April 2, 2019
Women wearing the hijab make me uncomfortable.
Men wearing the yarmulke disturb me.
The hijab shouts “this woman is a Muslim!”
The yarmulke proclaims “this man is Jewish!”
What is the point?
We are all free to believe in any God we like. We are all free to practice our religions. We have churches, temples, synagogues, mosques to go to when we feel the need. We have our homes where we can set altars if we wish.
We have been told to respect others’ religions. And we do. We do not wear big crosses around our necks. We are uncomfortable wishing coworkers or store clerks Merry Christmas or Happy Easter.
Years ago, we were told that it was imposing our Christianity onto others. A very rude thing to do. Two days out of the year were too much to take for non-Christians in a predominantly Christian country. We became mindful. We do not want to offend. We became anonymous.
But then, I go shopping, and I see hijabs and yarmulkes.
If I must try my very best to not impose my religious beliefs on others, shouldn’t the others try their very best to not impose their religions on me?
I see a hijab and I do not see a woman. I see a religion and beliefs that are not mine.
As a woman, I am offended by that piece of clothing. My foremothers fought and paid a high price to allow me to walk down the streets in jeans and tank tops if I choose to wear them. They fought for my rights to vote, own properties, and inherit from my parents. They fought for my rights to an education. They fought for my right to work. They came before me and broke free. I am grateful to them. I am humbled by them.
I see a hijab, and I see a woman that would have been happier a couple of centuries ago. I see a slave to men and old traditions.
I see our differences where I would rather see our similarities.
I would want to see a woman. A woman like me. A woman with a family, people she loves, people who love her. A daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, a happy single, a married woman, a mother, a grandmother.
I am told that a man wearing a yarmulke sees women as second-class citizens, good enough to breed, but never an equal to the man. Is it true?
Do these men see women that way? I do not know. But it is now a perception I have of them.
I should see a man. A human being. A loving husband, father, grandfather, a brother, a son. But that little piece of fabric blinds me. It is all I see.
My religion is important to me. It is part of me. Is my religion all that I am? Of course not. Would I ever think on imposing it on anyone? Why would I even bother? My religion is my own to cherish. I will share it within my church only.
Our beliefs are our birthrights. No one can take them away from us. We are fortunate and we can practice our religions freely and in peace. But in the streets, on the bus, at work, does anyone really need to display his or her faith?
I will notice your lipstick color. I will notice your haircut. You do know I will notice your hijab. As I will notice your yarmulke. Wouldn’t you prefer I notice you?
Respectful of you, I am not wearing my cross. Do you have any respect for me?
Katrin L.
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