In May 2008, Danmarks Radio's youth club, 'Skum' announced a competition entitled 'Miss Headscarf 2008'. They aimed to show the 'cool Muslim women' who 'often make up a very fashion-conscious and style-confident part of the Danish street scene'. But the competition was open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, the only condition being they were over 15 and were wearing a headscarf - read the FAQs for more information about the competition. You can also see pictures of all the entrants here.
The winner was announced earlier this month by judges including fashion expert Uffe Buchhardt. 18-year-old Huda Falah was chosen because of the bright blue colour of her headscarf. This clip shows a short interview with Huda:
Although the aim of this competition was to get women's voices heard, many Muslims in Denmark protested against it:
"The whole point of the headscarf is that it's a symbol of chastity," said spokeswoman Bettina Meisner. "We don't wish young women to expose themselves as objects."
But Muslims weren't the only ones who had a problem with the competition. Several political figures claimed that it 'glorified the wearing of a garment considered oppressive by many women'. (Wonder who they asked?)
I admire the organisers of the competition for aiming to rid people of the misconceptions surrounding the hijab, and allowing young Muslimahs to speak for themselves. As the organisers said, this was a fashion competition, not a beauty pageant. The focus was on the garment itself, rather than the wearer's looks. I don't think that it demeans the hijab, and many Muslims in Denmark seem to have missed the point of it entirely. Surely considering the political tensions in Denmark following the cartoon controversy, showing Muslims in a positive light should be welcomed? Saying that however, I don't think that this competition will have changed the minds of people who are dead-set against it. Those calling for a ban will not stop doing so, but perhaps this could help influence the opinions of the general Danish public?
What did you think of Miss Headscarf 2008?
I admire the organisers of the competition for aiming to rid people of the misconceptions surrounding the hijab, and allowing young Muslimahs to speak for themselves. As the organisers said, this was a fashion competition, not a beauty pageant. The focus was on the garment itself, rather than the wearer's looks. I don't think that it demeans the hijab, and many Muslims in Denmark seem to have missed the point of it entirely. Surely considering the political tensions in Denmark following the cartoon controversy, showing Muslims in a positive light should be welcomed? Saying that however, I don't think that this competition will have changed the minds of people who are dead-set against it. Those calling for a ban will not stop doing so, but perhaps this could help influence the opinions of the general Danish public?
What did you think of Miss Headscarf 2008?
13 comments:
Pretty amira hijab! I love the ones with beads!
Very inspiring and beautiful mashAllah!!!
Some of the girls are wearing very tight and revealing cloths. Seems a bit of a contradiction to me. Am I the only one who is slightly disturbed when you see girls with the headscarf with revealing clothes? I have only just started wearing the scarf and do struggle at times to decide weather it is appropriate to wear certain clothes or not. And I know im not one to judge...what do you guys think?
well the girl i see, her clothing is perfectly fine and some sisters wear revealing clothes but cover it with the hijab (like me, i only mean the neckline) but when a piece of my skin starts to show. i cover it back so people wont see
I usually use a undersscarf under my hijab so if my hijab blows my skin wont show. I use the amira hijabs under a bigger scarf thats perfect.(its not too hot , you get used to it) We really should be careful to show our skin. I recomned good amira hijabs to use under or bigger hijabs so that they cover well. take care all sisters!
I think it's a novel idea. I don't see the problem. I like the sister's diamond analogy. I actually said that to someone not long ago. And here I thought my words were original, lol.
I also like the fact that this competition includes Muslim and non-Muslim women who wear a scarf.
My feeling is that the more women are seen covering the more familiar it becomes, the more it enters into the emotional landscape of the culture. To cover one's head in the West is to make a strong statement whether one chooses to cover as a traditional hijabi or to simply cover one's hair. Even wearing modest clothing and covering one's head but not the neck is in stark contrast to the norm in this culture. This is perhaps the level of visibility that some women are comfortable with.
So when I see the media depicting women covering in a way that is accessible to the mainstream I feel this is an important step towards making hijab a regular part of what we see day to day. I also feel strongly that it's so important in our culture to see women dressed modestly with heads covered in contrast to what is the norm here.
What a cute idea, I can't see the video at this time (no video streaming at work). I think we should be understanding with people and their use of hijab. If someone is wearing jeans that seem too tight, or not covering the neck and ears... so often we pull out our "hijabi police" badge and get to ticketing. Perhaps by leading by example and supporting those of us who are new to hijab, or still figuring thins out we can be better supportive to our sisters. It is wonderful to see more hijabis and women who cover; the more of us there are... the easier sisters in the future will have it Insha'Allah. Especially in places like Denmark which seem to think banning a type of clothing will "free" us.
You go sister!
Peace,
aisha
I think its a great idea, inspriational to young muslim girls and older women too. Perhaps we should have a Ms.Muslimah contest where the emphasis isn't only on fashion be other attributes as well such as talent and community service...just a thought
What an inspiring idea. Masha Allah the sister is beautiful.
i agree with the last few comments. its good to see the headscarf in a positive light.
this is what my teacher from the masjid told me... she's an alima from syria...
"hijab isn't to hide women, it's the flag of our religion. hijab isn't just covering up our body, that's OUTTER hijab. The most important is the inner hijab which rules our life."
she also mentioned that many people are under the minsonception that hijab is meant to keep women hidden and blah blah blah. I think she had a point there. cuz if it's meant to keep us hidden, why do we get more attention? why is it a person in normal clothes, loose, no make up, modest (but not with hijab) gets less attention than a person with the same style, but WITH hijab? i don't think it's because of the media. it's because it stands out. The MEDIA only makes them think... we're terrorists or watever. but hey, if you gave 'em a nice big smile, all wrong impressions would be removed at once ;) :P .. cuz a person with a huge, genuine smile cannt possibly be rude.. dontcha think...
and hell yah we're precious... more precious than dimonds!! people sell diamonds..
I hate any analogy that compares women to inanimate objects. I find it demeaning.
Besides that I think this is a real good thing. Their intentions are really great, and i think more good will come of it then harm, though i definitely understand the concern ppl have of this perhaps objectifying women or at least encouraging materialism and vanity. I think thats a minor issue. Ultimately this is great and I'm really impressed with skum (?) for their open-mindedness and efforts to break down barriers in the danish community. very cool.
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