Smashing stereotypes
Image by Tonny Adza
What is life like for teenage Muslim girls growing up in predominantly Judeo-Christian North America?
The answer can't be found in the mainstream media. Muslim extremists get their share of attention in daily headlines, on television shows, and in films, but distorted images of Muslim women and girls also permeate news coverage – from controversy over the wearing of the hijab – and the assumption that females are forced into wearing it – to Sharia law's alleged degradation of women.
Or the more devastating primitive custom of female circumcision in some Islamic countries.
Arguments and misunderstandings abound as Islam, since 9/11, struggles to find its place in the fabric of Western culture.
Whether male or female, discovering one's self in religion is a complicated journey – the passage even more difficult for teenagers – particularly for those of a religion often regarded with suspicion.
A new magazine called Muslim Girl is hoping to give these girls a platform and change the way North Americans see them. The idea for the magazine came about during the 2005 Islamic Conference in Chicago where a group of publishers heard from hundreds of Muslim women and girls who said they felt a very real "sense of alienation from the larger culture."
Launched in January, the bi-monthly magazine's mandate is "to express the Muslim girl experience by relating their fears, worries, aspirations and achievements." The usual concerns teens struggle with – friends, a new school, trouble with parents – will be tackled, but writers will also discuss controversial issues like the hijab.
Nuns have worn head coverings for centuries in the Catholic Church, but people in the West aren't used to seeing girls covered up, and the issue regularly makes news around the world. Recently in Quebec, a prison guard-in-training was fired for wearing her hijab; the union said it posed a threat to her safety as she patrolled the prison.
Also in Quebec, an Ottawa soccer coach pulled his team from a tournament after 11-year-old striker Asmahan Mansour wore her hijab on the field. The organizers again cited safety concerns, adding it was not about religion, and pointing out the referee was a Muslim. The striker, who was taken out of the game, said wearing the hijab was a "blessing" to her.
Nineteen-year-old Hanaa Suleman, a student at McGill University in Montreal, says growing up Muslim north of Toronto wasn't a big deal. "Nobody really cared" until after 9/11 when everything changed, she says. Now, "I rarely say the word `Muslim' because many people judge you on the radical fanatics who blew up the Twin Towers."
Suleman says she's removed from the issue of the hijab because as an Ismali she's not required to wear it. "I personally wouldn't wear one because I find it constricting, but if a Muslim woman or girl wants to, I respect that."
Suleman is impressed by MG magazine (available in Canada at Chapters/Indigo stores), and says she's happy it has both conservative and liberal viewpoints. "I grew up with strong morals, and even during those tough times when a lot of teens turn from the innocent to bad girl, maintaining good values, regardless of religion, is what's important," she says.
MG editor-in-chief Ausma Khan is the British-born, Saskatchewan- and Toronto-raised woman behind the magazine. She earned her PhD in law from the University of Toronto. She wants the magazine to "break down barriers between communities and diminish the impact of negative stereotypes about Muslim girls."
Khan believes the culture and climate in North America is politically charged, and she wants to "change the nature of the debate of Muslims in North America." Her vision is to empower North American Muslim girls aged 15 to 18.
"Our research shows that that market is about 400,000 to 500,000 girls," she says.
The premiere issue gets right to the heart of shattering stereotypes. Markham Councillor Khalid Usman's daughter Rabiah is featured in a colourful layout surrounded by her many ice hockey trophies. She is described in the article by one of her coaches as "lightning on the ice."
Unlike a lot of other print or online pop culture teen magazines, Muslim Girl does not shy away from doctrinal issues and highlights the importance of principles through its Qur'an Notes section.
"Each month a particular belief is shared by girls and how it affects their lives," Khan says.
Though advertising is crucial, Khan says the magazine will take a different approach.
"We work with advertisers who can fulfill the needs of our audience, but we differ from other publications because we won't advertise products unsuitable for our audience like alcohol."
"Muslim Girl will not feature under-dressed models in sexually provocative poses or inappropriate attire."
So far, it doesn't seem to be hurting them, Khan says. "We've found major advertisers willing to develop the appropriate art work and eager to reach our audience."
On many levels, 21st-century teens are more sophisticated than previous generations, but they still cannot escape growing pains.
"The commonalities of Muslim girls and other teen girls far outweigh their differences," Khan says.
