Muslim Women and the Effects of 9/11: The Need to Understand How to Treat the Psychological Aftermath

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Recommended: The impact and role the media has on public perception of Muslims

Discrimination, prejudice, and racism are all terms far too similar and encountered by multiple cultures. A vast amount of individuals have experienced these different terms, unfortunately some individuals belonging to certain minority cultures experience them more often than others. After the attacks on 9/11, the Muslim culture became a major target for actions such as discrimination. The media, especially in regards to women and their attire, fueled warped views about this culture. There are beliefs that women in this culture are oppressed and forced to wear a veil, or hijab, however their views and opinions are not taken into account regarding these statements that are being portrayed through the media and its watchers who are not aware of the cultural beliefs and traditions.

After the 9/11 events occurred, people were affected in variety of ways. The social work field was and continues to be in great need due to all of those who were affected. Although everyone was affected by this event, the Muslim community faced a double conundrum post-9/11. Not only were they affected by feeling the fear, trauma, depression, and confusion as the rest of the population, they also were left to face the unfortunate hatred that was directed towards them due to what was being said in the media, and how people perceived that information. Therefore, Muslim individuals and communities, especially women who wear a veil, were faced with more discrimination and stereotyping to deal with, along with dealing with any trauma, stress, and fear that the rest of the world was feeling as well.

Although many of these women may need help in dealing with all of the different issues they were left to face, many of them did not and are not receiving ...

... middle of paper ...

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Hassouneh, D.M. & Kulwicki, A. (2007). Mental health, discrimination, and trauma in Arab

Muslim women living in the US: A pilot study. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 10(3), 257–262. doi:10.1080/13694670600630556

Jasperse, M., Ward, C., & Jose, P.E. (2011). Identity, perceived religious discrimination,

and psychological well-being in Muslim immigrant women. Applied Psychology. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-0597.2011.00467.x

Livengood, J., & Stodolska, M. (2004). The effects of discrimination and constraints

negotiation on leisure behavior of American Muslims in the post-September 11 America. Journal of Leisure Research, 36(2), 183-208. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Marsiglia, F. F. & Kulis, S. (2009). Diversity, Oppression & Action: Culturally grounded social

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