Ethnicity and race are fundamental in a person’s upbringing. Speaking a certain language or having a particular nationality may seem like ordinary facts about an individual, but in reality, they define where you come from, teach you about your history and come with a set of traditions that one would likely follow throughout their life and pass on to the next generation. People become so accustomed to their way of life that exploring an alternative one is much easier said than done. I was born and raised in Qatar; and being surrounded by men in thobes and women in niqab and abayas was and still is completely normal to me but I never had to wear one like some Muslim women choose to do. It wasn’t until I tried it that I realized how different my day became.
Although there are a few female students who wear the niqab in Education City, the majority of them do not. This factor makes them the minority in this particular setting, not that they are singled out or discriminated against, but that there are fewer students who wear it. This is where we see pluralism take place as well. They still attend classes and go to some of the top American universities in the world while maintaining their culture. To some extent we see absorption assimilation take place too, with Arab women adopting the English language among other things. Certain differences I noticed were that people I would often run into, like fellow students or security, made less or no eye contact if we happened to cross paths. Small talk was also avoided in situations where I was used to it on a daily basis such as a simple “how are you” from Bateel workers or a “Good morning” when entering an elevator. I think the purpose of that was to show a sign of respect because people assume they are complying with Islamic customs when doing so, however it could be seen as a form of segregation.
Initially I thought wearing a niqab would make me feel more comfortable but it was the complete opposite. Most women who wear it are probably very relaxed because they’re in their element, I’m sure they would feel just as bizarre as I did if they were to change into jeans and a t-shirt and carry on with their day.
