jewish-privilege:animatedamerican:run-up-the-sail:homojabi:[pictured is an image of text that reads:
jewish-privilege:animatedamerican:run-up-the-sail:homojabi:[pictured is an image of text that reads: Question: if I see someone pull off a Hijab, what should I do? I know there are reasons they are worn so I want to know if i should stand in between them and who did this, should i protect them from view somehow, or something else? This has been happening a lot so I feel it’s something everyone needs to know.]Several people have recently asked me to respond with what action you should take if you see someone’s hijab forcibly removed or if you see a hijabi/Muslim being harassed. Here are some of the basics:If a hijabi has their hijab forcibly removed and the attackers leave, cover them. If you’re wearing a jacket or you have a scarf or some other article of clothing, you should give it to them so they can cover themselves. This is definitely the action that I would prefer before anything else. Shielding them from view if you don’t have anything that you can give them is another option, or asking “What can I do to help you?” (because I’m sure every hijabi reacts differently to this kind of thing) is also a good response. After this, if you’re willing and they want you to (again, make sure you ask), you can assist them somewhere like a bathroom, a store, their car, etc. so they can get to a safe space and fix their hijab/call a friend/etc.If a hijabi has their hijab forcibly removed and the attackers don’t leave, there are several possibilities. Obviously you shouldn’t do nothing. A lot of the times, attackers will stop if someone else gets involved especially if you are with a group of people but also even if you’re just by yourself. This is a link to a YouTube video of a social experiment where one person forcibly removes someone’s hijab. Despite that there was no real threat, everyone who reacted did so in a way that I would suggest doing. Standing up for them from a distance that you feel safe doing so (because you obviously can’t disregard your own safety) does makes a difference. Saying something like “leave them alone” “what are you doing” “stop doing that” “don’t do that” “don’t touch them” etc. are all perfectly acceptable things to say in the moment. Again, giving them something to cover themselves with if you have something is always a good thing to do.In situations where it has not yet escalated to someone’s hijab being forcibly removed, gauge the situation. Here is one graphic that illustrates what to do if someone is yelling islamophobic things at a hijabi/Muslim. If you are not sure if something is going to turn into harassment but you’re worried it might, simply staying with the hijabi/Muslim and making sure they aren’t along is good too (this is a link to one story in particular that is a really good example of this).Whatever you do: do not just walk away. Do not just assume that someone else will stop or that the hijabi/Muslim can handle it on their own. Walking away in this situation makes you complicit in islamophobia and islamophobic hate crimes. Your reaction says just as much about you as it does about the person forcibly removing someone’s hijab or harassing them.Another thing: I would not recommend calling the police unless the situation is particularly violent (if the hijabi/Muslim is physically harmed, bleeding, not responding, etc. then don’t hesitate to call, of course) and/or if it’s absolutely and completely dangerous for you to do anything else. Most of the time the police are just as islamophobic as our attackers and will not do anything to help us or will make it particularly difficult for us after they do.If you have a friend who observes hijab, make sure to ask them what they would like you to do if this ever happens. I’ve seen a lot of people say that they always carry a scarf with them in case they’re ever in this situation, and I don’t think that’s a bad idea. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask in the moment if you can as well.Again, be mindful of your own safety and discomfort, but please make sure that you are mindful of hijabi/Muslim folks’ safety and discomfort too. That really makes all the difference.This is all really good advice. Jazakum Allah khair, @homojabi. If I can add on, because I’ve seen some further questions in the notes:Please don’t escalate, either verbally or physically. I understand the wish to do so, but don’t. Chances are the person being attacked or harassed just wants the aggressor to go away as quickly as possible. Don’t give them an excuse to hang around. Once the attacker has left: validate what they just went through. “I saw what happened” is a pretty powerful statement when you’ve just been harassed or threatened and you’re asking yourself if it was real, or if it was really that bad. Listen, believe, and validate. Offer to stay with them, or accompany them to a destination of their choosing, or help them make a phone call. If one is available, maybe offer them a hot beverage. I know a cup of tea always soothes me when I’m upset. If you’re wondering what sorts of garments or materials are appropriate: any scarf, hat, or jacket or cardigan you have handy is probably fine. While the thought is appreciated, you don’t need to offer them your only shirt. Go ahead and keep it on :)Muslim women have no restrictions on what sorts of fabrics we may wear. Muslim men are prohibited from wearing silk. I don’t know what preferences nonbinary hijabis might have, so if any NB hijabis are out there and want to comment on this, the rest of us might learn something valuable. That said, silk scarves can be extremely lightweight and can fold up very small, so if you’re thinking of carrying a scarf with you, that might be a good option.@guardofvariansbutt, and anyone else who’s worried about witnessing harassment or an attack while being stuck at a cash register: call a manager or store security. Witness what happens. If your manager or security people handle it badly, if they don’t care or make it worse, consider sharing the story or reporting it to someone higher up. Large chains in particular do not want the bad publicity that comes from their staff being an ass to customers, so use that.More on this question, for those who were interested in my last reblog on the subject.Please remember what @run-off-the-sail said: “Please don’t escalate, either verbally or physically. I understand the wish to do so, but don’t. Chances are the person being attacked or harassed just wants the aggressor to go away as quickly as possible. Don’t give them an excuse to hang around.” No escalation is good advice in general (although this obviously is not always in your control). Not only does escalation in this sort of a situation potentially put you and the person/people you’re helping in more danger, but it’s also possible that it will cause people around to think that you are the aggressor. Stay safe. -- source link