Reporters from across the nation, indeed even across the world, had gathered here in Paris for the mayor's press conference. It was a testament as to just how 'hot button' the issue had become. The supporters of banning the hijab, often affiliated with the far right and racist movements in France, claimed that they were "defending" the "values" of "western culture," and that they were standing up for "oppressed women." The detractors saw it for what it really was, though -- the gradual erosion of personal freedoms and liberties.
The members of the press talked amongst themselves, not only debating the issue, but also the very nature of this press conference. Regardless of personal views and biases, all of them were interested in knowing what the mayor's resolution would be. His decision, they all knew, would echo across all of France, and perhaps even all of the European Union! History would be made here tonight...
And few of the reporters were as worried by the potential ramifications of this press conference as Hanan Messaoudi. As a practicing Muslimah and a child of Algerian immigrants, the issue held a particular resonance to her. She saw through all of the posturing and rhetoric that the right wing surrounded it with and knew the truth; what this was really about was prejudice, plain and simple. The politicians could only thinly veil their burning hatred -- hatred for both Islam and for the North African immigrant community.
There were hundreds of people here. Many of them were French, like herself, but others had travelled from as far away as Britain, the United States, Germany, Russia and even Japan. Yet even amongst this international sea of faces, Hanan seemed to be the only Arab woman in the crowd. Perhaps more damningly, she was certainly the only woman wearing a hijab, her white silk scarf elegantly matching the sleek beige business suit that was custom tailored to show off her curvy figure.
Before she had too much more time to think about this contrast, her attraction was drawn to the podium by a loud commotion. Cameras flashed wildly as the current mayor of Paris, one Jean Lefebvre, made his way towards the center of the stage. He was a short, balding and rather corpulent man, his obese little body tucked into a cheap and ill-fitting suit. But he had a very deep voice. He cleared his throat as he approached the speaker, intimidating the various reporters into silence.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press," he said, "No doubt you know why I've called this press meetings. In recent years, it has become an increasingly important issue, both in France and in the European Union in general. That is why I have decided that it is time my government takes a firm stance on the issue once and for all. I won't keep you here long, I promise. I will simply give my government's official position and then answer your questions..."
There was a noticeable tension in the room as all parties waited through his blustery speech to hear the outcome of his decision.
"We have officially decided to ban the hijab from our country, in the interest of preserving our Judaeo-Christian, European heritage from an influx of undesirable foreigners. Hence forth, it shall be illegal in Paris, and hopefully all of France within a year."
Hanan was incensed by the man's arrogance.
"How dare you," she defiantly shouted as she stood up, dropping her microphone to the floor.
"Young woman," he said sternly, "This is for your own good. You can now dress like a proper European woman and..."
"What does that mean," she cut him off, "I was born in France, and excelled at university. And I'm doing quite well economically as well! I'm a reporter at a major news station, for crying out loud, so don't tell me that I'm somehow "oppressed" or "uneducated." I don't even have a husband; I choose to wear the hijab as a sign of my faith!"
The mayor's face grew beet red at this insolence. Never before had anyone dared talk back to him; especially not a woman! The entire crowd of reporters -- some of them representatives of the foreign press even -- grew silent at the drama that was unfolding before them. Lefebvre stammered, trying to think of the next word to say.
"This... this... this sedition," he finally managed, "is an insult to our very way of life! It is spitting upon our proud Judaeo-Christian tradition of decency and free speech! It's sad, but I'm not surprised an outburst of this sort would come from a woman... a woman like this."
There was a noticeable contempt and hatred in the mayor's voice as he got the last few words out.
"Ha," Hanan exclaimed, "You talk about your so-called "Judaeo-Christian tradition of decency and free speech" well you try and take away MY freedoms? And you have the audacity to claim that you, and you alone, have the right to tell me how to lead my life? You disgust me, you fat, arrogant pig!"
"That's it," the mayor said as he slammed his fists, "I've had enough of this! Security! Arrest this woman!"
Two large security guards made their way from the podium, rudely pushing aside the other members of the press, some of whom were still seated. The reporters scattered as they tried to get out of their way, save for Hanan, who boldly stood her ground, not backing down in her iron-clad convictions one bit.
"And once you do," Mayor Lefebvre said snidely, "rip off her hijab as well!"
"How dare you," she exclaimed, "Fine! I'm not going to give your thugs the satisfaction of touching me! If you want this so much, because my faith is so offensive to your way of life, then you can have my hijab!"
She pulled off her white silk scarf and threw it to the ground.
"But I don't care much for your concept of "decency" either," she continued, "So if I must go without my hijab, then I choose to go naked! After all, am I not a free, liberated woman of the west now?"
Hanan threw her jacket onto the floor as well, where it lay with her scarf, and then slipped out of her tight-fitting little skirt as well. She proceeded to roughly yank off her blouse, tearing loose a few buttons in the process. It was an expensive suit, but she really didn't care; right now she was making a point to the entire world. Clad in only her lacey little bra, panties and high heels, Hanan Messaoudi stood defiantly before the press.
"I suppose these have to go too," she said.
Slowly, she slipped out of her bra, exposing her full, ripe breasts to the entire crowd. She was well aware of the fact that she was being photographed -- even filmed -- as she slid out of her panties and stood there nude. Like many reporters, her good looks helped her get her job, and now she stood naked before the entire world, her curvy, dark skinned body exposed to everyone.
She hoped that by tomorrow, this would be broadcast, printed and downloaded by all six and a half billion souls in the world. Partly because it would help to politicize her actions -- and humiliate Lefebvre -- but also because she secretly found this to be a little... well, empowering. Never before had she exerted so much power on the world around here! No, more than that, she found it arousing, using her beauty and charm to make a difference.
Both Mayor Lefebvre and his security were dumb-founded by her actions. They didn't know what to say as she made her way towards the podium, directly challenging the mayor by her very presence.
"What's the matter," she said as she walked towards them, her full breasts gently swaying.
No answer.
