Taslima Nasrin Burqa-Shamed AR Rahman’s Daughter. Khatija Schooled Her On True Feminism. Why Do Women Shame Women?

Taslima Nasrin Burqa-Shamed AR Rahman’s Daughter. Khatija Schooled Her On True Feminism. Why Do Women Shame Women?

Once upon a time, we were proud of our culture, clothing and languages. We were so proud of a history steeped in tradition and a reflection of us. But then somehow, during the British era we began to see everything western, everything English, as a symbol of evolution. Today, we still have such a mindset and look down upon anyone who is rather traditional and speaks Hindi. And not just language, even with our clothing, we are judgemental when women choose to cover up, if it is by choice.

Burqa is a cultural clothing for Muslims and while several people have stopped wearing it, many still do. But for Bangladeshi-Swedish writer Taslima Nasrin, it’s a sign of oppression and she openly criticised A R Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman for wearing a burqa. Earlier, Nasrin shared a picture of Rahman and wrote that she felt “suffocated” looking at her being so covered. She further wrote, “It is really depressing to learn that even educated women in a cultural family can get brainwashed very easily!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8q0o-vA6BV/

Last year, A R Rahman had received flak for the same but he responded saying that he doesn’t control what the women in his family wear. Khatija took to Instagram to respond to the shade thrown at her by Nasrin and wrote: “Been only a year and this topic is in the rounds again… there’s so much happening in the country and all people are concerned about is the piece of attire a woman wants to wear. Wow, I’m quite startled. Every time this topic comes the fire in me rages and makes me want to say a lot of things…Over the last one year, I’ve found a different version of myself which I haven’t seen in so many years. I will not be weak or regret the choices I’ve made in life. I am happy and proud of what I do and thanks to those who have accepted me the way I am. My work will speak, God willing… I don’t wish to say any further.”

Unimpressed by Nasrin’s nose in her business, Khatija further wrote, “Dear Taslima Nasreen, I’m sorry you feel suffocated by my attire. Please get some fresh air, cause I don’t feel suffocated rather I’m proud and empowered for what I stand for. I suggest you google up what true feminism means because it isn’t bashing other women down nor bringing their fathers into the issue. I also don’t recall sending my photos to you for your perusal.”

Forget men, even other women who claim to be woke take the liberty to comment on your clothing and judge you by what you wear. We get so riled up if a girl is criticised for flaunting her body and we talk about being liberal. We say women have the right to choose to wear whatever they want. But then, some of us also go ahead and criticise a woman if she is covered. We somehow believe that a woman who wears western clothing is modern, open-minded and independent and assume that a woman who is traditionally dressed is oppressed.

Feminism is being free to make a choice for yourself and not being answerable to anyone else for things that are personal to you. Khatija stood up for what she believes in and that is a sign of a strong woman. She is a social worker, musician-singer and also the director and trustee of the A R Rahman Foundation. Khatija, a burqa-clad woman is clearly more woke than Nasrin, a burqa-shunning woman. The events prove that your clothes don’t define who you are, and it’s a shame that had to be said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8qFCo5DLL4/

In the following post, Khatija said asked people to not hate on Nasrin for her thoughts. She then posted a picture with her dad and sister with the caption, “Peaceful time with family away from ‘suffocation’.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8pFkH8jU7H/

ALSO READ: A Female Reporter Was Shamed For Wearing A Tank Top During An Interview. When Will Women Be Taken Seriously In Sports Journalism?

Khatija also questioned our society’s obsession with women but especially with women belonging to a certain faith. She wrote, “Why the double standards and sudden concerns only when it comes to women belonging to a certain faith? Haven’t we seen men wearing turbans? Women wearing habits? Why only when it comes to a particular faith are women targeted for the choices they make wholeheartedly and with pride. Why? Why? And why? I simply do not understand.”

ALSO READ: In Gujarat, Female Students Of A College Were Asked To Strip For A ‘Period Check’. It’s 2020 And People Are Still Offended By Periods

Akanksha Narang

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