Abstract

The hijab has, in recent years, received much attention in Western conversation, media, and literature. Of all the ‘symbols’ of Islam, it is perhaps the most controversial. The discrepancies between what ‘outsiders’ say, write, and report with reference to the hijab are subtle, and the depiction of the hijab in the West seldom relates to reality; it is often steeped in prejudice and superstition. The art and literature which hopes to elucidate it creates a romanticized and often warped or incomplete image. Media portrayals remains politically correct, yet conversations on the topic are emotion driven and often lack logic. This paper makes an inquiry into the role that language use plays in propagating the distrust of the hijab. This is achieved through an examination of several novels, a selection of printed articles, an evaluation of an online forum, and an independent survey study.