Veiling, Burqas and Western Feminism

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Martina

But this stuff just brings out the unreconstructed civil libertarian in me.

Wow Martina...thanks for posting this link...and all I can say is "me too."

I found myself reading and thinking "is this for real? can he be serious?" But, alas, he appears to be.

I found myself offended on behalf of all women who make this choice that he equated the burqa with a mask...and then this statement...

"The person who wears one is no longer identifiable; she is a shadow among others, lacking individuality, avoiding responsibility."

Wow...just wow...

So, based on his argument, ski masks should also be outlawed...because they are used to cover the face of criminals. Surgical masks, worn by those who are ill or afraid of illness....outlawed. My big, fuzzy scarf - which I wear up over my mouth and nose on cold winter days....outlawed.

By his logic, to be a member of society I am obligated to show my face or I am somehow lacking individuality, avoiding responsibility...and evidently endangering the very fabric of society.

Wow.

Makes me want to go get a burqa and wear it to the French embassy just because....