the one up above
On the day of judgment they will be the fools
Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules
Maybe the guys won't think I am a cutie
But at least I am filled with more inner beauty
See I have declined from being a guy's toy
Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy
Real men are able to appreciate my mind
And aren't busy looking at my behind
Hooded girls are the ones really helping the muslim cause
The role that we play definitely deserves applause
I will be recognized because I am smart and bright
And because some people are inspired by my sight
The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility
In the back of their mind they wish they were me
We have the strength to do what we think is right
Even if it means putting up a life long fight
You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt
We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt
So you see, we are the ones that are free and liberated
We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated
We are the ones that are free and pure
We're free of STD's that have no cure
So when people ask you how you feel about that hood
Just sum it up by saying 'baby its all good'
