Another way that Muslim Americans are surveilled is through the gaze. Foucault writes that the gaze is a powerful tool of control and discipline (Foucault 1995). The gaze is the intent watching of people. It is a form of surveillance utilized by those in society who wield power. An examination of the gaze provides insight into power dynamics in society. The gaze is also dangerous, because it has been used to intimidate and show racial domination over African American women (hooks 1992). Muslim American women who wear the hijab told me they encountered hostile stares by white citizens. The gaze on their bodies is a tool of intimidation and control. Not only did the gaze make them feel unsafe; they also were cognizant their bodies were being surveilled for any illegal activity. Private citizens are able to enforce discipline on Muslim American men’s and women’s bodies through their surveillance.

DEFINE: Clarifies Foucault's concept of the gaze as a tool of control and discipline.

Saher Selod, Forever Suspect_ Racialized…, loc. 263