When Swimming as a Muslim Woman Becomes a Political Act
I’m so old I remember the culture shock the original bikini set off for years. It was said to be immodest. Understandable as in past decades ladies swimsuits were very conservative. The victorian era revealed very litttle by comparison.
So now covering up is a problem? Of course not. This is just not liking anything that appears Islamic, Muslim or even just vaguely middle east style.
Stupid and kind of infuriating how easily bigoted rants come from strangers in public. Call the police of blacks for just being at the picnic. “Go back to your where you came from” Donald trump asking for the death penalty for the Central Park 5, who simply were not guilty. The bogus “celebrating Muslims on 9/11” stuff. And let us not forget the 24/7 slurs aimed at candidate then-two term majority elected President Obama.
Dressed in the new burkini she bought earlier this year — black leggings, a bright pink long-sleeved swim tunic, topped with a built-in black hijab — Hussein pushed away her fears and looked ahead, ready for the muscle memory to kick in.
She tried not to pay attention to fellow swimmers nearby. She tried not to worry that someone might harass her, or even worse, physically attack her. It wouldn’t be the first time it happened.
Muslim women like Hussein have long been persecuted and intimidated for wearing a modest bathing suit. They have been kicked out of pools and beaches. They have been told that their bathing wear wasn’t suitable. Pool- and beachgoers have even told them to go back to their country. Some have called the police on them.
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Can’t a person just go for a swim in chosen garb? Ride the subway? This stuff made Aminah very wary. (Peace be upon her) America should have been a far more friendly welcoming place since it’s existence. The President is pushing us exactly the wrong way with his words and policies, real and overturned.