Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Toggle search form
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78 American Arabs
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval American Arabs
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez American Arabs
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award Business
  • ADALAH confronts racist laws
    Civil Society Organizations to the Israeli Supreme Court: Cancel the Racist Admissions Committees Law Activism
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist American Arabs
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees American Arabs
  • Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Wikipedia
    Flooding slams Wayne County in Detroit Michigan: Dingell releases statement of support Michigan
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture Arab World
  • The names and faces of the 14 Palestinian engaged in an open hunger strike to demand freedom from administrative detention, imprisonment without charge or trial. Graphic by Samidoun. You can join Samidoun's campaign here and find useful resources.
    Palestinians mount hunger strike campaign against administrative detention Arab World
  • “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights,” McCormick Place, August 14-18, for the largest, worldwide gathering of global, faith-based, and social change leaders. 
    Largest global interfaith gathering coming to Chicago this week Christian & Muslim
  • State rep. Cyril Nichols, Democrat, 32nd Illinois House District
    Relationship between Arab Americans and African Americans needs more balance, Black State Rep says American Arabs
  • Syropotamia Online Magazine logo
    SYROPOTAMIA online magazine launched to Illuminate Arab American Stories American Arabs
  • Detroit’s true freedom fighters, activist, trailblazer, and leader Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson who died on July 10, 2023
    AHRC Mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Freedom Fighter and Detroit Icon American Arabs
  • Abed Ayoub ADC National Director (Aug. 2022)
    ADC launches Arab American Business Advisory Council American Arabs
Maen Alhusseini

Berqas and the Tolerant Letterboxes

Posted on August 14, 2018August 14, 2018 By Maen Alhusseini No Comments on Berqas and the Tolerant Letterboxes
SHARE ...
19         
 
  
19
Shares

  • Tweet

Loading

Berqas and the Tolerant Letterboxes

A British official’s derogatory remarks about the wearing of berqas (burqas, burkas, facial coverings) have ignited a firestorm of criticism and a discussion about the boundaries of religion, politics, and tolerance. Guest columnist Maen Alhusseni speaks to the racism of the issue

By Maen Alhusseini

Maen Alhusseini
Maen Alhusseini

Former foreign secretary and British Member of the Parliament Boris Johnson said last week that Muslim women wearing burkas (berqas) “look like letterboxes” and compared them to “bank robbers.”

Johnson, a popular historian and journalist, said he would not apologize to those comments, as he will always remain a defender of liberal values. I am not sure what the link is between xenophobia and the angry bird style hair!

As these two factors seem very interlinked nowadays. Should this assumption be considered racist? Absolutely. Nevertheless, I have just stated it to show how easy it is to mock anyone and make him hurt.

It baffles your mind to consider how similar socially ignorant and racist figures reached important political positions in first world countries. Digging a bit into Mr. Johnson’s background, you can find out the elitism and racism character all over his thoughts and statements. Actually, he has been able to go up the ladder of the political scene because of these beliefs.

Does this sample represent a change in the thinking of the western civilized world, or it is just the revelation of beliefs that have been there for centuries? The conspiracy theory advocates believe that racism and patriotism waves that are taking the western world are all a part of a master plan to reintroduce the hard fist of these countries, and to reaffirm the grip on other weaker ones.

At any rate, this is obviously the anti-globalization era, which only a few futurists saw it coming. We are living the start of nationalization and silos countries. Politicians of the most powerful countries try their best to entertain the urges of populist crowds by going more the more extreme in their views of rejecting others. In the past, a political leader used to play the role of the wise Indian chief who assumes the responsible role of keeping the tribe together and making sure to keep it with a peaceful and friendly surrounding environment. Today, however, it looks more entertaining to play the role of Superman.

A superpower leader who is adored by Metropolis people, and iconized by The Daily Planet media. In addition, all others who do not believe in Superman are considered belonging to the Central Rouges gang, and should be eliminated!

As there is no hope for reconciliation at sight it because too many macho and fanatic leaders are there around the globe. What should be our strategy to fight this plague? What should be the strategy of those minorities, oppressed, and discriminated against people?

We could either submerge ourselves in the act or react cycle, and consequently burnout of exhaustion, or attempt to set up a clear long-term strategy to fight those hostile beliefs. We should base our strategy on two pillars. First, to set examples of good citizenship whether in the local communities, nationwide or even at the global level. No strategy is better than relentlessly being sincerely good and delivering that good to others.

We should do what our values and morals mandate us to do. Every day, every week, year round. If the “Mailbox lady” and many similar cases just sincerely practiced what they used to do by giving, caring, and being effective members of the community, they will eventually make a difference. Secondly, to unify communication efforts at different social and regional levels in order to convey the message of goodness and fine deeds of those discriminated-against people.

This is the time of solidarity. We might not be able to change the “mail box” conviction of Mr. Johnson, but we will certainly gather enough public opinion support to stand against his ideas, and all those who he represents.

(Maen Alhusseini is a writer based in Amman, Jordan. Email him at maenhu@gmail.com)

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Maen Alhusseini
Maen Alhusseini
Maen Alhusseini is a lecturer of management, strategy, and marketing at several international educational institutions.

He also offers coaching sessions in leadership, communication, and career building for organizations and individuals.

CEO of a group of companies that manufacture and distribute food products around the world. Member of the Association for Coaching International - UK.

Email Maen at MaenHu@gmail.com.
Maen Alhusseini
Latest posts by Maen Alhusseini (see all)
  • Polarization of Privately Funded Arab Media is Firing Back - November 24, 2018
  • Berqas and the Tolerant Letterboxes - August 14, 2018

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
19         
 
  
19
Shares
 
19
Shares
19         
 
 Tweet 
Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Guest Columnist, Maen Alhusseini, Middle East, Opinion, religion Tags:berqas, Boris Johnson, British Government, Burkas, burqas, facial veils, Islam, modesty, Muslim, Muslim Women, politics, racism

Post navigation

Previous Post: New, improved Arab News Hajj App launched
Next Post: Israel targets civilians, destroys Gaza’s al-Mishal Theater

Related Posts

  • Why Muslims and Arabs should vote for Trump American Arabs
  • Syrian refugees make their way through Hungary in Sept. 2015 to Europe. Photo courtesy of Seth J. Frantzman
    Israeli journalist reports on challenges of Syrian refugees Arab World
  • Palestinians protest in support of hunger strikers at the Gaza border with Nahal Oz. Photo copyright Gaza Strip Photographer Ahmad Hasaballah
    ADALAH accuses Israel of racial segregation against Palestinians in UN protest Arab World
  • Jack Shaheen was one of the celebrities honoring former White House Dean and Journalist Helen Thomas at the 2011 Images and Perception Conferences hosted by activist Siham Awada Jaafar in Dearborn. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    American Arabs mourn passing of author Jack Shaheen American Arabs
  • Saudi King AbdulAziz with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Photo courtesy of the White House
    King Abdulaziz University is Ranked No. 1 in the Arab World Arab World
  • Taybeh Vinfest 2017 Poster
    Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine Activism

More Related Articles

Sex Stem Cells ALS #IceBucketChallenge American Arabs
The new King of Saudi Arabia, Salman Bin Abdel Aziz Saudi Arabia taking on Islamic extremism Arab World
Lebanese American Heisman Trophy winner Manziel lags 22nd in draft to the Cleveland Browns American Arabs
Video proves Israeli targeted and killed four Palestinian children on Gaza beach Ali Younes
Saving Arab Christians in the Middle East Arab World
Palestinian members of Knesset protesting Israel’s Jewish Nation-State Law on the day of voting in 2018. (Screengrab: Knesset Channel courtesy of Adalah) Adalah heads to Supreme Court to battle Israel’s Jewish Nation-State Law Arab World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Ali Mohamed Ahmed Osman Charge d’Affaires Embassy Sudan Tokyo
    The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
    September 23, 2023
  • Windows at many American Arab owned stores were broken the day after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 14 Americans who "looked' Middle Eastern were murdered in the six months after the terrorism by Americans, most of whom were never prosecuted. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims
    September 11, 2023
  • Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria
    Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan
    August 28, 2023
  • grab634.jpg
  • Ziyad-300x300FIndStore.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
    September 27, 2023
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
    September 22, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
    September 19, 2023
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees
    September 18, 2023
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture
    August 18, 2023

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Events

  • Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    16 Sep 23
  • Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    29 Sep 23
    Washington D.C.
  • Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    30 Sep 23
  • US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    15 Oct 23
    Oak Brook
  • Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    1 Nov 23
    Bolingbrook

POPULAR POSTS

  • AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) is pleased to announce its ... posted on September 18, 2023
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics The RSF mutiny's resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics By Ali Mohamed Ahmed ... posted on September 23, 2023
  • Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims ... posted on September 11, 2023
  • Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan’s partners are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating ... posted on August 28, 2023
  • Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Salem Furrha and his eight children @theFurrhaFamily on TikTok and Instagram represent ... posted on February 6, 2021
  • Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan has been grappling with the gravest catastrophe in ... posted on July 14, 2023

Recent Posts

  • ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
  • American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
  • Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Glory to God int he Lowest by Author Rev. Donald Wagner
    Book Review: Glory to God in the Lowest: journeys to an unholy land
    February 18, 2023
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Comedian Ahmed Ahmed at The Comedy Bar in Chicago June 9 - 11, 2023
    Comedian Ahmed Ahmed performs in Chicago June 9-11, 2023 at The Comedy Bar
    June 9, 2023
  • Ziyad Food item
    Essential recipes and ingredients during Ramadan 
    April 4, 2023
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme