So here are a few:

Today was — I believe — the first [...]]]> I have a very lovely coworker. She is always smiling, always kind, both with the clients and with the rest of the agents. Soft spoken, vibrantly full of life, she is a joy to talk to. She has bright blue eyes and beautiful long, curly blonde hair.

Today was — I believe — the first day she came to work wearing a hijab. Working a block away from a local mosque I am used to seeing white girls wearing the hijab, but as I ran into her by the coffee machine I think I forgot to close my mouth for a few seconds.

The first thing after the surprise was how much her beautiful eyes stood out now.

The second thing was noticing the small crowd around her, with questions like, “Did you get married?” “Are you always going to wear it to work now?” “Isn’t it hot?” which she all patiently answered. She showed how she was wearing a turtleneck, and explained how she had been wearing the hijab outside work for a while. Girls were more hung up on the fact that she chose to cover her hair than the guys, it seemed. “I feel sorry for your beautiful hair,” was an oft repeated comment. She explained that she didn’t cut it. Conversation shifted to when she should wear the hijab, and an idea of all girls parties was mentioned.

I have to admit that later on some of us were still talking about her choice. One question was how she could use the headset with the hijab on, but since we have seen photos of the colleagues in Egypt and Qatar, this seemed to be feasible. Her choice, unlike that of our born again Christian colleague’s, carries a very obvious sign of religious profession. She will have to answer the same questions over and over again, and most everyone will be aware of her religious affiliation. While this is a choice I wouldn’t have made for myself, if this makes her happier or, I’m happy for her. Wearing a hijab won’t change her, she will be the same sweet girl she has been. The only thing that can change, but hopefully it won’t, is our attitude towards her.

I refuse to feel sorry for little opressed her. From what she has told us, this was a choice she made based on her own beliefs, not based on family or cultural expectations. And this is where the French go wrong with cracking down on the niqab: they are taking away women’s freedom to choose the same way Iran and Saudi Arabia do. If they want to help women to break out of opression, they should provide assistance to women who are forced to wear a niqab rather than banning it all together.

But yes, it’s a big deal. Because something unusual has entered our world. The novelty will wear off, as we get used to seeing the colorful hijab instead of our colleagues beautiful curls.

Yes, it gives you a farmer’s tan!