The Veil Revolution

“The feminine veil has become a symbol: that of the slavery of one portion of humanity.” Germaine Tillion. This is a classic example of how most European and Western cultures view the veil of the Middle East. There is a boundary that is created a difference of superiority between men and women. In today’s society educated women are now turning to a conservative “Islamic” dress, not because they are forced to, or for the same reason their previous generations wore a veil, but because they are defining their identity. This cannot be said about all countries in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, North Yemen, and some areas in Afghanistan and Pakistan do not allow women to be present in public or in another man’s presence, besides her families. However countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Jordan and Egypt do not enforce a rule about women wearing a veil. This piece of clothe is not the danger; however the values it represent can be dangerous. The role it plays for women in the family deems inequality with divorce, child custody, and inheritance.



Ironically in Egypt the women have created a new style of a milaya (head scarf), that is a simple expression of modern day garments. Middle and upper class, which are educated and working women, view the veil and wardrobe as professional. As one medical student states, “I think of Islamic dress as a kind of uniform. It means I am serious about myself and my religion but also about my studies.” Ironically she even points out that she can be taken more seriously because her physical appearance is not exposed. The third reason is because of their Muslim faith, and tradition with wearing a veil. Finally, wearing the Islamic garment stresses the importance their religious values, so their families may be more lenient with their actions, such as having a later curfew.

The veil is a piece of fabric that has created so many complex values and symbols that can have multiple implications and different impacts. When manipulated in the wrong way, it is easy to see how other cultures have a negative view of Islamic dress. However like so many issues regarding women in the Middle East it’s not always black and white.


For More Information:
http://books.google.com/books?id=KzRX9E_-yp0C&pg=PA151&lpg=PA151&dq=the+veiled+revolution&source=web&ots=GMgahqHFAH&sig=mbmV1FCrrRUJBt3w7xVdDCss0Fc