As a self-proclaimed secularist, I oppose all impositions of religious-institutions. But I also resent the attitude of superiority that many Western, and even some
Arab, secular liberals have adopted towards conservative Muslims.
Hijab is not the litmus test for liberalism – let alone democracy.
Social and religious imposition of hijab on women is a violation of their personal choice and liberty. But banning hijab, even if women wear it by choice, is another form of violation and repression.
It is especially abhorrent when some Western and Arab liberals raise hell about the hijab while spontaneously endorsing repression and human rights violations of so-called secular governments.
It is ironic that some Turks do not question the way the Kurds have been treated and the questionable role of the domination of the military in a democratic society, while they fiercely protesting the lifting of the ban on the hijab.
The current discourse underscores distorted priorities and intolerance practiced in the name of liberalism. It will only encourage entrenchments, create more barriers, and even foster extremism. Human rights in Turkey and the Arab World cannot be reduced to the debate over hijab.
It puzzles me how many western liberals make a big fuss about hijab while they remain silent on their government's crimes and the real issues faced by people of the region.The lowest point perhaps, was when the western media, governments and some liberal writers justified bombing Afghanistan with the argument that it would liberate women and getting rid of the burqa there. Six years later, through to the current turmoil, the burqa survives.
In fact, the hijab phenomenon has become more prominent not only because of social pressure, but partly as a reaction to what is widely perceived among Muslims as an attack on Islam and Muslim identity. This is more pronounced in Europe and America where many young women choose to wear the hijab as part of declaring their identity.
The Western discourse should stop assuming its own noble superiority if the aim is really to create a dialogue and foster human rights. The existing discourse, as manifested by the outrage over the hijab, is one that aims to assert superiority and dominance – two elements that have nothing to do with human rights or dignity, and everything to do with imperial superiority.
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