On Thursday October 26th, FIU celebrated their third annual Hijab-a-thon. The Muslim Student Association created this event where women are invited to try out the hijab or scarf. This is the religious garment that traditionally not only covers the hair of Muslim women but the covering the whole body, which is why the MSA asked students to wear long pants, skirts or dresses and long-sleeved shirts. The hijab is a typically seen as a sign of modesty, so the way you dress while wearing it should reflect modesty as well. In addition to this, to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the scarfs were in pink.
From 8 am until 2 pm, women were welcome to try out the hijab and learn how to wear it. Women were also encouraged to wear it for the entire day. From 7 pm until 10 pm, a dinner was held where experiences were shared. Everyone was welcome to the dinner in order to hear about the hijab from the view of someone who doesn’t wear it all the time.
Valentina was one student who tried out the hijab for a day and shared her experiences with me. Valentina is usually one of the most outgoing and adventurous people I know; however the hijab made her feel quite the opposite. While it made her feel hot and humid, that’s not all. She also felt less confidant, shy and timid because of the hijab. She noted how people barely recognized her and was prejudiced several times because of the garment. “It gave me the idea that people expected me not the be outgoing because of the hijab, I ended up taking it off that day.” She explained.
This event and the experiences shared should open our eyes to the prejudice and stereotypes people face everyday. So next time you think about making a comment on the hijab, be sure to think it through and analyze the origin and prejudice the people wearing the garment face daily. After all, why punish all for the wrongdoing of one?