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Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad, Jane I. Smith, and Kathleen M. Moore. Muslim Women in America: The Challenge of Islamic IdentityToday New York: Oxford University Press, 2011. Paperback $19.95
Reviewed by Reem Abu-Lughod
Muslim Women in America delivers a very interesting account and perspective on various issues pertaining to the challenges and struggles Muslim women face in the US today. This book serves as a valuable resource to educators, students of multiculturalism and women studies, and others who are simply eager to shed light on the myths and realities associated with Muslim women in general.
In the first chapter, "Setting the Scene," the authors provide context and background of the post-9/1 1 reaction in the United States toward Muslims in general and Muslim women in particular. They focus on how the attacks were primarily attributed to Muslims and people of Middle Eastern descent, and how the US suddenly felt obligated to help liberate women living in Muslim nations. Despite not taking sides on the wisdom of this self-appointed mission, the authors attempt to present valuable arguments with opposing viewpoints and perspectives. For instance, the authors present the faults of the West in perceiving Muslim women as generally oppressed and second class citizens, therefore in need of saving. They particularly point out how the Hijab, a head scarf primarily associated with Muslim women, has been misconceived as a sign of oppression and control by patriarchal Muslim nations. While the authors present the misconceptions associated with the Hijab, they also reflect upon women who share their reasoning for choosing to wear it, both in the Muslim World and in the United States.
The authors note that being Muslim in America, albeit difficult, is not a new phenomenon. It began as early as the 1800s with Arab and Muslim immigration, and has continued until this day, interrupted only during periods when general immigration from various regions of the world was restricted. Despite this enduring presence, being Muslim in America, as the authors contend, still comes with challenges and barriers to overcome given the constant anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiments and prejudices.
The authors continue their analysis of misconceptions associated with Muslims and Muslim women...