Week 5 - Taste and Distinction Politics of Style
Christian Funk

This article talks about the two opposites: choice and constraint. In regards to dress, what we choose to wear is our own choice, right? While this may be what the social norm is for most Western cultures, the article challenges that with the tradition of veiling and head-covering in middle-eastern and Islamic cultures. Islam gives cultural restrictions and guidelines as to how a woman should dress. Is this "constraint" for Muslim women a form oppression from a patriarchy? Many argue that head-wraps and coverings such as the hijab and burka are oppressive and it is in fact the women's choice to wear these kinds of dress. Western eyes can't help but see constraints equal to lesser, or not as progressive. Social norms play a major part in what is worn in different cultures. It's all about context. The idea of what is appropriate or inappropriate in one place may be drastically different than in another place. Still Muslim women are making huge strides to change the culture of Islam dress. Once needed to also conceal their faces, women have lead the way to change this and it is now widely accepted to wear a head-wrap/hijab while showing one's face. In ten years from now, will things be different? What will the Muslim woman be wearing? Will she still feel religious or cultural obligation to wear a head-cover or perhaps something completely different or perhaps she won't even give it a second thought and just wear whatever.