Beyond the veil (From Asian Image)

Beyond the veil

7:40pm Sunday 15th July 2007 in News features

Life, work and viewpoints from our resident niqaab-wearer.

Hello, how're you all doing? I will be here every month to give you an insight about what life is really like under this mask...symbol of separation...or whatever you want to call it.

And of course to tell you of how we've been accused of being terrorists and blowing things out of proportion, excuse the pun!

Well, back to last Ramadan when our former foreign secretary, Jack Straw, made the comments he did, I believe I was too willing to bridge this gap in society, giving endless interviews in hope to aid the fact that we do give something to the community.

And so yes I agree, it is becoming segregated and I believe people like myself who wear a veil are being used as a scapegoat instead of addressing the real underlying issues.

Looking back I remember a couple of days after Mr Straw had made his comments, a woman outside the town hall protest was telling me I had ''Raped her country''whhhaaaatt?! Is such a thing possible?

As far as I was concerned this woman needed help. For goodness sake get a life!

I remember other instances where I have gone out of my way and had in-depth discussions with people, to try and understand from other perspectives.

What I found was that these people had jumbled jigsaw puzzles that didn't fit together.

I remember one discussion in particular when a woman told me she felt intimidated by women wearing the veil. After asking her why, she told me that we 'reminded her of criminals and terrorists,' because...wait for it we have something in common. They apparently also cover their faces.

Anyway, it's not all bad; there have been some good times.

I mean, one of my non-Muslim colleagues was telling me she thought the way we dress is beautiful and people should accept us for who we are. I have even noticed some non-Muslims going out of their way to give way to me...truly refreshing.

It's obvious that some people are missing the point. I mean if they really want to bridge gaps then they should start by accepting that we are equally different and get to know the differences between us.

Maybe this would enhance and promote healthier lifestyles instead of pointing fingers when things go wrong because this in my experience just leads to further damage in community relations.

Till next time take care and Salamz.