I’ve made an acute observation.
There’s suddenly an explosion of young Islamic women employed throughout the city. Where before it was rare, now it’s viral, meaning that well.
The thing that’s so apparent, is how happy they all are.
I thought about this.
They smile when they see you. Ask how you are while doing anything to help, unlike their sisters from the barrio who’d rather stab you than be courteous.
Then it hit me like fresh air. Of course they’re happy. They’re free, to come and go, work…earn…and be part of the world.
Back home they weren’t even allowed out, unless given permission, and in some cases, taken out, like pets that require walking.
They can’t contribute nor express an opinion, and childbirth and rearing, also only to an extent, is their sole purpose on earth.
I thought about this too.
How we take our liberties for granted. The tiniest, like shopping, to being able to vote.
This morning when I went to the post office I purposely waited for the pretty paisley hijab working in the corner who, when I asked for a sheet of stamps, rather than grab the nearest roll, took out a looseleaf filled with choices, and we picked my Forever Stamps together, she smiling the whole time.
These girls, such shining examples, should take their smiles out on the road.
SB
Susannah, what a great (and accurate) observation! I’ve never stopped to think about why they smile so much.
And thanks for reawakening my appreciation for the freedoms we have.
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It’s uncanny their cheerfulness. It becomes infectious.
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I can’t help but think that you’re making some huge sweeping generalisations here Susannah. The lot of Muslim women is far from universal. It may interest you to know that I’ve dated a couple in my time.
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Well Mick, I can only speak for me and my experience, and they seem quite happy to me. They remind me to be grateful.
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I always like happy customer service people (which is rare) no matter what garb they wear! We had one Muslim where I worked who wore the hijab and she wasn’t different from anyone else. Sometimes happy, sometimes not. She wasn’t new to the country and that may be the difference.
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I know, that’s why their glee is so noticeable.
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