The Online Edition of the Annandale High School Newspaper.

The A-Blast

The Online Edition of the Annandale High School Newspaper.

The A-Blast

The Online Edition of the Annandale High School Newspaper.

The A-Blast

First impression fueled by ignorance

I knew from the first moment when I put on the Hijab that I was asking for quite a bit of trouble. Not to say that I regretted it initially, I just knew that I would be subject to some uncomfortable comments and questions and perhaps some insults depending on who it was.  There was no question that I would have to deal with encounters that would test my patience, my emotions and my ability to respond. Nonetheless, I realized that every new person I would meet would have a predisposed notion to who I was and what they believed to be my ideals. With that being said, a year after I started wearing the Hijab I had a very memorable encounter with an individual, fueled by a misconstrued first impression, misjudgments and ignorance.

It  was a the moment, where I was crossing the street in D.C. and a man came up to me telling me to “Get out of the Country,” that I finally noticed how much of a difference my Hijab made a difference in my day to day interactions. To individuals who don’t know me on a personal level, they tend to characterize me as a religious fanatic. Who knew, that a piece of cloth covering ones hair could illicit harsh reactions. Although, in regards to this specific confrontation it is safe to say that ignorance was another major facet to what had occurred.

Predispositions concerning an individual’s beliefs, thoughts and opinions can create lasting impressions in first encounters. To put forth ignorance at a first meeting will lead to disintegration in ones view of the other. I can attest to that because I have been subject to such meetings countless times before. It is infuriating; to have to put so much emphasis into first impressions, let alone a first glance. It accomplishes absolutely nothing, and only confirms stereotypes. When people meet me or see me for the first time, I want them to take the initiative to look past their first impressions of me. It may take two to five seconds to make a judgment of someone, but it only takes a couple of minutes to get past a mistaken judgment and to get to know an individual.

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    Noah FitzgerelOct 18, 2011 at 6:26 am

    Yes, the proliferation of Islamophobia is alarming in the nation. CNN just had an interesting special on it, and I know of several organizations that are working to combat it. Anyone passionate about it should find out more!

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  • T

    TriciaOct 18, 2011 at 6:25 am

    Great Story Nasiha! I really enjoyed your take on first impressions and how wrong they can be about someone :)

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First impression fueled by ignorance