Danijela Kaurin on Abu Lughod's "Do Muslim Women (Still) Need Saving?"

In Abu- Lughoods writing, I can note her emphasis on the idea that a hijab, burqa, or veil is something that we, as the westerners, and other should not think as a seclusive dress or difference, but simply a fashion statement.

I am a big fashion supporter. By this I mean that I greatly respect the fashion choices people make and like, something that Abu-Lughood is doing by telling us her point of view on the "veil". the hijab/burqa is merely just a fabric that people choose to wear due to their views and beliefs. People, such as Americans/politicians have made a simple fashion idea and make it into this political idea of undermining women who decide to wear these pieces. Women who wear this are meant to strut confidence just like any other woman, not be lessened by others.

In addition to this being a fashion statement, this is also a piece of religion. I spoke to my one friend today who said it was her choice to wear the hijab and she respects it because she feels more connected to her religion. A woman wearing a hijab, burqa, or veil is just like a man attending a Sunday church service. This is a religious practice for women of this faith just like going to church is a religious practice of catholics or really any other religion. Just as the author of this piece writes, when the Afghan women were so called "liberated" and given the chance to come out of seclusion by taking of their "veil", they didn't really feel "saved" because wearing a hijab/burqa isn't their problem.  This is a practice they choose so it is not harming them.

In todays time many still for political views around this piece of fashion but on the other side, we have people continuing this fashion piece by converting it into athletic wear. Nike, this year, created the "Nike Pro Hijab" a hijab made for the women who wear this piece and do normal physical activity like others. As the author says, the veil is not the problem. these women need help with other things and the world should not judge them based off their choice of clothing.

USAToday

Why is the hijab/burqa such a major political topic?