3 annotation. Final version

                Boom of veil as consequence of harassment

Jessica Villasenor 

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In recent years the veil trend has increased.  But, what are the reasons why 90% of Egyptian women wear veil? (Morsi, 2008).

         In this annotation I will give more detail information and some history point that support my argument: use of veil is response of the crisis of Egyptian identity.

           It is interesting to point out that in 1920 and 1930 the scarf fell out of favor between Arab women. However, it reappeared with a renewed strength only 50 years after. During the 1970 millions of Egyptians migrated to the booming Gulf States for work, such as Saudi Arabia.  Some years later, they went back to Egypt bringing the more conservative traditions of that States.  That is how the usage of veil was “reintroduced” in Egypt. Other consequence of this migration was the start of use of burqa, a phenomenon that was inexistent between Egyptian women not many years ago and can be explained because of the exposure of the society to the more radical Gulf States customs. Even though the return of millions of Egyptians may be one reason for the veil boom, this is not the main reason for it.  

The real causes for this phenomenon are directly related to the crisis of identity being experienced by the country. On the one hand, the exposure to western culture and media, especially after 1990 when Egyptian television could broadcast international channels and promoted a more open discussion about certain controversial topics. On the other hand, this opening to other culture values undermined their Egyptian identity. This corrosion of values led males to inappropriate behaviors in detriment to women, such as rapes or harassment situations. Therefore, the use of veil is seen as a protective shield. The response of the women to crisis of identity was a stronger religion commitment, a return to their customs, such as the veil. Here is where the relation between the boom in veil use and the crisis of identity in the society becomes clear. 

Shenker (2010)

There is the generally-accepted belief that a good Muslim has to wear the veil even thought is not a mandatory issue. According to Caner(2005) the first followers of Islam adopted the veil because it was a sign of respect for the religion and at the same time a sign of honor and purity. In Egypt, the traditional thinking is that veil is a sign of modesty and the beating of ego (Joseph, 2011). As we can see in this image, the point of view of Egyptian Muslim is related to decency of woman as well as to avoid provoking men’s instincts (Caner, 2005). Thus, it is seen as a safety measure for them.

References  

Abou, N. (2006, October 31). Fierce debate over veils in Egypt. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/31/AR2006103100696.html

Caner, E. M. (2005). Voces detrás del Velo: el mundo del Islam y la mujer musulmana. Michigan: Portavoz.

Kuswandini, D. (August, 15 2012). Why some Muslim women don't wear hijab? Jakarta Globe. Retrieved from http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/talkback/why-some-muslim-women-dont-wear-hijab/538417

Joseph, S. (2011, May 24). Why do Muslim women wear the hihab? (Y. Klimchak, Interviewer) Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJdp_1jIyKQ

Morsi, E. (2008). Babel Med. Retrieved from http://eng.babel.net

Shenker, J. (2010, Setember 21) Tackling sexual harassment in Egypt. Retrieved January 04, 2013 from http://jackshenker.blogspot.tw/2010/09/tackling-sexual-harassment-in-egypt.html