Becoming Visible: The Role of the Internet in Dress Choices among Native-Born Converts to Islam in North America
Although hijab is just one facet of Islam (and from a theological perspective, not the most important), many native-born converts in North America—especially women—appear to struggle with it: what to wear; what to think about hijab; how to make the transition and how it affects their interactions wi...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
Brill
2015
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In: |
Hawwa
Year: 2015, Volume: 13, Issue: 3, Pages: 279-296 |
Further subjects: | B
Islam
fashion
dress
conversion
internet
North America
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Online Access: |
Volltext (Verlag) |
Summary: | Although hijab is just one facet of Islam (and from a theological perspective, not the most important), many native-born converts in North America—especially women—appear to struggle with it: what to wear; what to think about hijab; how to make the transition and how it affects their interactions with non-Muslims, including employers, close friends and family members. How can converts align their appearance with the values of their faith, especially in the context of negative stereotypes following 9/11? Much like patients with rare medical disorders, converts living outside the Dar al-Islam can use the Internet to overcome isolation and a lack of local support. This chapter will consider the kinds of resources available through the Internet, particularly blogs, videos, retail websites and multi-user “boards”. Data for this chapter comes from my own experience with conversion to Islam as well as an ongoing virtual ethnography concerning the growing Islamic fashion industry. |
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ISSN: | 1569-2086 |
Contains: | In: Hawwa
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Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1163/15692086-12341283 |