I Vow

I have turned into an adult. No-- a parent. Okay, okay, I'll come clean. I have officially turned into my parents. This morning I yelled at the top of my lungs at my 8 year old daughter. I wish I were exaggerating. One of the comments I spit out, "Oh, you wanna show me your temper? I'll show you a temper!" and another, "You are NOT in charge! When you pay the bills, do the laundry, fix the meals, take care of everyone then you can be in charge!" It was like I was channeling my father. Christ almighty.

Luckily for my daughter and for me my tirades are short lived and she is not easily intimidated or frightened and doesn't hold an incredible grudge. After the issue of whether she has to put on clean underwear was resolved (yes, that's what it was about) I calmed down and felt like a heel. Once again I had let my emotion overcome me and the issue at hand became a moot point. I guess when I scream like a maniac it doesn't teach them much. Go figure.

I will go on record today, this monumentally important blogspot record that only 4 people read on a good day, as saying I will attempt to STOP YELLING!!! Phew. I feel better. At times like these I sure do miss confession.

Muslim Women and the Hijab

Just read an interesting article on CNN.com regarding why Muslim women wear the hijab. Honestly, I'm really not buying it. And it has nothing to do with the Muslim temple or church or whatever it is being built at ground zero. That one I'll leave alone because frankly I don't care. If you know me at all then you know I regard all religions equally.

The interviewees in the bit explain that they cover themselves so as not to be objectified and obsess over their physical appearance. Okay, I get that. But then they seem to be indignant about negative responses to this choice. As I see it this decision is not much different than the "low cut shirts and form fitting pants" one woman decried from her earlier days. Whether you're scantily clad or covered head to toe makes no difference. Both behaviors will get you noticed. I contend that your are seeking attention.

I make no judgment on whether that attention seeking is good or bad. But acknowledging that craving to be noticed is a good first step. I am not sure that respect will be gained or lost from the staring men that you apparently deem above all else. Depends on the group. Have your religion if you want and be proud of it. Embrace the burqa and the hijab as your way of expressing yourself -- especially in America -- but then brace yourself because every other self-important citizen will be giving you their own expressions. The fact that one might be surprised by this is the most shocking feature of the article.

Lastly, if you truly are a self-conscious person who does not want to be judged by your physical appearance take my advice -- blend. I've been screaming this for years. Blend. Wear black, browns, any muted tone will do. Choose necklines that are neither too low or too high. Fit should be loose but not baggy. Jeans are your best friend. But not low rise or mommy jeans. The less accessories you can live with the better. Keep your head down. There's really no need for a hijab afterall when you could just buy a tshirt from Pdawg that says "I'm Muslim." Very affordable too. Stay tuned for more fashion advice.