I have always been very open minded and tolerant of the beliefs of others. My daughter did not participate in world hijab day, but she did ask me about it. It was an honor to explain to her that many religions call for women to cover their heads, and that today I’m wearing a hijab to support the women who choose to wear them daily and are judged unfairly because of it.

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One of my most memorable moments was few years back when I took a comparative world religion class. I ended up going to a Mosque with one of my Muslim friends and her sisters. I remember being very nervous, not because I was scared but because it just seemed like such a foreign religion.

I didn’t think I would feel comfortable. After meeting loads of lovely women, and talking to them about their religion and what wearing a hijab meant for them, I realized how silly I was to be nervous. These were some of the kindest people I had ever met! I really enjoyed studying Islam in that class, and came to realize just how similar it truly is to Christianity.

I think the root of fear and hatred is ignorance, and the only way to solve that problem is by education, and it’s so over due in this country. If more people truly understood Islam, and many other religions, there would be more peace. I also find it ironic how we call women in Hijab “oppressed”, but women walking around in bathing suits is perfectly normal. I think there is something incredibly powerful in choosing what you allow others to see of your body, and forcing them to pay attention to your mind instead. Keep doing what you’re doing ladies, and rock it.

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 Since I started to wear the Hijab, I am treated differently. It seems to be one extreme or the other. On the negative side, I have had people avoid me. They will go down a different isle at the grocery store, or turn their head away. Some people will just give me evil looks. I have not had anyone say anything negative, though some whisper under their breath so you cannot hear them. It is in their actions toward me. They may think I am a terrorist, and are scared.

Many things I have seen lately show the ignorance of people. Hating on Sikhs because they think they are Muslim. Hating on Muslims because they think all are terrorists. I am hoping to enlighten some of the ignorant to know there are good and bad people in all religions and races of the world. Hopefully, I can help people to see NOT to judge people by their appearance but by their hearts.

On the positive side, more men open doors for me when I am able to get out and about. Some women have asked why I wear Hijab (apparently because I am white, or they think I do not look Muslim). I started wearing the scarves as head cover, but they do not stay in place that well. So I tried the Hijab and like it much better. I started partly for health reasons and partly to be more modest. I know Christians and Jews used to wear the head covering all the time. Some still do.

I am a Christian and my religion also talks about wanting women and men to be modest in the way they dress. I am sure it is personal for every woman that wears Hijab. I know Muslim women who do not wear them. So it is a matter of choice here in the USA. I know in some countries Muslim women are required to wear them or the burka. I am thankful for the religious freedom in my country so those of any faith may worship their own way.

I do believe we are all praying to the same God, whether one calls him Allah, Jehovah, Heavenly Father or something else. This world be a better place if we can only get people to love one another instead of hating.  Just the other day at the VA hospital I had a nice talk with a lady about my Hijab. I do not know if she was Muslim, but I was guessing she wasn’t. She was very respectful and curious. I talked with her for about 15 minutes. One person at a time, maybe people will come to understand and be less ignorant about those that look different from them in the world.

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I was raised by two wonderful parents who taught me the values of respect, humbleness, and never discriminating other cultures. Thanks to them, I am who I am now: an open-minded translator and interpreter with sensitivity toward other cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. Even if I’m not Muslim, I love Muslim people. My Muslim friends see me as their little sister. I feel so honored and thankful to God for this.

To those who are racist: We cannot judge all Muslims just because of some radical followers. Remember: every Muslim country is different, every Muslim family has different values and beliefs, and every follower has a different mentality. Unfortunately, millions of innocent Muslims suffer discrimination every day in Western nations. However, those who decide to wear hijab by choice suffer even more discrimination in schools, supermarkets, and even within their workplace.

If we don’t start with ourselves, we wouldn’t be able to live in a more tolerant environment. Yes, I know that prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination are everywhere and it may seem an impossible mission, but we can’t keep pointing fingers all the time. Hijab is a great tool of protection, freedom, and self-respect. Yes, I will wear hijab for a day on Feb 1st, 2014 for the reasons I previously stated and because I have Muslim friends that see me as part of their family.

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