“She takes off her headscarf and feels liberated. She feels like a weight has been lifted off her head and shoulders. Now she can finally be her true empowered self. She can be with the boy of her dreams. Nothing is stopping her from finally living the life she’s always wanted.”
Does this ring a bell? This is a scene that can be observed in different shapes and forms in movies and TV shows.
Why is it that often the media chooses to depict Hijab-wearing Muslim characters as people who are displeased with their life and religion? Hijab is often portrayed as something a character must usually overcome and let go off in order to feel empowered. Characters are shown as being forced to wear Hijab and feeling depressed because of their “oppressive” parents/family members. Characters are portrayed as being held back by the hijab from doing what they love. The Family, especially the Muslim men are shown as the villains, hindering the girls’ outgoing and liberal desires whereas non-Muslim men play the role of saviors.
Yes, it is true that the scenario mentioned is the reality for some women, but they are an exception out of the many others who willingly adorn the Hijab. Promoting this kind of narrative is highly appalling. Like any large community, Hijab adorning women are diverse and so are their experiences. By not showing women who willingly adorn the Hijab, the narrative of Muslim women being oppressed is being pushed down the public’s throats, especially those who have no interaction with Muslims and the only representation they get is through media.
Right representation of the Hijab is very important so as to prevent spreading the wrong message, and that is no exception for the media industry. This is a very important factor because, as previously noted, a larger part of society gains a lot of information every day from the media, especially the movies and TV series.
So how should this misrepresentation be avoided, you may ask? Start by avoiding the showcase of the stereotypical representation of “an oppressed Hijabi girl”.
Hijab adorning women who go about their normal lives. Hijab adorning women who are not constantly struggling with their Muslim identity. Hijab adorning women who have supportive families. Hijab adorning women who love wearing Hijab and practising their religion - These women deserve to have their stories told. These women deserve to be represented. And the world deserves to know that such empowered women exist.
Author: Khadija Ali (Member) & Fathima Noman Ibadullah (LAC Member), GIO Chennai.
Pic. Credits: The Netflix series "ELITE"
Date: 30th March 2022
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