Veil Pulling as Orientalist and Colonial Violence: Contemporary Case Studies in Canada

The veil occupies a significant position within Western discourses as a symbol of Islam and a representation of Muslim women’s perceived oppression. Rooted in historical and contemporary narratives, the veil’s portrayal often intersects with colonial and post-colonial discourses. This paper explores the violent act of veil-pulling, a hate crime involving the forced removal of a Muslim woman’s veil, as an extension of colonial ideologies and racialized oppression. Using the theoretical frameworks of Franz Fanon’s analysis of French-colonized Algeria and Edward Said’s Orientalism, this study investigates the enduring legacy of colonial attitudes toward the veil and their manifestation in modern contexts. The analysis highlights the nuanced connections between the historical practice of unveiling as a colonial tool and the contemporary targeting of veiled Muslim women. Drawing on case studies such as incidents at a Tennessee secondary school, the development of “Hijab Emergency Kits” at Dalhousie University, and occurrences at pro-Palestinian protests, this paper argues that veil-pulling is not merely a random act of aggression, but a deeply embedded act of violence rooted in colonial and racist intentions. This research underscores the need to recognize and address veil-pulling as a systemic issue requiring a critical and informed analysis.