Liberty Under Covers

Description for Human Rights Exhibit:

An Analysis on the State of Hypocrisy in Liberated Countries Concerning the Definitions of Freedom and Oppression

In this artwork inspired by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I question the perceived definitions of liberty and oppression as manifested in American opinion towards followers of Islam. The partially covered figures represent wearers of certain religious coverings, such as the burqa, niqab, hijab, and the like. It is a common (mis)conception, supported by media portrayal, that these symbolic garments are used to oppress the wearers. The story goes that young ladies are forced into the headdress by dictatorial fathers and sorrowfully conditioned mothers. The thought never comes up that perhaps the devoted girl chose to express her religion by wearing the burqa, entirely on her own accord. Expressing religion does not have to be the only reason she chooses to wear it. Reasons range from religiousness to protest. However, governments have tried to stop people from wearing the burqa, leaving the messages of the garment unvoiced. When “liberated” countries such as France, Belgium, and Australia attempt to ban face covering garments, they seemingly only indirectly target burqas. However, the intention, hidden by nonspecific wording, is to prevent wearing of this expression of Islam. In defense to allegations of Islam phobia, these governments argue that they are making laws for women’s rights, human rights! However, such laws take away the right to choose what to wear and how to interpret religious traditions. Therefore, rights are not protected, but infringed upon in a different way, in the name of justice.

Description for Scholastic (which I recently won regional silver key award for this piece)

My artwork represents Immigration and Identity by focusing on a narrow aspect of immigration: followers of Islam living in America. The particular facet shown in my art is the disrespect for women wearing religious head coverings such as the niqab or burqa. The Islam phobia in America is astounding, leading to a hatred and distrust of burqa wearers. However, these garments are an important part of the wearer’s identity, of their ethnicity and religion. Just because some people feel uncomfortable with certain customs that are different from what they are used to, does not mean that these customs should be stamped out completely. There is no law to enforce assimilation of immigrants. This choice is entirely up to the citizens. Some people choose to leave behind old traditions, but many feel pride in the background. The combination of different cultures is what makes American society so unique.

If you comment something ugly I will disable them................................................................................................................................

This is a one sided argument, for simplicity of these contests, although normally I'd argue both sides. 

oil pastel on colored paper