Islamophobia

The specter of Islamophobia has finally fully foisted itself on my consciousness. I thought I was aware of it, but I really don’t think I understood how deep, pervasive and incredibly scary it is.

I am now even more worried for my Muslim friends than I was before, especially the women, who are being used by extremists on both sides in the name of something they are calling “feminism.” The New Feminism is apparently all about dictating to women what they can and cannot do with their bodies.

I wrote about this a couple of months ago, during National Poetry Writing Month:

WELCOME TO CANADA, YOU STUPID BITCH

The niqab covers
her face almost hiding the
tears she sheds each day.

As Canadian
money drops bombs on her land
we stand united

Telling her which way
we would like to see her face –
uncovered always

Because we, experts
on The Civilization
will dictate to her

A woman’s right not
to choose what we cannot see
Even as we bomb

In the name of Her.
Oh, Muslim woman, we will
free you of your rights.

Muslim Shark Alert!