Oops, you're right on the hijab, I was having a momentary brain lapse. I'm 'fine' with the hijab on one condition that the men follow their dress code as well. (if you're going to do it, both have to do it in my opinion, or its seen to me as sexism).
Too many times I see Hollister t-shirt on the male.
I'm too anti-clerical anyway, I guess that's why I'm friends with Iranians. lol We see eye to eye on everything and they're the only group that really loves Americans and America, so they geniunely like you, while everyone else around here I've got to be suspecious. lol I always joke give us 20yrs and we could bring peace to both countries by destroying percieved stereotypes.
My experience with Arabic friends is that I have to be culturally 'sensitive' on issues and not point out their hypocrisy. (men drink a ton, then tell the women what they can't do this or that etc).
In Vancouver, a couple Asian girls I know are afraid of 'brown' men in clubs, they've wanted me to go clubbing with them for protection. I've heard of a couple white guys dancing with 'brown girls' and then her guy comes up to you and wants to fight you, as you're disgracing his honour or something. A couple guys have been stabbed.