Women in Islam

Dr. Ingrid Mattson is a Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Western Ontario, and is a former President of the "Islamic Society of North America." What problem do the Muslim women in the article want to discuss with her? How does she suggest non-Muslim North Americans generally "read" Muslim women who wear hijab, and do you think her analysis is accurate? What are some differences in dress codes in various Muslim countries that she mentions? To what extent do you think immigrants to North American should change their customs to "fit in" to the mainstream culture or be free to maintain the cultural traditions that are familiar and comfortable for them? If you had been with Dr. Mattson at this women's gathering, how would you have wanted to respond to the women's concerns, especially in light of the First Amendment to the Constitution? Explain.