American Muslim Women Resist Soft Target Stereotype

Margari Aziza

There are a number of ways that people respond when verbally assaulted or threatened: flight, fight, even freeze like a deer in headlights. I am wary of making moral judgments on whether a woman chooses to fight back or not. But I’m concerned about the dominant narrative of Muslim women as docile victims, whether victimized by anti-Muslim bigots or men in our communities. As women, respond to gendered violence in numerous ways that ensure our survival. At the same time, I think it is important to highlight our agency and ability to defend ourselves and our families in times of crisis.

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