I recently read an article by a Canadian born niqabi (veiled
woman) who was responding to a ridiculous claim that women who cover their face
are not truly Canadian – as in they don’t live out the Canadian life. Right
away I was like woah! Why didn’t I think of writing my Canadian-ness with the
niqab. So here I am – disproving myths
about the dead-beat life niqabis supposedly live.
I am not an out-doorsy person – perhaps because I grew up in
metropolitan cities with little contact with nature. I do love being in the
outdoors, just not the “sleeping in tents” part of it :P. However, living in
Canada and raising my children here – I realized I had an excellent opportunity
to finally discover this side of Canada and live like a ‘Canadian’. I am not sure if this is politically correct
– considering the vast landscape and cultural diversity found in Canada but oh
well for argument sake, lets.
I have been in Canada for over 8 years now and I can guarantee
that I have seen and explored more of Ontario than a lot of people who’ve lived
their entire lives here and they don’t even wear a niqab.. gasp! The piece of
cloth on my face is a personal choice – it represents nothing to the outside
world. It is quite personal – yes its my identity because I choose to identify
myself as a servant of God. I believe my veil is a means to be closer to God. This piece of cloth doesn’t take away
anything from my personality. Some may argue that I cannot enjoy the open
waters because of my garb or I cant feel the sun on my skin. I understand their
“concern”, however for us the garb comes from a deeper place which may look
restrictive to the outside world. It is
not my veil that restricts me, rather the prejudice. The reason I will not wear
a 2 piece and jump in the pool has to do with my faith and its tenets. I
believe the tenets placed by God are in my best interest and hence I choose to
abide by them. It may not make sense to the others – it wasn’t meant to. But
living in an inclusive society means you give me the benefit of doubt to make
my lifestyle choices.
I love the summers like the next Canadian and I love digging
my toes in the sand and wearing flip flops. I look forward to BBQs in the
backyard and in the outskirts of the Niagara Escarpment. I look forward to camping
(not the tent part L
) and frying eggs on my camp stove. I used to like hiking, but I am way too
unfit and would rather lounge in the sun. My favorite season is Fall and the
looking at the colors of the trees and walks in the crisp air. I love Spring
and check out flyers for the cheapest top-soil so I can do over my herb
patches. I love watching the kids play in their front yards – my, my they look
so grown up after the winters!
I'm a Canadian and a niqabi and instead of thinking how different I look, I would rather think how we are all different; and appreciate how despite our differences we coexist through tolerance and understanding.
