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Dear Friends,

The Interfaith Peace Project is pleased to present the fourth vignette of our series of reflective vignettes and questions to facilitate the claiming of one’s dignity.  These vignettes and questions are written by Carrie Knowles. They are a series of situational stories inviting women to reflect in such a way as to find their voice and claim their dignity.

We will publish these vignettes on the eighth of every month in honor of March 8, International Women’s Day.  We are hoping that you will engage your friends in reflective dialogue, maybe even form small discussion groups as these situational stories can foster dialogue with men and women alike.

Please share with us your feedback and reflections.

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Vignette 4

Farah, a 40 year old American, works as a technician in hospital laboratory in the city, and rides to work on public transit.  As a Muslim woman, she wears a headscarf, and wears an ID badge that admits her to the hospital. Today on the bus, a large man confronted her in an angry way and shouted.  “Go back to where you came from!  You are taking jobs away from Americans!”

Questions for Your Consideration

What do you think Farah’s feelings may be about this encounter?

What do you think Farah might do in this confrontation?  What do you think other people on the bus might do?

What are the likely consequences of what she does, or does not do? What are the consequences of what other passengers might do, or not do?

When you consider your own faith tradition, ideally what would you like to see her do? What would you like to see the other passengers do?

How might Farah’s experience resonate with any of your own experiences as a woman?

How may your reflections deepen your intention to stand up for what is right and true?

Click to print: Vignette 4