Apple introduces hijab emoji, racist tweets flood Twitter

😀🌎🌍🌏📆 Happy #WorldEmojiDay! 🎉 We’ve got some 😎 new ones to show you, coming later this year! 👀👇 https://t.co/xBR9ZJ7l4g pic.twitter.com/fhDrr4J5KG

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) July 17, 2017

While there were many who were happy with the inclusion, there were also a few who did not welcome the hijab emoji openly.

THERES GONNA BE A HIJAB EMOJI YAYYY pic.twitter.com/L6fmBqwDSI

— RAEESA (@raenb0w) July 17, 2017

I’m all about inclusion! I love that there’s going to be a hijab emoji! https://t.co/jBlhhHm96p

— Мax Tarlton (@MaxTarlton) July 18, 2017

Some of the users opined that it is a “symbol of oppression” and hence must not be promoted. While another commented, “There should be an emoji to show what happens when the Muslim woman takes off the hijab.” Many others pointed out that people should be as welcoming as when a woman decides to not wear a hijab. Few Islamophobics also asked about “beheading emoji”.

So Apple is launching a hijabi emoji? Great! When can we expect one glorifying #FGM? Or marital rape? Maybe a suicide bomber one? pic.twitter.com/bQNTdqZqhD

— Raheem 🇬🇧 (@RaheemKassam) July 18, 2017

the hijab is a symbol of oppression. by including it as an emoji you are showing your support for the oppression of women.

— Joeymp (@joeymp123) July 17, 2017

There should be an emoji to show what happens when the Muslim woman takes off the hijab. #WorldEmojiiDay

— Richard Elder (@rickthe_elder) July 17, 2017

Let’s talk about how the people who are mad about the hijab emoji also think that telling people who they can marry is totally fine.

— kayleigh oberbeck (@washedouttown) July 18, 2017

@Apple REALLY apple?? A hijab emoji?? Japan is disgusted with you. America is disgusted too. Take this sexist garbage off my phone!!!

— MadamAsuka (@MadamAsuka) July 18, 2017

https://t.co/yJYllG4IB7
What next, burqa emoji? Women tried to prevent the enforced hijab but were brutally suppressed. This isn’t cute.

— David E Brady (@davidebrady) July 17, 2017

I’m sick of diversity for its own sake. Hijabs are an element of female oppression. Stop treating it like it’s something sacred coz it’s not

— Jeffrey (@boredjeffrey) July 17, 2017

these emojis should be banned!

— Dr. Moe 💉 (@mohammad_karima) July 18, 2017

Headscaffs? Lol now that’s funny. I guess we shall be seeing explosive vests as back packs next!

— Richard (@1RTFULDODGER) July 17, 2017

Any beheading Emoji?

— José Roberto (@jrwwagner) July 17, 2017

Creeping sharia

— Michela (@11B_Mic) July 17, 2017

Great, the sartorial oppression emoji, just what was missing. Why not promote idea that women responsible for controlling male urges, joy

— john bean (@johndoogleze) July 17, 2017

It all started in last year when a 15-year-old girl from Saudi Arabia Rayouf Alhumedhi studying in Germany raised the pertinent question about hijab very close the uproar when France banned burkini. She even submitted a proposal to Unicode Consortium, suggesting there should be an emoji for men too, wearing a keffiyah. Arguing that over 550 million Muslim women around the world wear the hijab with proud, she stated, “With this enormous number of people, not a single space on the keyboard is reserved for them.” She also noted that many people Christians and Jews also cover their heads and a emoji would represent them all.