Critical Mass of Badass: “Badass Muslimahs”

Last updated on: November 23, 2010 at 12:00 am by sarahaji

Critical Mass of Badass: “Badass Muslimahs” 2010-11-23T00:00:08-04:00 sarahaji

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A recent addition to the thousands of Tumblrs intended mostly for the edification of their own creators, Badass Muslimahs began as a project in mid-October 2010. The site’s creator, Sara, has little besides a small blurb to describe her Tumblr’s purpose—but then, words are not really the currency of Tumblr. (Founded in 2007, the microblogging site has taken off since the beginning of 2009 and is now arguably the hottest and most accessible blogging portal available). “Badass Muslimahs,” as Sara explains, is “not an attempt at ‘breaking stereotypes’ or trying to enlighten people.” Instead, it’s her way of “countering all the nonsense”—the “sensationalist, exoticized, demeaning portrayals of Muslim women seen all throughout the media…” Sara, it seems, just wants to pay homage to some badass Muslimahs.

But as an addition to the growing chain of Tumblrs that reflect the diversity of Muslims, “Badass Muslimahs” is, in fact, a big deal. Tumblrs like “Pictures of Muslims Wearing Things” and “Covered Muslim Women Everyday, Everywhere” have garnered media attention because they actively respond to assumptions about Muslim women. But “Badass Muslimahs” is explicitly not an activist site. Sara clearly says she’s not there to educate the ignorant masses—but, inasmuch as the Tumblr exists, it is activist in nature. “Badass Muslimahs” is significant as another perspective changing the way Muslim women are portrayed. Its value inheres in its single voice, as does the value of any blog or media form that adds to the discussion.

On “Badass Muslimahs,” photos are posted sporadically and with varying amounts of commentary. Some of them make more sense than others, but then, the point is not really to make anything digestible for an audience. Some of the photos are of Sara, or of her friends, and some are sourced from other Tumblrs. Then there’s Umm Kulthoum, whom Sara calls “the ultimate Muslim diva,” and Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, who plays Division I basketball for the University of Memphis while keeping her hair and body covered.

There’s something charming about the potential of Tumblr—as with Twitter and Facebook and blogs in general—to revitalize the discussion because it’s done almost lazily, with photos from other people, few words, and a considerable amount of user-generated response. It’s rapid, quick, and it provides a counterweight to the images of mainstream media outlets. The more, the merrier!

Previous Post

November 22, 2010

A Far-Reaching Film Fest

Next Post

November 24, 2010 Dutch as Such: "Delfts Blauw Meets Hijab"

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Advertisements Art/Theater Books/Magazines Cinema Comics/Cartoons Culture/Society Events Fashion Film Friday Links Merchandise/Commodities MMW Announcements MMW Highlights Music/Radio News Photography Politics Profile Ramadan 2012 Ramadan 2013 Ramadan 2014 Ramadan 2015 Roundtable Satire Social Media Sports Technology/Science Television Uncategorized Video Web

Select a Month November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who said, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Paul Jesus James Peter