Extra Credit Blog

There were two similar quotes that stood out to me from today’s class. One, from George Orwell, the author of 1984, which stated that “In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act,” and one from Abu Dawud which stated that “Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a veil.” Both of these quotes spoke out as examples of universal concealment. When everyone is hiding or concealing themselves, it becomes difficult for an individual to show their true identity.

George Orwell lived at a time where having a powerful government and a feeling of nationalism were idolized. In his novel 1984, he displays the situation where one man is broken down by a society that does not appreciate his opinion. His main character, Winston Smith, tries to find the truth, be himself, and live the life he wants to live, but instead is looked down upon and imprisoned, and society does not help him. At a time where everyone is silent and scared to be themselves, standing out in order to achieve happiness and self fulfillment becomes difficult.

This idea is also presented in the quote from Abu Dawud. While there is a common, moral concept of modesty, both Judaism and Islam have an extra practice of modesty which includes the covering of the hair for married, Jewish women and the covering of the head and chest for Islamic women. In the times of the Jewish temple, if a woman was accused of adultery, she would be brought to the temple where the priest would “stand the women before the Lord and expose the hair on the head of the women” (Numbers). Because concealing the hair is such a common practice, it is embarrassing to point of feeling forced to admit to sin, to be exposed. Similarly in Islam, many women feel that the rules of women's’ dress, driving, schooling, etc.. are oppressive. Standing out, because it is something that everyone does, is difficult and dangerous.

For both these government-based and religious-based sources, the idea of exposing one’s identities and opinions in a world where no one else does, is a difficult world to live in. If one feels embarrassed, threatened, or judged, they will hide. However, this are feelings that everyone has and if everyone hides, it will be that much harder for people to be themselves.