Muslim Women

Words: 620
Pages: 3

Introduction The impression of Muslim women in the United States has been constantly changing throughout history. In modern society, a growing issue seems to be people's perception of Muslim women and their culture. Muslim women are viewed as either powerless victims, or labeled as dangerous by their peers. Feminist activist and sociologist Fatima Mernissi, is one of many women calling for a change in the way Muslim women are viewed. Mernissi, along with other advocates for women's rights, have been bringing light to the situations of the women of Islam and their struggles across different countries. According to a survey conducted by the Pew research center, 75% of Muslim women in the United States felt there was a lot of Muslim-based discrimination in the United States, 62% felt American people did not see Islam as a part of mainstream society, and 50% believed that being Muslim in the United States has gotten more difficult in …show more content…
Also in the stimulus material, Attitudes Toward Muslim Women in the West, Lila Abu-Lughod stated that the notion of “saving” Muslim women only began after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and that if you are “saving” other women, this only furthers the idea that they are below you and defenseless. (Asia Society, 2002) Although seeing women of the Muslim faith as victims can be viewed as being a better stereotype than as seeing them as a violent terrorist, both are negative stigmas that need to be erased from our modern society. With this information in mind, I present my question: how can the perception of Muslim women in the United States be adjusted to an appropriate medium? Altogether, an examination through the cultural and historical point of views will show the negative views of Muslim women on both sides of the spectrum. A change in these cynical views will ultimately provide for the greater good and aid in the gain of appropriate views on Muslim women in the