Veiling, Burqas and Western Feminism

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Originally Posted by Martina

i am glad that it's not illegal to wear any of the above and that women can do as they choose in this country. The fights over this in Belgium, France, and Italy make me grateful for our constitution. i do not believe the Europeans when they argue that it is a public safety concern.

Personally, i do not want to see women veiled. i do not like it. But i do not live these women's lives.

What i have done in the past is give money to organizations that support freedom for women in regions where it seems like there is little. i have given money to an organization that builds schools for girls, and i used to contribute to a group that outfitted girls' soccer teams in North Africa.

I follow European politics as sort of a hobby since visiting there a year ago. I had many interesting discussions with native Dutch people about their immigration issues with Muslims. The entire head covering issue is a hot button in the Netherlands, as well...and it really makes the Dutch uncomfortable to discuss it since they pride themselves on their tolerance. The most popular politician in the Netherlands right now just published his "manifesto," and this is one of the top issues. I am always fascinated with how the western European countries say they are "integrating" their immigrants, but are really doing anything but. I viewed many of the policies in the Netherlands to be separatist -- on both sides.

Here in Michigan, we have a very large Middle Eastern community, mostly Iraqi Chaldeans. Many of the high schools in the Detroit area have made accommodations for girls in gym classes and on athletic teams to allow for compliance with their beliefs (not requiring them to wear shorts and to be able to keep their head coverings on).

Jake