Hi Everyone!
Presentation link if anyone needs to reference it at all:
http://prezi.com/wr2r-d8y-nzr/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy=
Also another cool video that tricked me a couple times: (Watch and see how many you can get right)
https://www.facebook.com/MvslimInspires/videos/1171243186278954/
So here is the article that we have decided to use in order to fully understand religion as a means for liberation and oppression:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/29/opinion/wanted-leaders-to-turn-interfaith-conflict-into-trust.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FMuslim%20Americans&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=collection&_r=0
In the class discussion there was talk of appropriation and what exactly was considered appropriate when deciding to wear a head covering when not practicing this religion. Overall, If you are playing "dress up" for the sake up playing dress up and not paying respect to origin then it could possibly align with appropriation of other cultures. Also, we discussed the issues of Islamophobia and the strengthening of that issue as people find excuses to come out of the wood-works because they think it is okay to behave that way. I think as a class we could conclude that there is a blanket of ignorance when other religions view veiling practices; not knowing that most religions in fact practice these kinds of covering practices (i.e. nuns, wedding ceremonies, etc.). Maybe we could consider ways that may create religiously diverse tolerance for one another. How do you think this could happen successfully?
The reading may help explain the question above as it offers a means for understanding and calls attention to the issue of religious intolerance across the board. An article like this could have been useful years ago and persistence is key. You can not create acceptance and safety in religious practice only when a political election doesn't go your way; there needs to be constant discussion. What do you think?
Basic Info From The Presentation:
In veiling practices there are many different perspectives that can be taken. One of the easiest way to understand the veiling practices from each religion is to converse with the person who is actually wearing the veil or covering. Though veiling has been present in most religions at some point or another, most often it is only referenced when discussing Islamic culture and tradition. Consider the type of veil being worn, and on what occasion. Different veils have different messages and different representations. The article cites instances of religious intolerance and ignorance as a need to resolve interfaith conflict. I think that this is a valid perspective to take, however it also cites the election of president elect Trump as fuel to consider the racial intolerance as "new" issues; Do you think this is valid?
Given that overview and reading the article, consider the following discussion questions for commentary:
1. What are your experiences with veiling practices?
2. Based on the article, what are the implications of freedom of expression, via the veil practice, when considering the new government that will take place in January?
3. What are some suggestions to dealing with religious bias or intolerance conflict?
4. How would you take the definition of "religiously diverse democracy" (from the article) and form your own definition based on how you experience the tensions?
Hello Jaci,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your presentation- it was very insightful.
I was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home, and when you get married you are expected/required to fully cover your hair. There are many ways in which people do so, usually with a wig (which most people wouldn’t even be able to notice), others use scarves or wraps (like the lady in the video) and many use hats, caps, etc. My personal experience with covering has been awful. When I first got married I wore either a wig, hat or scarf. I did so for two years, maybe even a little longer, and hated Every.Single.Moment. I know of course that there are many others who dislike it, but do so because they believe it’s the right thing, and that there are of course those who do enjoy it. I however, only associated the negative with it. Not only was it uncomfortable and gave me a headache, it also made me feel like I lost some of my self-worth. I didn’t feel like ‘miriam’ anymore. I felt squashed and suffocated. (I hope that my in-laws are not reading this- they don’t know that I no longer cover my hair).
Another reason I hated it, which responds to another one of your questions, is the discrimination that I felt when wearing it. People knew I was Jewish and I was treated differently. I know it sounds absurd, but it’s true. Even if it was as simple as wanting to return something to a store, it was a lot more embarrassing because I would get dirty looks, like I was somehow trying to cheat them. I’m not sure what one can do to avoid “a nasty look” except ignore it, so in response to that question, I’m not being very helpful. :)
All I can say is, I’m glad that I no longer cover my hair, I feel free. Of course, though, it is really disheartening that people are being judged just based on their religious beliefs- and receive the negative stereotypes that come with it. This country is supposed to be about religious freedom- but of course the question is, which religion? unfortunately, It looks as if that not every religion falls under that category.
Thanks again for your presentation,
Myriam Kind
Myriam,
DeleteI am not educated on Orthodox Jewish covering practices so your comment was very insightful. I can definitely understand the feeling of not feeling yourself and I think that in a religion a woman should only have to wear a covering if they feel it is for them; though some sects of religion don't have much leniency on this, unfortunately. The judgement factor is also something to look at- ignorance plays a bigger role than we'd like to admit to; especially when judging someone with a religious practice such as veiling. Glad you enjoyed the presentation.
Jaci
Hi Jaci,
Deleteyes, I agree that a women should do it because she wants to but that some sects do not have leniency on this. :(
Thanks again,
Myriam
not " looks as if" should be seems as though.
ReplyDeletesorry,
miriam.
I never really thought about how Christians use veiling practices at weddings. I also knew that the soon-to-be wife wore a veil but didn’t tie religion into it. Growing up I went to a very small school that wasn’t very diverse. I do remember, however that there was a girl a little bit younger than me who was Muslim. I remember her getting bullied for having to wear her hijab, however, this girl wasn’t sticking to her faith in many other ways which caused controversy. I never really paid attention because I don’t care what she does with her life or religion. But there were many students bullying her. Some suggestions to dealing with religious bias or intolerance conflict is to just keep to yourself unless you’re directly being affected. I had no issues walking the halls of my high school with the girl wearing her hijab and I don’t see why anyone would personally have an issue with it. The term “religiously diverse democracy” means that while we live in a democratic nation where you have certain freedoms there will always be different religions, and in some cases this can cause controversy. In the text book, and the quote that I used for my presentation, says “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, New American Standard Version). (Page 213) I really love this quote but I think that if we all thought about this, we could look at our peers as equal to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexandra,
DeleteTo relate to your first point (which I like and am so happy you addressed), veiling and following the strict practices can be super tricky when attending a school surrounded by peers who do not practice the same religion as you. I also had a friend who practiced as well- she would wear a hijab to please her parents but not practice prayer throughout the day because of her peers. Love the quote! YES, I agree. The mindset of "others" has to change and there has to be an effort to think more inclusively instead.
Jaci
I really enjoyed your presentation on veiling practices! I think it is great that you were so informed on the topic and we got to hear a firsthand experience on the topic! The video presented really was an eye opener and I have to admit I only got one. The presentation got people thinking though and I definitely found it interesting! I have never had any experiences with veiling practices but I have been curious about them, I had known they were misunderstood and always felt uncomfortable when people made comments about them. In order to deal with religious bias I believe people have to have an open mind. They need to educate themselves on people that are not like them and not make assumptions based on false facts. If people actually learned about different cultures then than its possible they could be more accepting. Religiously diverse democracy would be a hard goal. I believe we do need to keep religion completely out of government so that we can accept everyone and not be biased to any of them. We do have to recognize all the different ideas but shouldn’t pick any based on their religion. Just as Ruth still worked with people who did not share her beliefs so must America to build a greater idea of tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI like your insight on creating an open atmosphere. What it all boils down to is the idea of educating those who may not understand the roots of the practices; that goes for all religions- not just ones that practice veiling.
Hi Jaci!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great presentation. It was extremely interesting and informative. I never really noticed how much of a major role veils play in pretty much every religion. I agree that there is a blanket of ignorance over veiling practices. While it is ok for nuns to wear long, black robes and veils, someone who is wearing a Jilbab would probably be looked at negatively. Thanks also for your input on the definition of cultural appropriation. When the video first started, I was a little taken aback and thought that what they were doing could be seen as cultural appropriation. Now, however, I agree with your statement. As long as you aren’t using someone’s religion as an attempt to make a fashion statement, rather in a way to respect it, it is ok.
Personally, I don’t have many experiences wearing veils. However, being Roman Catholic, I did wear a veil during my first holy communion. The women in my religion also wear veils when they get married. It is important to educate people on different religions and veiling practices. It’s disgusting that people find it ok to assume things about someone simply for practicing their religion.
This presentation was fantastic for many reasons. I recall the video being a talking point for the reason of cultural appropriation, while we are all in agreeance that the use of a cultural item for education is not culturally appropriative it made me think; would reactions from the public have been the same if the women were wearing niqab or jilbab?
ReplyDeleteParticular interactions that occurred with people of Islamic faith.
The culture of islamophobia in the United States has singled out veiling practices as a reference for terrorism. I wept for the people of Islam when Trump was elected for the reason that many women who were in strict personal adherence to veiling practices had to tell their children to no longer wear their religious expression. Furthermore this affected language outside the household for any non english speaking persons.
I agree with Myriams points about reaction to Jewish veiling practices and the outrage is appropriate. This is especially apparent in neighborhoods in New York that surround Jewish cultural centers. Hasidic Jews are often criticized for their dress as well.
I believe firmly that opening spaces for youth to express how their subjection to religious practices and the criticisms that accompany them. People who are ignorant to practices or have fears that are in of themselves a type of ignorance must be made to see through some personal experience that whomever it is they are objectifying is not unlike them. The culture of Islamophobia in America has equated head scarves to political statements of terrorism just as broadly as their reference of "mexican" for all latin based language.
Hey Jaci,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your presentation, as it was very eye opening and informative. Unfortunately i've only had very limited experiences with the veiling practices, as I have never really met that many people who used a veil. I first really learned about veiling practices an anthropology class during my freshman year of college. I knew one girl while also a freshman who wore a hijab, and it was through her where I learned some of the ins and outs of veiling practices such as that she was not able to let another man see her without her head wrapping besides her family or the person she would be getting married to. I think that with the new government about to take place, there is going to be a lot more hate and confusion against veiling practices, as the president elect has endorsed this sense of hatred against muslims. I genuinely think that the way to counteract all this negative stigma around it is by just being open minded on other people's religions and practices and make sure that it is not ok to discriminate against people who do use veils. I think that our society still needs a while to have a religiously diverse democracy, especially after the Trump presidency because there just is so much hate that people store up against other religions. But I would like to see the day where that term comes true
Hey!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, thank you for such an informational presentation. Religion is such a major part of most peoples' everyday lives and because of that I believe that this was an extremely important topic to talk about. With that being said, I can not say that I have had any personal experiences with veiling practice.In terms of what is to come involving the new government that will be in place this January, I am not sure what is going to happen. What I am going to say is that I hope people stand by their beliefs and values. Just because religious practices aren't important to everyone's live, we, as a nation, must respect and accept the religious practices of those who belong to this country. Dealing with religious intolerance seems like an unfathomable issue to me... but it would be ignorant of me to deny it's presence in everyday society. Similarly to the textbook, oppression and intolerance can strengthen a group in many ways. For example, it can allow one to self-define themselves and find their voices. It allows for the expansion of groups and communities. By coming together, those who feel that they are discriminated against can feel safe and push for change... strength in numbers!