Exploring the Meanings ofHijabthrough Online Comments in Canada

Abstract

Ethnic/religious attire and Canadian MuslimsPublic debate and dialogue about such issues as religious accommodation, integration and social engagement have accelerated and intensified in Canada and elsewhere in the aftermath of 9/11 (Haddad, 2007). The wearing of ethnic/religious attire by women has emerged as a popular and contentious topic in many countries,

Personal Choice or Political Provocation: Examining the Visual Framing and Stereotyping of theBurkiniDebate

“…However, as Rahman et al (2016) note, "a viewer's interpretations of a woman's attire are not always accurate or in line with the wearer's intentions" (p. 227). The choice to cover or not is one of the most deeply personal ones a Muslim woman can make-particularly in Europe and North America where this choice often brings strong stigmas.…”

The promise of migration : a companion to the International Metropolis Conference 2019, Ottawa, Canada

“…Nagra (2018) found that many Muslim women stated how people expect them to be a certain way (putting family first, rather than being career-oriented, and having a quiet nature) simply because they wore the Hijab. Moreover, a study analyzing online comments regarding the Hijab found that 51.75% of comments were "against" veiling, 39.88% were "neutral," and 8.37% "for" veiling (Rahman et al, 2016). Muslim women who veil also face economic challenges due to their veil and this can negatively influence their cultural and social integration.…”

Identity, fashion and dress consumption by immigrants : a focus on ethnic dress and/or hijab

“…This observation illustrates -as an immigrant I can attest to it -that sometimes immigrants are dammed irrespective of what they do in their desire to become integrated: for example, immigrants are asked, "where do you come", even to those born and bred in Canada. Under such conditions, many Muslim youths were not actively involved in Canadian life and embraced the veil to celebrate their faith, which is central to their identity (Rahman, Fung & Yeo, 2016). 4.5.…”

“…For instance, dressing in short or revealing clothes is freedom in the West while dressing modestly and veiling is seen as freedom in the Middle East. For instance, Rahman et al (2016) assert that the "veil serves as an erected boundary that solidifies distance and difference" (p.218). Mahmood (2005) cautions that the "normative liberal assumption that all human beings have an innate desire for freedom, assert freedom when allowed to do so" is misleading (p.5).…”

“…This fits symbolic interaction explanation that through religious clothing, meaning is socially constructed (Inglessis, 2008). In this case, the veil symbolizes the collective dimension of Islamic culture as an expression of faith (Barakat et al, 2014;Rahman et al, 2016).…”