Antibias: Wonder and Analyze

I have written about love, fiction, fate, pride and fantasy. However, now is the time to write about how intolerable it is to be offended because of your identity, which is also your dignity.

As a Muslim-Arab, I may have faced couple of racist situations, especially when I travel. Let alone the foreign countries, at times, in my own country, some expats look at me as though I've come from an illiterate family, again, I emphasize on "some."

From the stereotypical words I recall (that were directed to me):
"You are here alone? your parents allow you? it's not a problem that you're out here alone?"
"Is this your slave? (referring to my nanny - who I happen to hangout with most of the time)"
"You're all materialistic in your country, right?"
"Will you get married soon? to your cousin?"

And the list goes on...

Let me enlighten you, us, women, are given the freedom of choice while STILL being protected and advised, and by this I mean that we are treated with respect and grace, just like how it's urged in Islam; to respect women. We are not abused on the daily basis for not leading the "ideal" life of extremity in Islam, we are not bashed for adapting the advantageous things about Westerners, and we are not forced to get married, if we don't want to.

And let's face it now, MOST Arabs (and yes, women as well) are bilinguals, if not trilingual. Who's illiterate now?
Let's take where I live as an example, which is UAE, a Muslim Arab country.. where women get to study, drive, work, lead, and strive. We cannot be equal to men, that's impossible - anywhere! Yet, we are respected and venerated.. We are recognized and appreciated, we are also trusted to be independent.
How is our society narrow-minded and oppressive? How is our religion terroristic and violent? How does anything that happens in the world linked to our society and religion? Can anyone please explain why all fingers are pointed at us? Why our women need to be pitied by Westerners? Why our valuable religion is degraded and offended by those who do not understand any of its concepts and merits, even some Muslims themselves who blame everything on Islam?

Well, let's watch this video of honor killing, and listen carefully to its content:

I'm going to quote some words from the horrible comments:
"You came in our country and expect your children not to be influenced..are you serious!? Stay in your country where you are allowed to beat and kill your wife and daughters, rape your slaves...etc"

"Honor and Islam is an oxymoron. Islam is the bane of society"
Let's just believe that these comments are true, and that Islam IS the the deadly cause behind..well everything distressful, and move on to watching some other videos..

And in case Muslims are also liars.. Well, let's hear it from an American soldier, who confidently and proudly took off his badge in front of the audience.

And now,
is it rightful to say that Christians are murderers and rapists? That Jews are spongers? That Muslims are victimized by "religions" and not "people"?
Of course, it's unfair.

Similarly, honor killings, terrorisms, fights, civil wars, and oppressions are NOT linked to Islam or Muslims, they are simply done by extremists who exhibit nothing but their OWN personal narrow mentality and violent nature. Also, in some countries, tribal and traditional views are the reason behind such inhumane acts, but again, it is not Islam.


(Religious-Wise)
Moving on, it is understood in our religion that mistakes and errors are innate and that forgiveness is divine. I do not cover my hair but I do not strut being half naked, and yet I'm still a Muslim who prays, fasts, and does what's to be done  - not that I'm proud of not wearing the Hijab, but to make it clear that we are given the CHOICE, the freedom, the CHANCE to think, accept, and do - willingly. We are not beaten to fully cover ourselves, we are advised and persuaded, we have our Quran and Sunna to read and learn from, knowing that we can never be complete and perfect. Additionally, we are raised to be genteel, appreciative, delicate, and respectful. Neither our religion nor society encourages barbarity.

And to those who think that our women are oppressed and ignorant - because of merely the idea of "Hijab," let us have a look at these pictures and rethink.

Jewish woman

The drawing of Virgin Mary

Muslim woman

Coincidence? or is being dignified and covered virtuous in every religion?

Also, racism is new, and surprisingly, is spread in the veins of those who understand nothing about religions. Not in any religion is hatred encouraged, especially, hating other religions. And now, people generalize and believe they're doing the right thing when they offend and insult other religions. What's the use? Why can't we learn from the Ottoman times, for instance, when all three religions coexisted and COOPERATED, despite the differences.

Hope I was able to deliver my sincere message.


Love,
Alia