The American Muslim fashion, Modernization

Introduction

The American Muslim fashion scene gradually changed due to modernization that led to changes in the way different articles of clothing are worn. In this paper, hijab is the main clothing article that will be the focus of discussion is the hijab. In the previous times, the hijab was meant to protect the women by covering their entire bodies. It also made a fashion statement and offered a sense of identity to the Muslim women. However, hijab is perceived differently by some American Muslims. Those changes advocated for women rights ultimately playing a greater role in making the women wear hijab at their own will. Women may also wear hijab to accessorize themselves; as scarves, on the head, or on the shoulders. It indicates that the previous stereotypes concerning the women clothing have now become outdated as they now have freedom to decide what to wear. Thus, the American Muslim concept of fashion has gradually changed regarding the hijab ultimately enabling women to make a choice in what they wear; hence, building their confidence.

Interpretations of the Hijab

There are differences in interpretations of the hijab. The gradual abolition of the hijab by American Muslims is due to the stereotypes that people usually associate with it. It is believed that women show their submission by putting on such clothing as “the general stereotype associated with hijab is seclusion of Muslim women and restricting them from leading an independent life separates them from their male relatives”. In the present times, people take the hijab as a sense of power for the women. The change in thoughts and opinions concerning the hijab has empowered women to feel more secure and confident in what they do as demonstrated by the way women put on the coverings. As opposed to the traditional beliefs that women had to cover their whole bodies to show respect to themselves, modern American Muslim women put on the garment as scarves as accessories.

Concept of Hijab

The concept of hijab has changed due to various factors. To begin with, modernized American women have embraced the idea of women rights covering aspects of dressing among others. The rights include granting women the freedom of deciding whether or not they want to put on the hijab. Furthermore, the fashion perspective is also considered to have influenced the changes in hijab for women. In both the traditional and the contemporary ways of wearing hijab, an important fashion statement is made. There are also political perspectives of hijab. Several studies have indicated that hijab represents the political position of the women and their society in general. Hence, the perspectives of wearing hijab for women also involve making a fashion statement.

Conclusion

The changes in American Muslim fashion are most evident while discussing the concept of women’s hijab which has been effective in boosting their confidence. The stereotypes have been abandoned that were associated with this clothing style. Thus, American Muslim clothing has undergone a significant change.

References

Chen, Li, Hamide Demet Akat, Can Xin, and Stephen Wonchul Song. “Rethinking hijab: Multiple themes in Muslim women’s perception of the hijab fashion.” In Proceedings. Presented at the International Conference on Communication, Media, Technology and Design, Istambul, Turkey. S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. 208-214. 2014.

Tariq-Munir, Erum. The Dynamics of Wearing Hijab for Muslim American Women in the United States. Master’s thesis, Thesis / Dissertation ETD, 2014. Iowa: Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Dissertations, 2014. 1-72.

Erum, Tariq-Munir. “The dynamics of wearing hijab for Muslim American women in the United States.” Master’s thesis, Thesis / Dissertation ETD, 2014. Iowa: Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Dissertations, 2014. 1.

Chen, Li, Hamide Demet Akat, Can Xin, and Stephen Wonchul Song. “Rethinking hijab: Multiple themes in Muslim women’s perception of the hijab fashion.” In Proceedings. Presented at the International Conference on Communication, Media, Technology and Design, Istambul, Turkey. S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. 208-214. 2014.