Open AccessCultural Identity in Virtual Reality (VR): A Case Study of a Muslim Woman with hijab in Second Life(SL)
Author(s) -
Methal R. Mohammed
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of virtual worlds research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1941-8477
DOI - 10.4101/jvwr.v2i2.435
Subject(s) - islam , negotiation , identity (music) , negation , curriculum , sociology , order (exchange) , identity negotiation , psychology , gender studies , aesthetics , social psychology , pedagogy , art , social science , theology , linguistics , philosophy , finance , economics
This study investigates how the cultural identity of a Muslim woman with hijab (hair scarf) is perceived in Second Life (SL), a virtual and visual cultural site, through a case study that the author experienced during this research. The findings reflect different levels of reaction leaning more toward rejection and indifference rather than acceptance. I conclude that there is a need to establish an educational curriculum in SL about Islam and Muslims. This could be accomplished through a collaborative endeavor between Muslims, non-Muslim educators and educational institutions in order to promote “negotiation rather than negation” between different cultures to bring better understanding, respect, and appreciation to the for “Other.”