Thursday, April 2, 2015 The Catamount ● News 3 Islamic headcoverings reflect teachings of modesty continued from page 1 in the news. There are defi nitely good groups out there, but they aren’t as publicized.” ALL KINDS OF COVERS And contrary to some misconceptions about hijabs Hussein agrees that people will associate negative In addition to the hijab, there are other types and their role in Islam, Nadia Akram’s decision was ac- stories with Islam since these stories are often the only of Muslim headwear that women wear. Here’s cepted by others in the Muslim community. Nabihah ones reported. the breakdown on some: Akram understands too, even though she does wear the “Whatever gets attention and whatever makes a great hijab, and has done so since the age of 11. story, that’s what the media will bring to the people,” Hus- ◄ Headscarf that “I know people who don’t wear the scarf who are sein said. “The media is obviously not going to write about covers the head and better Muslims than me, in my opinion,” Nabihah Akram a Muslim who prays, who feeds his neighbor, who takes neck, leaving the face said. “Just because someone chooses not to wear it doesn’t care of people--they’re not going to write about that.” clear. mean that they’re not a good Muslim. It’s hard in America All of these misconceptions can affect the way people Covers all of ► [to wear a hijab] with 9/11, with the Chapel Hill shootings, perceive the religion and those who practice it. Junior Sa- the face, except for with all these things happening.” mana Askari began wearing the hijab in elementary school the eyes. Com- Events of terrorism, along with the often misleading at the age of nine, and it was not until she met Nabihah monly worn in media coverage of them, contribute to wrong impres- Akram in intermediate school that she found someone else Arab countries. sions about the Muslim community. Both Islamophobia who wore it. Before then, she used to face occasional dis- HIJAB NIQAB and more innocent misunderstandings of Islam can make crimination. wearing the hijab, an obvious indicator of faith, diffi cult. “It doesn’t happen as often, but I remember in ele- Full-body cloak, ► Nabihah Akram tries to be accommodating to rude mentary school when people would say really ugly things usually black. Those comments or other forms of discrimination. about it,” Askari said. “But, I understand that not every- who wear it must hold it closed in “[At airports] they always stop me and say, ‘We just one comes from a background where they can get to know front of them. need to check you,’ and honestly, I’m okay with that,” she about other religions.” said. “I understand if people feel safer by doing that. I Despite the hostility that Muslims can face, Nabihah ◄ Covers the don’t feel like it’s worth my time hating that.” Akram still maintains hope that as the Muslim community hair, neck and However, the stereotypes behind racial profi ling are works together, they can educate the public. shoulders. Ex- still a problem, and they often are the effects of the media. “I want people to know that we are just like everyone tends to elbows or beyond. “I would say 9/11 was the concrete that set the foun- else,” Nabihah said. “We go to the same restaurants, we dation of the misinterpretations of Islam,” junior Raza read the same books, we go to the same classes and we KHIMAR CHADOR Rahman said. “Now with stuff like ISIS, people see that in become the same professions. We’re just like you guys. Source: channel4.com; Illustrations by LIsa Liu the news, but they don’t see humanitarian Islamic groups All we have is a scarf around our heads.” ● CSHSCSHS DRAMADRAMA Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the ARTS, while sharing our passion for THEATRE.