Racism is Sloth

The fifth drawing in a series entitled "The Seven Deadly Sins of Racism." Sloth is represented here by an arab woman wearing a head covering. There are many types in the world that cover to different degrees, but the one I've shown here is most likely similar to a Niqab. She is shown with henna on her hands and a simple Arabic script on the veil that says "Sloth."

In the context of racism, Sloth is a double-edged sword. On one side there is the perpetuation of fear and discrimination for people who choose to openly show their devotion to their culture or religion, in this case through the covering of their bodies and faces. On the other side there is the abuse of these traditions by using them to keep women submissive and trapped in an age where freedom to choose your path should be paramount. Neither is right. Instead of dragging our feet and remaining stuck in ancient traditions that are outdated and not adapted to our current times, we should use these traditions to empower ourselves and alter them if necessary. Those who continue to criticize women because they choose to cover themselves in public should accept their freedom to choose, worship, and devote themselves as they wish. Laziness and stubbornness towards change through the generations stops with you. The bottom line is, we cannot blame an entire religion or people on the actions of a few radical extremists.

Charcoal, watercolors and graphite pencils on paper

For more info on the concept behind this drawing series, visit my journal entry below:

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