On Wearing Shirts That Challenge People.

by HijabMan :: posted 10 July 07

When I first came up with the first few shirt designs, I was afraid to wear them myself. I’d go to the mall with a hooded sweatshirt over the “My Name Causes National Security Alerts. What Does Yours Do?” shirt. I knew I had to get over my fear, and so every so often, I’d take the hoodie off, let the curious few read the shirt, and gauge their reactions.

The reactions were overwhelmingly positive. As time wore on, I didn’t bring the hoodie with me. I wore (and still do) wear the shirts everyday. And while I still feel a tinge of worry when I throw on something like the “Frisk Me, I’m Muslim” shirt, the discomfort only lasts a moment, until the first person yells, or whispers to the person next to them, “I love his shirt.”

Ding! We have a winner.

The shirts aided in my being comfortable with who I am. And I hope they help you, too.

Now go ahead, check out that video. I want to thank that woman, and her son for being brave, and telling their story. If they want me to take it down, I will. But I’d like them to keep in mind that it will reach thousands of people, God willing, and perhaps help them— with or without my shirts. The point is, the young man found a creative solution to his problem. I’m just grateful I could be a part of it, and I’d be lying if I didn’t get a bit choked up when she told me.

I don’t think we should divorce ourselves from our pasts. I’ve found a whole lot of peace by using my embarrasing moments, my mistakes, and my failures as tools for myself and others.

Can I get an alhamdulillah?!

Baraka at 10 July 07 :: #

You cool bean you!

Alhamdolillah :)
KufiGirl at 10 July 07 :: #

This makes me so happy, I have no words. My daughter has also used her hijabman t-shirts as conversation starters in school (she has “my name causes…” and “radical Muslim feminist”). She, too, has found a lot of support from her teachers and her principal.

I think a lot of schools/staff don’t know where to begin discussing this subject, much less how to deal with actual harassment. This helps open the door.
Aisha at 10 July 07 :: #

Is it on youtube? I can’t seem to see it because of a plug in i need to install… and since my computer is just now being normal I’m terrified to download anything.
HijabMan at 10 July 07 :: #

Aisha: Download the plugin, its fine.
HippieMom at 10 July 07 :: #

Time will come when the mother in that video will be me and the her son will be my son.

Ma’am, as a parent, I thank you for sharing your story.
HijabMan at 11 July 07 :: #

Baraka: Hope you are well. When you guys coming to the east coast?

Kufigirl: Yeah. And I didn’t hear this until recently, but, the shirts are ‘gangsta’ hahahaha

HippieMom: I should come out and visit soon, no?
The Jolly Bengali at 12 July 07 :: #

I used to wear your “This is what a radical Muslim feminist looks like” shirt around campus. I usually got a lot of stares and random people complimented me. I don’t think they thought I was making a statement. It’s just a funny shirt.
UmmFarouq at 13 July 07 :: #

Alhamdulillah.
And I just remembered, I am actually on the North American continent, and can order some shirts!!! Let the ordering process begin!!!
baji at 13 July 07 :: #

hey! what happened to my comment about bringing me a large rad fem mus shirt? also, we will be in philly tomorrow – will try to call!
Aisha at 15 July 07 :: #

i tried downloading it, it wouldn’t. Tis all good, need to be studying anyhow :0)
Small Blue Thing at 16 July 07 :: #

Alhamdulillahi Rabbi’l Alamin! and even further Jazzakallah :)
LondonMuslim at 18 July 07 :: #

Alhamdulillah!!

I need to get me some shirts when I run into some money :P
Hina at 22 July 07 :: #

alhamdulillah
these shirts are GREAT..
these would be great on the back of jackets…
must get one inshallah
Usma at 27 July 07 :: #

when i first came to this website and saw all those t-shirts, i felt as if i could be more comfertable with the fact that there are other people out there that felt how i did.. you ruleee hijab bhaii =) soooo.. i have to buy like a lot of them! ONE OF THESE DAYS!
Maddie at 27 July 07 :: #

I am away at present nestled in the mountains but popped by from my lovely friend “Splash” – i particularly loved the starfish story and strive to live that way. I try to make a small
difference every day and as I grow and learn – then I grow and learn to do even better:) It is the intention and committment that is important to me and I have to recommit every day to that. I have just discovered you so
I will read more – but – you seem so personable and
warm with a sense of humor and humor and warmth is the most wonderful way to make a difference.

have a beautiful day:)

Welcome! This site serves two main purposes: to entertain and educate the Believing and curious community, and to generate a bit of cash—God willing. But there’s a lot more about HijabMan.

On Wearing Shirts That Challenge People.

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