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The Controversy Over Mona Haydar

by in World on 20th July, 2017

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Mona Haydar has, once again, become the centre of much controversy with her new music piece, ‘Dog’ – a takedown of the male gaze, harassment, global patriarchy and the objectification of women by men in positions of religious authority.

In her song, Mona addresses issues that are prevalent in the community, but often go unspoken of and unaddressed. She touches upon men being ‘spiritually violent’ and ‘emotional terrorist(s)’, using religion as a cover to conceal their ‘deviant’ behaviour.

In an interview with Refinery29, she said, “Hopefully it creates a space where women and people who have been victimized and abused by those in positions of religious authority can feel safe to speak up.”

But there are varying opinions on her new music piece – the religious opinions on her way of choosing to address important topics to the response she’s received as an Arab woman for her music, and even general opinions on the music video and the beat of the song.

In a blog post, Kiah G profoundly says, “However, there are Black Muslim women who have been on the scene rapping, for and about Muslim Women. Where is the viral love for Miss Undastood, Poetic Pilgrimage, or Alia Sharrief? Women who can actually rap? Why aren’t they on NPR, or having their videos go viral up and down my timeline?”

Are Mona’s music videos going viral because she’s the first hijabi to speak out about matters pertaining to Muslim women? Or has she been given the recognition due to her being a ‘fair skinned Arab’?

But not everyone has criticised Mona. Many women have taken a liking to her new song, and the profound message that resonates throughout. The end of her music video aims to leave us with food for thought – “In the time you took to watch this, 27 women in the US have been assaulted or abused. 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.” And this is the ultimate message of her song – that too many women are suffering, and suffering quietly.

Her blog links people to a range of stories and articles that form the very basis for her new piece, proving that there have been many circumstances where women have found themselves bearing the brunt of objectification, violence and abuse by those in positions of religious authority.

Whatever the thoughts may be about Mona’s new piece, the message is an important one to take away.

Amaliah Team

Amaliah Team

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