Internet Hijab Ad

I saw the following ad on a internet forum I'm a part of. I've heard about this ad before but I hadn't seen it yet until now.



In Arabic it says, "You can't stop them but you can protect yourself. The one who created you knows best what is good for you". BULL SHIT. I hate stupid crap like this. This is what I had to say in response:

This ad is such craptastic silliness. Certainly, whoever created this ad hasn't been to Egypt and seen veiled as well as non-veiled women on the street being sexually molested, ya 7aram. I bet this ad was created by some Wahhabi bastard who works on the side as a mutawa. He probably has nothing better to do in his life except pass judgment on others when he should look in the mirror and see a depraved individual. I'd like to give this fucktard a piece of my mind but he'll probably call me a "charmouta" or even worse a "ga7ba kbeera".

Traditional Lebanese Costume

I was prompted to post from reading this entry from Hijab Style about hijab fashion in Lebanon. I found one girl's comments in particular to be quite alarming.

Here is what "Sayma" said: Hey, thats so true. Its a shame that only 60% is muslim. And the muslims out there are very modest too.

What the f*ck??? I hate when people say stupid comments like this. Totally 7aram!

And here is my response to the "Sayma" as well this author: What do you mean it's a shame that Lebanon is only 60% Muslim? I don't think it's a shame at all, in fact it's a big reason why Lebanon is so interesting versus some of it's neighbors, like Jordan (which is so boring). Ayib mish helwi!

Just keep in mind that New TV caters to the lowest common denominator hence why the reporting is either frivolous or even worse, benignly annoying. Don't expect anything noteworthy or educational on this channel...the channel is for shock value only.

When I was in Lebanon in 2005, I did see several hijab fashions present including the more western looks along with the Iranian chador which is popular amongst conservative Shi3a in Ouzai. I will say that it seemed like the hijab was not quite as popular in Beirut especially among Sunni girls.

And there are traditional Lebanese costumes. Unfortunately, no one seems to wear them anymore. Here's some links for you to consider:

Lebanese traditional costume.

Costumes of the Levant.

Hopefully, I've educated some people today :)

Sexual harassment in Egypt

Although I have not been to Egypt (yet), I have many friends who have and they all tell me of frequent situations of sexual harassment by Egyptian men. I have read before that this moral degradation is a result of the economic stagnation and the craptastic Mubarak-government in power. Here is another article by the BBC on the situation Egypt's sexual harassment 'cancer'.

What strikes me as shocking are the opinions of actual Egyptian men.

This article reminds me of a recent incident during the last Eid Al-Fitr where women were publicly groped on the street, even the hijabis. This incident was blamed on Dina, the Egyptian belly dancer. Just another example of scapegoating...