So some are claiming Iranian women are "oppressed". Seems to these misinformed people (put as politely as I could), I have to say this:
Iranian women are free from shackles, free to pursue their dreams and hopes. Look at this country and remember that laws were passed in the US to end discrimination. It was a law many did not like, but it was a law that benefitted the nation. In America the law forbids discrimination based on color, race, religion, etc. This opened doors for the less privileged. Blacks, white, and brown - and all in between could pursue education and careers not previously possible. In Iran, the imposition of hijab (which comes in many ways depending on your preference - a thin scarf covering hair -- which by the way, Europeans wore/wear -- to long black chador or not black chador, is akin to non-discrimination. In the old days, as I explain in my article, your religious and social belief reflected by hijab was an impediment to progress. No longer. If you want to look at the issue historically world-over, the veil/hijab was always worn by the affluent, the peasants and the prostitutes wore loose clothing. The peasants because they needed to dress freely to carry on with manual labor, and the other workers to attract clients. Then the West decided to reverse things. And this was really pushed and promoted by Hollywood and media. Half-way naked women were 'modern', 'emancipated' (even as they sold their nakedness for money) and the elite of society, and those who cover up are the opposite. We may all have our preferences as to which we prefer, but we do not have the right to impose our values on anyone.
So if you think hijab is oppression, I suggest you get educated. I do not defend hijab, just the truth and facts.
Odd that after 40 years, the misinformed and the propagandists are still going after women's headscarves in Iran.
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