Context: I’m from Pakistan and we usually wear a shawl called duppata. In my country, you’re basically just asking for attention (acc to people) if you walk down a street not wearing hijab or atleast a duppata. It’s not a law, just a lot of social stigma attached to not conforming to it.
Here’s my little rant errr..I was entering a bookfair with my friends when a woman started yelling at me for not wearing a duppata and told me to not act like we’re in Europe. Though I was wearing a really baggy shirt that was down to my thighs.
At the moment, I was kinda confused and didn’t say a word and just walked away. I can’t remember much of what she said though because I was just shocked. There was a high chance she could be from a student wing of a religious party here and it’s better one doesn’t mess with them
But then I wanted to go back and confront her although I knew no one will side with me. But she was already gone by the time I went to go find her.
It’s not the first time I’ve encountered such behaviour but it was never this bad and I usually just ignore what people say and although ik it isn’t safe, all this moral policing makes me want to be more and more rebellious and screw our dress code. I’m to the point I hate, absolutely abhore our national dress, I just see it as having no other choice.
I just regret not standing up for myself.
P.S. I’m naturally shy and not very good with confrontations. Just ranting here because acc to people around me, clearly IT’S MY FAULT.