Cultural respect, why a piece of fabric can tick off so many people....

Submitted by erica aisha (United States), Jun 1, 2008 at 06:56

Hello, I have never read your blog, although the commentary seems to say you're well viewed by people with varied view points. That is certainly something I appreciate. If I was on a home computer, I would probably bookmark your site to cruise by occasionally.

That said, I am not suprised by many anti-muslim comments on your blog. You and a few others seem to see Islam (again, this post is my only reference currently)as a blanket form and one single group when we are quite diverse and unique. I am an American Muslimah who wears hijab. I do not think it is required religiously (obviously there are those who have varied opinions); however I do believe that it is kind to show a respect toward others when visiting their home or country.

Since, nuns, menonites, the Amish, and various groups have covered their hair throughout history (or herstory to quote my favorite pun) it never ceases to amaze me the kind of anger and misunderstanding or even vehemence that can be generated by a simple piece of cloth which can be worn even quite fashionably by many of us worldwide.

Peace,

erica aisha

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".