Hello, hope someone could help me out on this!
(I posted this under religions as well, sorry for the spam)
Just for a quick background, my book is a slice-of-life, graphic novel about housemaids working together in an Edwardian manor. Because I have a whole house staff to fill, I have a lot of supporting characters, and I try to make them as diverse as possible (People of color, plus-size characters, a character with autism, other characters with mental/physical disabilities, and different religions).
To get to the question at hand:
I have a female Muslim character who I draw wearing a hijab. In the story, all the female housemaids room together, and often hang/talk before bed. Do Muslim women wear their hijab if in a room with only other women? And is it insensitive to draw her without her hijab if that is the case?
I don't know if this is a stupid question, but the internet hasn't been helpful with this and I really want to make sure her portrayal is as respectful as possible!
Thank you!
The world is based off 1900-1910 England, however, it is not placed in the real world only inspired by the time period and other historical events, so I can add creative liberties. It's sort of like a parallel universe: magic is a thing, places/people groups have different names but are generally based off real locations/ethnicities, and religions are pretty much exactly the same as ours.
Watch a couple "Hijabis React to Your Questions", I think they mention something about that offhandedly!
In Islam, women are allowed to show their hair to other women and they don't sleep with the hijab on. Sometimes, women do still cover their hair even with other women just because it can be more convenient than to repeatedly take it off and on. However, if this is before bed, then a women would probably not be wearing a hijab. On the insensitivity, I'm not sure. People have different opinions. I personally think it wouldn't be insensitive to draw her without her hijab in front of other women because she is only a fictional character and it would be more accurate than having her hair covered 24/7.
See it's an interesting question. Would it be wrong for her hair to be seen by the general public? Yes. Would that mean that a picture of the same would be discouraged? Probably. I doubt she would want it. But it all depends. Are you doing this from your perspective or hers in terms of thinking this? Because if it's you only you can do what you want. But if you take her into consideration then the answer will likely be different.
Thanks for all the helpful responses! @salami011 Yes, this is before bed. Knowing all that, I feel it would realistically make the most sense to draw her without her hijab within the context. It's a hard question… If I was merely writing a novel it wouldn't pose a problem, but because it is a comic book I'm not just showing the other girls in the story her without the hijab, but every single reader that'll pick up my book. I really don't want to cut out any scene of them before bed, because the focus of my story is mostly the relationships and emotional growth of the girls, and those moments when it's just them together, talking without work or anyone else around to interrupt, are crucial points.
I'm going to have to do some more research, and if anyone has any more input that'd be great! I know it's impossible to not offend everyone, as no one thinks the same. However, as someone trying to portray a minority I'm not a part of, I'd like to be as careful as possible! I'd really hate to make anyone uncomfortable :(
I have a hijab-wearing friend if you would like me to ask her? Idk if I might be too late. She always answers questions similar to this one, even if it pertains to nothing in particular.
@Emi-Is-Humming-to-No-One No, of course! Please ask her :) that would be very helpful!
