It feels as if every time I turn around, there is a Hijab related incident that turns into a tale of discrimination. Sometimes there is clear wrong-doing but in this case, though, there is no sign of any discrimination. Things didn’t play out that well for few Muslims on the Eid day at a Rye, New York Playland. In fact, it turned ugly and the worst part is, all this happened over a ride.
Background
Muslim American Society (MAS) of New York organized an event on the Eid day at Playland in Rye, NY. The park has a strict policy about headgear because they have had three deaths in the past. Muslim women wearing the Hijab or scarf were told that they couldn’t get on the ride because of the headgear a.k.a Hijab. This ban was on certain rides, not all the rides. The park offered a refund to patrons who were denied access to the ride.
MAS was made aware of the headgear policy and by having the event at the park they agreed to abide by the policy measures, one would think so.
Reaction
The group of women who were denied access didn’t take the denial lightly. Few of them proceeded to get the refund but the ones who stayed behind got involved in an argument amongst themselves. There was pushing and shoving and the rangers on duty reacted so that the situation doesn’t deteriorate.
Reaction to Rangers
When rangers got involved, they tried to break up the fight and touched few of the females involved. Well, that didn’t sit well with them either and then the issue was no longer about the ride entry but turned in to “how dare you touch me?”
Long behold, 15 people were arrested. Best day to get arrested, Eid. Beat that!
Hijabis Losing It Over a Ride. Photo by Tara Abadir of NY Times.
My opinion
Don’t turn everything into religious discrimination. If there is a policy in place, abide by it. If you don’t like it, avoid the establishment. Getting on the ride of your choice is not a birth right. Hijab is not affixed to your hair, it is technically a piece of clothing wrapped around the head, thus headgear. That sounds very troubling but that’s what it is. Don’t expect the person enforcing the policy to treat you any differently because you are Muslim. Just because someone is trying to enforce a policy doesn’t make them discriminatory against your religion.
In the past, I have defended women in Hijab who were REALLY discriminated. Someone being denied the right to a job is a being deal, a stupid ride doesn’t even make the list.
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