Dreams were odd, topless*, crowded, anxious. Thinking about hijab, and women in scarves and how women are held responsible for the thoughts and actions of men. The worst case, to be responsible but have no power. Then to internalize it into a pride for their culture, their country, their family, and wear their burden with pride, as so often happens. Does this make it bearable? Or is it simply a wise wariness of western cultures?
But a mere generation ago, we wore scarves over our heads as well. And it is part of our history. It's only in this culture, in this generation, that wearing headgear is so utterly optional, solely utilitarian, and unexceptional.
Headgear, rather like hair, holds a lot of meaning for people. We wear different hats, we support our godlike sports teams, at times it's legally mandated.
My mother wore her hat on Sunday to church, but it was flung off as soon as she got in the car. A half-hat, light blue, cheap, with net. When no longer required, she never wore a hat again. I rather missed my little doily, as I was the kind of kid who happily made ANYTHING into a hat, by putting it on my head.
What hat are you wearing today, if any?
AH! RR, thanks, I couldn't think of the word to find it, but how could I forget the Straw Boater Riot?
*I've often had dreams being out in public, where men are shirtless, and I am as well. Only belated realizing, usually as I come out of the dream or waking up, that it wouldn't be acceptable or I start feeling like I should cover up. I always figure this is related to my being so un-busty. Generally, I'd prefer men to keep their shirts on in public as well, whatever shape they're in.
6 comments:
British school uniform hats would have made an interesting study for you, a couple of decades ago. A compulsory means of identification with the institution and suppression of the individual. However, there were always individuals who managed to tweak the system (quite surprising, what can be done with a straw 'boater'!)
yes - keep your shirt on, unless it's a beach. and generally, the ones who feel the need to share are the ones least well-endowed in the beauty department.
today i am wearing the hat of a cranky student - foul mood, warm day, boring readings. hope the mood passes, as it has absolutely no root in reality.
i am a hat-wearing person.
i am a VERY hat wearing person ever since that magical first time i got my head shaved. chilly.
i have two drawers full of little black hats. i wear them differently according to temperature, activity, and how fancy i need to look.
i even wear hats underneath hats.
today i woke up in my bed hat, changed to a day hat, put a ballcap (black) on over that to go outside, and now i am just wearing a medium weight hat.
if i dream of being topless, it is usually an indicator that i have thrown the covers off.
RR,
see addendum.
pc,
I think we should as a rule keep covered neck to elbow to knee, so as not to embarrass each other. Or all just go nekkid, weather permitting.
flask.
I love hats. I have many. Glad I'm not the only one dreaming of being shirtless.
Just last week at lunch I sat across from a young woman who chooses to wear the Hijab and yet she spent the lunch-hour complaining to me that even though she has a full-time job, her mother won't let her move out until she marries.
Rou,
Like many young folks, they don't see the contradiction, don't understand the messages they send.
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