Al Haqeeqa
Muslim Girl partnered with The Scene, producing a series of videos about how to be an ally to Muslim women, dealing with micro-aggression, and Trump’s ban. The first video “Do you shower in your hijab?” and more things Muslim women are sick of hearing…” has been released.
Yo — it’s funny AF. I’m in it. And, the question is, “Why would you NOT want to watch it?”
In this video, the girls and I recollect all the crazy questions we’ve been asked about our, umm, Muslim-ness, or lack of.
“Do you shower in your hijab?”
*Sighs*
And by no means are we saying to not ask questions. Yes, we are magical creatures, and if I were you, I’d have lots of questions, too. But there is a fine line between taking part in micro-aggressions and genuinely asking a question because you really just don’t know.
The only oppression we face is the Trump ban and bigotry and micro-aggressions spewed by uniformed individuals… and don’t forget, Sallie Mae — ’cause that lady is always stalking my ass. tweet
You might be asking yourself, “Why is it so important to produce content with ‘real’ Muslim girls?” Frankly, a lot of people just don’t know how to act around a person that happens to be Muslim and female. Sad, but true.
Collaborations like this are needed — badly — because the masses need to be educated on what it’s like to walk this planet as a double minority. Also, the media has portrayed Muslim women as timid and oppressed, or dangerous and oppressed. Either way, it always leads to oppression.
Watch the video and answer this question, “Do any of us looked oppressed to you?” I mean, come on. The only oppression we face is the Trump ban and bigotry and micro-aggression spewed by uniformed individuals… and don’t forget, Sallie Mae — ’cause that lady is always stalking my ass.
As most of you know, I’m a fat, Black girl from Detroit. I mind my own business and stay in my lane. So here I was typing away on my laptop and I get a text message. It read:
“I need you to be in New York on Friday for the Ally for Muslim Women project.”
Oh, I think to myself, that sounds very cool. Next thing I know, I’m on a plane headed to the Big Apple. Right off the jet, it’s shoot time. I’m in the bathroom beating my face while fancy executives utilize the stalls and eyeball the fab Muslim girl wrapping her turban to perfection and smearing a cute liquid matte on her lips.
We spoke for not just ourselves in the video — but for the Muslim Girl everywhere. tweet
In front of the camera, I’m sweating. What if I say something stupid? What if I stutter? Or die? Dying isn’t cool. Then the producer asks, “How can non-Muslims be allies to Muslim women?” Then, I just start talking as if it’s a conversation between good friends.
At that moment I understood the importance of why I was there — showing the world that whatever stereotypes you thought of me never had substance. I spoke proudly for my Muslim sisters back at home, my Muslim sisters afraid to claim Islam, and the ones who are being taking advantage of because they wear hijab.
We spoke for not just ourselves in the video — but for Muslim Girls everywhere.
