It is so important that we notice that the talk about what Muslim women wear is just as much about the anxiety of the Other in Western societies in the face of rapid change. The question ‘Why does French society react in this way to face covering?’ is much more meaningful than ‘Why do Muslim women cover their faces?’. After all, the latter has been talked cold: it’s a mixture of choice and pressure, no black/white answer. What needs to be highlighted and combated is the pressure put on Muslim women either to wear or not wear certain dress, but no seems to want to let women choose for themselves.

The hijab is so often presented as the be all end all, when in my opinion it should be framed within the broader issue of bodily autonomy: my body, my choice.

I really thought that the interview ended rather abruptly as well, just when it was about to get a little heated(?). Because the programme was so short, I don’t think a lot was achieved (i.e. solving the mystery of the hijab. Because there’s no mystery to begin with) other than some really good points that were raised. I’m shocked that you were asked to talk about the hijab again. Crazy.

At the same time, we Muslims are being a little disingenuous if we assume it is _never_ imposed by force. In many places & in many families it still is. Neither extreme is justifiable.