Amy Toensing

Visual Journalist
    
Behind the Veil
Public Project
Behind the Veil
Copyright Amy Toensing 2024
Updated May 2022
Location Maine
Topics Culture, Culture stories, Documentary, Editorial, Ethnic minorities, Film, Journalism, Photography, Photojournalism, Refugees
Summary
Muslim females in the United States straddle two cultures, as they are expected to uphold many of the customs and traditions of Islam in the face of western culture.
The women of Islam are often seen as symbols of tradition and cultural identity. As one scholar noted, "It is as if the whole burden of the Islamic tradition rests on their shoulders." In America the role of Muslim women becomes even more significant and complex as they are not only the bearers and representatives of their culture but they are expected to be the ambassadors by forging new pathways into the western culture with  language, education and employment.  As they carve these pathways their own values often put them in conflict with the surrounding culture and its heightened sexuality.  A family's reputation is often judged by the actions of their daughter as she is not only their mirror, but also their future.

These photographs look at the lives of Muslim, Somali teenage girls living in Portland, Maine, straddling the line between Islam and western culture, living on both sides of the veil.
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