Veiling and Cultural Diffusion

Aspect of globalization: Diffusion of culture

Bringing the East to the West and the West to the East.

Cultural values meet and sometimes clash in the public sphere.
Source: Loonwatch

The issue of veiling is centered on the spread of culture through globalization. In the Middle East, attempts to Westernize create conflicts with veiling as the veil is seen as non-Western. Conversely, the veil also becomes a source of empowerment of Middle Eastern culture and an explicit rejection of Westernization.

The spread of culture also exists on the other end of the scale, where veiling as a source of cultural expression is spread from the Middle East around the world. Cultural conflicts arise as  cultural relativism and nationalism clash. Some
advocate for the preservation of domestic culture by denying expression of incoming cultures. In this case, denying the veil as an expression of religion and cultural values. Others argue that all cultures must be universally tolerated, and therefore the veil as a symbol of cultural expression should be respected regardless of where it is worn.

‘Westernization’ in the Middle East

In countries where veiling is a common practice, the desire to emulate the Western world in attempt to become more ‘modern’ or ‘developed’ conflicts with traditional values (Zahedi 2007). President Ataturk of Turkey governed the country during World War I, a time of rapid globalization. He viewed unveiling as a step toward modernization and westernization, which became the ideal during a time of increased interconnectedness of the globe. (Zahedi 2007) The spread of Western fashion also changed the way the Middle East viewed veiling, as women, similar to the governments of the time, wanted to emulate the idealized West (Zahedi 2007). Today, the veil continues to be understood as a barrier to development and modernization. The introduction of Western culture in the Middle East creates conflicts as some advocate for the abolishment of the veil as a step towards modernization, while other advocate for the enforcement of veiling in order to preserve existing cultural values and reject the West.

Marjane Satarpi's comic, The Complete Persepolis critiques
the idea that Westernization equals modernization.
Source: Serendip Studio 

Bringing the Middle East to the West

Countries in North America and Europe that are relatively new to the practice of veiling have conflicting views regarding the meaning and implications of the practice in the West. France recently passed laws against veiling, in efforts to maintain secularism as a nation as well as to protect national security (Sciolino 2011). As world migration increases, cultural values meet and conflict. In North America, the veil can be misinterpreted as a connection to 9/11 and Muslim extremism (Sciolino 2011). The spread of Islam across the world is often narrowed down to specific negative interactions between cultures. Therefore, the symbol of the veil represents the Muslim culture, which in some cases is misunderstood solely on its implied connection to 9/11.

"Law Against the Veil or Law Against Islam"
Women in France protest against laws prohibiting the veil.
Source: The Nadeem F. Parcha Works

In Canada, specifically Quebec, veiling has stirred controversy over veiling in government buildings and for women who occupy government jobs. This legislation has “been condemned as an attack on religious freedom” (Galloway and Taber 2010). While some people applaud this legislation as liberating for women, others see it as a violation of women’s religious rights. Some leaders wish to take the legislation to the next level by not only banning burqas and niqabs, but also hijabs in public institutions. The spread of Islam and its customs around the globe spurs debate as receiving countries adapt to new customs and ideologies. Universal rights such as religious freedom and freedom of expression are brought into question when two cultures seemingly clash.  

This woman demonstrates the cultural harmony that can be
achieved in the context of globalization, as she unites her
 religious beliefs and national pride through her veil.
Source: U Double You

Veiling is also a symbol of cultural clash, particularly in the Western world, as national cultures become increasingly more defined by international ties and migration. For example, the French value eye contact within the public sphere, which can be inhibited by veiling (Ali 2010). Veiling is also understood in France as creating distinct barriers between the sexes. In France the veil becomes a negative symbol, inhibiting the development of women’s equality (Sciolino 2011). Further West, some Americans misunderstand veiling as a symbol of Islam “taking over” (Ali 2010). The increased presence of Muslim culture within the United States perpetuates the misguided belief that Islam has become the norm in the West. Veiling has become a source of awareness of globalization, as different cultural values become evident around the world. In addition to cultural clashes, veiling is also a source of preservation of culture. As Western values are increasingly present in the Middle East, veiling is a source of cultural pride and a rejection of the West. The conflict between preserving culture and adopting global values is an international experience. (Zahedi 2007).

In an increasingly globalized world, nations are becoming more and more defined by their interaction within the international community. As a result, cultural integration within and between nations is both necessary and inevitable to survival of nations in the international community. Therefore, I would argue, all cultures should be practiced freely across the globe.

Of course, it can be argued that permitting veiling puts women at risk of oppression, and denial of the veil liberates women in ways they would never experience while wearing it. However, the veil is in fact a source of empowerment for many women. They feel empowered by their culture and as women. The veil is not the source of oppression that many women who veil experience. It is systemic sexism and powerful societal structures that support oppression of women. The veil is merely a false symbol for this oppression. Denying women the option to veil is denying women freedom of cultural expression, which is a source of oppression in itself. Ultimately, the veil is a symbol of the importance of choice.

Sources:

Zahedi, Ashraf. 2007.  “Contested Meaning of the Veil and Political Ideologies of Iranian Regimes,” Journal of Middle East Women’s Studies 3.3: 75-98. Accessed November 6, 2013. http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/journal_of_middle_east_womens_studies/v003/3.3zahedi.html

Sciolino, Elaine. 2011. “The French, the Veil and the Look,” New York Times, April 16. Accessed November 6, 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/weekinreview/17BURQA.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=muslimveiling

Galloway, Gloria  and  Taber, Jane. 2010. “Tories, Liberals back Quebec’s Veil Ban,” The Globe and Mail, March 26. Accessed November 6, 2013.  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-liberals-back-quebecs-veil-ban/article4190090/

 Ali, Lorraine. 2013. “Behind the Vale,” New York Times, June 11. Accessed November 6, 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/fashion/13veil.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=muslimveiling