In the West, Islam is most often associated with terrorism and oppression of women. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the veil has become highly politicized and the ultimate symbol of Muslim women’s oppression. In her article “Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?” Lila Abu-Lughod criticizes the United States for using “liberation” of Muslim women to justify a “war of aggression in Afghanistan”, which was really an imperialist conquest. Abu-Lughod suggests that the burqa is not an object of women’s oppression because it can also serve as a form of liberation—the veil is subjective for every Muslim woman, homogenizing them into one group is detrimental. Despite Western assumptions, Islam is not the source of gender inequality and oppression…show more content… At some point, it becomes difficult to distinguish the oppressed from those who embrace, especially when they all drawn the same uniform. Because of its origins, the veil will continue to be the international symbol for the suppression of women’s rights, just as the confederate flag has come to be known as the symbol for an intolerant nation. It is unlikely that someone will go up to every Muslim woman in a veil and ask them if they are a victim or a survivor of their circumstances. To implement a new meaning while the old meaning is still in effect actually takes away from the struggles of the oppressed. Their veil now becomes a symbol of freedom while their lives continue to carry the weight of an unfair social…show more content… It seeks to make women invisible within society so that males can remain focused on more pressing matters. The decision to embrace the veil is admirable but should also be approached with caution. In their attempt to make the veil their own they must also realize that it is a symbol of oppression for some women. These women may not have the same liberties so it is not fair to discredit their struggle. But, while people are out here fighting for the freedom of the veil it sometimes distracts from the larger problem of struggling nation. The war on women’s clothing has overshadowed bigger problems that are going on around the world. Ultimately, despite my opinion, I cannot tell another woman what to wear. I may be able to inform her on my opinions and reasoning’s when asked, but her clothing choices should not be my decision or anyone else’s for that matter. But, this type of respect needs to work both ways for the system to actually be effective. Women should not allow material things to divide them or make them feel less than. Many choices that are made for women without their consent should be looked into a deeper level. So, when we think about the veil, it is important to consider who is really being protected, and what are they being protected
