Ayah Righi, Period 1, 10/18/2023

Ayah Righi
Period 1
10/18/23
Modern Mythology 2024

Socio-Political Consciousness: Discrimination in France

In recent years, France has transformed from a breathtaking tourist hot spot, with its memorable landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and its rich culture, to an unsafe environment where discrimination prevails, especially targeting Muslims and their religious practices. Nowadays, the Muslim population in France is faced with many challenges. As a result of persistent and systemic discrimination, Muslims are at an economic disadvantage and are severely underrepresented in French society.

Most recently, this form of oppression has revolved around the idea of the hijab worn by women in France. This issue is complex and has been debated extensively by men, women, Muslims and non Muslims. France has recently banned the wearing of hijab in public spaces, including the implementation of a ban on school girls wearing the abaya, an important Muslim symbol for piety and devotion. This ban is not only oppressive but it stems in ideas rooted in misogyny, xenophobia and Islamophobia. Proponents and supporters of this ban note that it is meant to empower women which to me sounds like a contradiction which is embedded in patriarchal systems of male domination meant to control women’s autonomy and sexuality. This seems to be especially true when we talk about women of color who are oftentimes viewed as being controlled and unable to make their own decisions. How can we empower women by taking away their rights to choose what they want to wear on their bodies?

This blatant example of prejudice does not live only in France but now has been expanded to the world stage as new updates from the country’s sports minister state that French athletes will not be allowed to wear hijabs during the Paris Olympic games set to be held in 2024. Even as a keen spectator in all this, I, as a Muslim woman, fear for the global effects of this very public shunning of Muslim culture coming from the host country of the games.

As a Muslim woman this topic is especially personal to me, especially as many people in my family have opted to wear the hijab, not because they were forced to do so but because they have consciously made that choice. However, when I reflect upon this topic, I wonder how much of my perceptions on this matter is clouded by my own beliefs, personal experiences, preconceived notions and upbringing. How do my own biases and assumptions fit into my ability to be open minded and listen to other perspectives? Looking from the lens of a Muslim woman, deeply invested in my own culture, does that affect my ability to be objective? Do my feelings of horror at the thought of patriarchal tyranny force me to have an unbalanced perspective? As all these thoughts go through my head, I also recognize that even if I did not have a personal connection to the hijab and this topic, I would be equally empathetic at the thought of any disenfranchisement or social injustice.

Sources:

“Human Rights in France.” Amnesty International, www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/france/report-france/#:~:text=France%202022,values%E2%80%9D%20restricted%20freedom%20of%20association. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023.

“France Announces Ban on Own Athletes Wearing Veil at 2024 Paris Olympics.” Middle East Eye, www.middleeasteye.net/news/paris-olympics-france-ban-veil-own-athletes. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023.