Village Journals
Resonate your identity with Naseeb journals. Express your opinions, share your thoughts, post your writings and connect with like minded people through the power of expression.
Resonate your identity with Naseeb journals. Express your opinions, share your thoughts, post your writings and connect with like minded people through the power of expression.
Obama's Headscarf Mistake
newsweek.washingtonpost.com
Obama's Headscarf Mistake
Wednesday in Detroit, volunteers for Senator Barack Obama?s presidential campaign refused to permit two young Muslim women wearing a head covering to sit directly behind Senator Obama. As an American Muslim woman, I am distressed at this incident.
The hijab is a head covering that some Muslim women choose to wear as an expression of modesty and piety. It is regrettable ? no, shameful ? that any American would be asked to retreat to the shadows on account of her religious identity. Our country was founded as a safe haven for those fleeing religious persecution, and as a result, we deeply cherish our First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, including its full expression.
This incident must be considered particularly out-of-character, and disturbing, for a campaign focused on inclusivity and positive social change. Senator Obama has positioned himself as a change agent who embraces Americans of all races, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and religions. Herein lies the power of his message, and it is extremely unfortunate ? and uncharacteristic of his campaign ? that certain members of his staff are aggressively and single-mindedly fashioning Obama?s image, to the detriment of his inclusive message.
I hope that Senator Obama can continue to tear down the walls of unwarranted prejudices and suspicion among Americans, regardless of faith, ethnicity or gender, and without fear of others? ignorance, prejudice and fear-mongering. As the immense political pressures facing Senator Obama only increase ? including absurd ?accusations? of being Muslim or apostatizing from Islam ? it is critical that he, or any candidate, continues to treat all Americans of all religions with equal dignity and respect. I thank him for directly addressing this unfortunate incident and personally apologizing to the young women.
One day, we may see American Presidents, male and female, wearing turbans, yarmulkes, and hijabs. Our nation?s foundation rests on a legacy of diversity and respect for difference, and Senator Obama?s person, candidacy, and message reflect this very legacy. Perhaps some of his staffers and volunteers need to step back and reflect on exactly why they work for this historic campaign.
Please e-mail On Faith if you'd like to receive an email notification when On Faith sends out a new question.
Email Me | Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook
Posted by Daisy Khan on June 20, 2008 10:44 AM
Obama's Headscarf Mistake
Wednesday in Detroit, volunteers for Senator Barack Obama?s presidential campaign refused to permit two young Muslim women wearing a head covering to sit directly behind Senator Obama. As an American Muslim woman, I am distressed at this incident.
The hijab is a head covering that some Muslim women choose to wear as an expression of modesty and piety. It is regrettable ? no, shameful ? that any American would be asked to retreat to the shadows on account of her religious identity. Our country was founded as a safe haven for those fleeing religious persecution, and as a result, we deeply cherish our First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, including its full expression.
This incident must be considered particularly out-of-character, and disturbing, for a campaign focused on inclusivity and positive social change. Senator Obama has positioned himself as a change agent who embraces Americans of all races, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and religions. Herein lies the power of his message, and it is extremely unfortunate ? and uncharacteristic of his campaign ? that certain members of his staff are aggressively and single-mindedly fashioning Obama?s image, to the detriment of his inclusive message.
I hope that Senator Obama can continue to tear down the walls of unwarranted prejudices and suspicion among Americans, regardless of faith, ethnicity or gender, and without fear of others? ignorance, prejudice and fear-mongering. As the immense political pressures facing Senator Obama only increase ? including absurd ?accusations? of being Muslim or apostatizing from Islam ? it is critical that he, or any candidate, continues to treat all Americans of all religions with equal dignity and respect. I thank him for directly addressing this unfortunate incident and personally apologizing to the young women.
One day, we may see American Presidents, male and female, wearing turbans, yarmulkes, and hijabs. Our nation?s foundation rests on a legacy of diversity and respect for difference, and Senator Obama?s person, candidacy, and message reflect this very legacy. Perhaps some of his staffers and volunteers need to step back and reflect on exactly why they work for this historic campaign.
Please e-mail On Faith if you'd like to receive an email notification when On Faith sends out a new question.
Email Me | Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook
Posted by Daisy Khan on June 20, 2008 10:44 AM