Muslim Women Are Speaking Out About Being More Than Stereotype Breakers
by Humairah Adam in Culture & Lifestyle on 3rd November, 2017
Muslim women have wrapped up the headlines for a while now. From their hijabs on the catwalk, Olympic stadium and the newsroom. To radicalisation, so-called oppression and voicelessness.
The media’s fixation on a Muslim woman and her religious dress has resulted in more Muslim women trying to change the way they are perceived. Now more than ever, many are working to represent themselves in a better light that shines on their individual talents and achievements.
The most recent call out comes from the Youtube ambassador, Dina Tokio. As part of the CreatorforChange campaign, the fashion influencer urges her audience to ReClaim Muslim women’s narrative, through a four-part series which is aimed to end the stereotype that praises a Muslim woman’s success solely for ‘breaking the stereotype’. Featured, are three women who are Muslim by faith and heavy weight champion, hip hop dancer or prison officer by day. When interviewed the women urge the audience to “stay committed, stay focused and true to [their] morals and position”. The campaign effectively illustrates that Muslim women are needed in all industries and should not be narrowed down to any particular label.
Whilst addressing the issue that Muslim women need to be praised for their talents, the 28-year-old says Muslim women need to be represented for what they truly are-
“successful, determined, and most importantly decent people who come from a multi-talented background.”
Sat on her living room sofa, donning Adidas sliders and a rust coloured turban, Dina admits:
“when you look a bit differently, or do things differently it can be quite scary”
but ends the series with one piece of advice-
“don’t take sh*t from anyone!”
Speaking to Elle magazine earlier this year, Torkia has said:
“You really can’t rely on anyone else to represent you if you want to do it right.
You don’t need to think about it too much- you just go out there and be yourself.”
Whilst the tokenism of the hijab serves to create the appearance of diversity, some Muslim women believe it can sometimes overshadow their individuality. Whether she wears a hijab, works in a high-flying career, or holds a British passport- ultimately a Muslim woman, just like any other woman, should be considered for so much more than the way she appears outwardly.
Sometimes the stereotypes can be demeaning. Being pigeon holed for my religious identity and it’s misconceptions, whilst carrying a double label essentially undermines my individual progress.
This isn’t the first time Muslim women have fought against stereotypes. Earlier last year many women took to social media to hit back at racist stereotypes made by Donald Trump who exploited Muslim women and their voice. The #Canyouhearmenow hashtag was responded to by many talented women of various professions who proved the various abilities and talents Muslim women can offer.
The series hit 20k views in one night, and has been responded to on social media with #YourAverageMuslim.
Salaam. I am deaf/british sign language, mum, wife, writer, filmmaker & artist. #YourAverageMuslim
— Sahera Khan (@Sahera04) November 2, 2017
I’m #YourAverageMuslim 22 year old whose working to publish a novel and smash into the publishing industry like????????♀️ pic.twitter.com/1zYNrYkc7p
— ???? (@Fathaaa_H) November 1, 2017
The fact that we even need a movement to normalize ourselves says A LOT about the world's ignorance of us. #YourAverageMuslim
— Nora (@justnora__) November 1, 2017
#YourAverageMuslim who suffered from ptsd, anxiety and severe depression. Mental health is a real issue, asian communitys need to wake up.
— Issa Naida (@IssaNaida) November 2, 2017
Later speaking out about launch of her campaign, Torkia took to Twitter to explain:
“#YourAverageMuslim wasn’t created to show how ‘normal’ we are.. The hashtag was created to bring us amazing muslims together in unity.
The purpose of #YourAverageMuslim series was to inspire young impressionable muslim girls.. They are the future
I’m not trying to change anyones mind with this series.. once a bigot, always a bigot #YourAverageMuslim
As the saying goes you educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation..”
Many women (and even men) are using the social movement #YourAverageMuslim to share their personal and career achievements, as well as highlighting their ability to make a positive change in society. From psychiatrists, doctors, mothers, cancer patients, accountants, industrial engineers and entrepeneurs. To competent procrastinators who guiltily use food, online shopping baskets and multiple American TV series to juggle through a 9-5 office job, a science degree, house chores, and a year-long gym membership- whilst dreaming of being on a beach with the love of their life (who is yet to be found).
Can you really get any more average than that?
Humairah Adam
Humairah Adam, an English Language and Literature undergraduate working towards a career in Journalism.
