Women Scared to Wear Hijabs in President-Elect Trump’s World
With Donald Trump elected as the next president, his proposed policy to ban Muslims from “entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on” could become a reality. With this, many American women who wear hijabs have expressed fear that doing so could potentially provoke unwanted attention or attacks.
Janna, 19, tweeted early Wednesday morning that her mom texted her “don’t wear the hijab please.” As the teen, who is a big Harry Styles fan, noted, this was surprising considering her mother is the most religious person in family. “I wasn’t gonna cry over this election, but to know my mom is ready to sacrifice her beliefs for me, to protect me, yeah I’m off guys, night,” she added. In less than 24 hours, her message received 62,000 retweets and 73,000 likes.
I wasn't gonna cry over this election, but to know my mom is ready to sacrifice her beliefs for me, to protect me, yeah I'm off guys, night
— ?jannatin (@harryonmen) November 9, 2016
Janna is not the only one to publicly express her fears.
My mom and my sister are actually having the conversation on whether or not they should continue wearing hijab for their own safety
— Sulaiman (@Mcbrownie) November 9, 2016
I saw a girl taking her hijab off in the restroom and I asked why, she said "I'm scared my family and I will get hurt"… I'm heartbroken
— kor (@kfcgravy666) November 9, 2016
i see the same beautiful kid going to school every morning. today she isnt wearing her usual hijab. can u feel this.
— Chynna (Rogers) (@MadeInChynna) November 9, 2016
In the dining hall a girl was wearing a hijab & looked nervous. I went to the restroom and when I came out there she was taking it off.
— evelyn rodriguez (@ObiwanLynnobi) November 9, 2016
im scared to go out wearing my hijab
— ?? (@selenastuan) November 9, 2016
Much of this fear is reinforced by the fact that hate crimes, specifically those targeting women in religious wear, increased following Brexit, the U.K.’s vote in June to leave the European Union, in which immigration was a major contributing issue to the result.
Even before the results came in, 9-year-old Sakeena Ahmed of Oak Brook, Ill., composed a letter about her concerns for her future with Donald Trump in the White House. According to Sakeena’s mother, Aamina, who spoke with the Huffington Post, she was feeling very anxious surrounding Trump’s Islamaphobia. Aamina suggested her daughter write down her thoughts and then posted the piece to Facebook. “Being Muslim is a little difficult. My mom wears a scarf. I go to the store and people just look at me,” she wrote. “Imagine if everybody hated your religion.”
While scared, plenty also found pride in wearing a head-covering despite the dangers felt by so many.
I am proud to be Muslim. I am proud to wear a hijab. I may be scared for my safety but I will not let myself fear him. #HesNotMyPresident
— Fatimah ? (@_ItsFatimah) November 9, 2016
Shout out to those who don their turban or hijab today. I'm rockin mine unapologetically and with pride. Hope you are too. #OnNovember9 pic.twitter.com/ca21dCm5OJ
— Amardeep Singh (@amarHoboken) November 9, 2016
“Hijab on tighter” seemed to serve as a rallying cry.
Hijab on tighter. Heart on stronger. #NotMyPresident
— Nada Ali ??? ??? (@nadaali93) November 9, 2016
I am not going to take off my hijab, I'm just going to tie it tighter.
I'm not going to sacrifice a part of me to adhere to your ignorance.— kat (@whackkat) November 9, 2016
Best believe my hijab will only be tighter and more visible for all to see when trumps becomes president. Black female Muslim and proud af
— ????? (@Chimmyq) November 9, 2016
My hijab will be tighter and my head will be higher because human Cheetos don't scare me. he's #NotMyPresident
— Ifrah Z. (@Cupcakelover_33) November 9, 2016
I am not going to take off my hijab, I'm just going to tie it tighter.
I'm not going to sacrifice a part of me to adhere to your ignorance.— kat (@whackkat) November 9, 2016
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