This Woman Could Get Arrested for the Way She's Dancing
A deeper meaning to dance.
Iran has long been a restrictive place for all its inhabitants, but especially for women. In regulating outward appearance, the Iranian government mandates that women must wear three-quarter tops, which cover their hips and waist, as well as a head covering, formally called a hijab. In a new video that's been sweeping the internet, a woman who is believed to be Iranian defies these stringent expectations by dancing on top of a car, later tossing her hijab to the side to shake out her hair in time with the music. Her daring actions are met with cheers from the crowd below.
This video has been taking the web by storm, with people tweeting their support for the woman featured. The clip may represent a brave act of defiance, but if this woman is identified, it could have major repercussions from the government or private enforcers of these laws. In the meantime, what's keeping the woman safe is that she has yet to be verified as indeed Iranian. In fact, the woman has yet to be identified at all, whether it's by name or by nationality. If a punishment was handed down, it wouldn't be the first time the Iranian government penalized a citizen for this sort of expression. In May of this year, a group of Iranians were arrested after they shared a video featuring them dancing to Pharrell Williams's feel good tune, 'Happy.' However, it is this chance of legal punishment that makes this woman's video all the more empowering.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.
-
Jill Biden's Inauguration Day Coat Defines Her First Lady Fashion Legacy
Stylist Bailey Moon reflects on dressing the former FLOTUS as she leaves the White House.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Matty Healy Responds to Rumors He's Written Songs About Taylor Swift Romance for New The 1975 Album
"Keep your head up princess, your tiara is falling."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Duchess Sophie Channels Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle in Her 60th Birthday Portrait With Some Royal Fashion Staples
The Duchess of Edinburgh opted for designers favored by other members of the Royal Family.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain Published
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
By Rona Akbari Published
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
By Ai-jen Poo Published
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
By Megan DiTrolio Published