The irrepressible Pat Condell gives his thoughts on the 'rights' of Islamic women to wear the burka. As usual his scathing irreverence hits the nail squarely where it needs to be hit. Feminists, where are you on this issue?
Ban the burka
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Dress codes and freedom
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3 comments:
I don't really know how to respond. I do consider myself a feminist, but not one who spends lots of time in 'thought' about such issues. As a culture which imposes strictures on it's women I'm all in favor of pressuring cultures which impose strictures on their women regardless of what it might be.
But, I also understand that for some older Islamic women the covering has become 'comfortable' or accepted- a piece of their tradition- if you will and there is much reluctance to step out. I heard one woman say once that the clothing afforded her a freedom from the looks and comments made by men when she wore
'western' clothing.
It's a complex political issue and I'm reluctant to say what I think another woman OUGHT to be doing. Not my place to sit in judgement
@delicate flower
I too find this a difficult subject. An individual should be free to express themselves as they see fit, so long as they do no harm.
You said:
"I also understand that for some older Islamic women the covering has become 'comfortable' or accepted- a piece of their tradition"
Very true, but how often is this dress code enforced by fathers, brothers or husbands till the woman accepts because it's the easiest (and safest) option? To the point of indoctrination/brainwashing.
"I heard one woman say once that the clothing afforded her a freedom from the looks and comments made by men when she wore 'western' clothing".
When my ex-Mrs was a student at Bradford University (a UK city with a large Asian population, and the best curries ever) she often told me how uncomfortable, and somewhat threatened, she was by the leers of young men. Not the white guys (well, sometimes maybe), but the Asians. Whole groups of them. This says a lot about the repressed sexuality within their society and religion.
It was the main reason why, as soon as possible, ex-wife had her own car and was one of the first people I ever knew with a mobile phone (which was bright pink and about the size of a housebrick).
It's often claimed that the black body armor it is to protect the men from lustful thoughts, but surely that is the man's problem? Dehumanising half of the populace to protect the other half from natural biological feelings cannot be the answer. Also, do women never feel lust? I bet they do. So should everyone cover up?
I've tried before to capture my thoughts on this subject. And failed.*
But Jesus and Mo put it so simply.
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*I haven't seen that taxi driver since, so I could never follow up.
Andy,
Yes I agree that some Islamic women take the option as the only acceptable way to survive... younger women have taken the steps to overturn that, previous generations are typically unwilling to take the risk.
Unfortunately since Bible times, men have been forcing women to take responsibility for curbing men's lust? What's up with that? Most men can control lustful thoughts and act on sexual impulses appropriately... unfortunately there are some who can't. (I work in a field related to violence against women.)
And what I've come to realize is that I have to sacrifice some personal freedoms to keep myself safe and that's a travesty. I should be able to dress however I want and I have the right to do so, but I know there is some man who will consider my attire as an invitation. but I verge on a personal rant here....
I wish it were simple, I wish we could all respect one another with imposing our own strictures or passing judgement.
Lust: yes we feel lust but we've been conditioned, individually and societally to not show it as openly as men.
So, in summation. I think you've done a nice job of expressing yourself on this issue. And, I love the list of female leaders, didn't realize it was so extensive. Sadly, it says alot about our country- we seem unable to accept women...fully.... still.
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