Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

So banning the Burka - freeing women from opression or taking away free choice...?

557 replies

Portoeufino · 09/04/2010 20:23

I read that in Belgium there is a draft bill to ban burkas and also the niqab.

As they put it " There is nothing in Islam or the Koran about the burka. It has become an institution of intimidation and is a sign of submission of women. A civilized society cannot accept the imprisonment of women."

They then talk of "matters of public safety" - is that implying that if you wear a burka is it therefore likely you might have it stuffed with explosives? Or if you cover your face, then there are security issues connected with that?

I have to admit I am very ignorant about all this. DO women only wear this clothing because they are opressed? Do they choose to? What happens if it is banned? Are women freed, or will they end up forbidden from leaving the house?

I am very interested to learn and understand more about this.

OP posts:
purits · 09/04/2010 20:52

"that wearing the niqab frees her from being subjected to the objectification of the 'male gaze' "

That's bollox though. Sort out the 'male gaze', not the woman's garb. That attitiude is only a short step away from rapists justifying their actions by saying that those wearing miniskirts are 'asking for it'.

TheCrackFox · 09/04/2010 20:50

You can't compare me to Jack(ass) Straw

I do find it difficult to talk to someone wearing a face covering Burqa. It doesn't help that I am starting to go a bit deaf and I do find it muffles their voice.

Molesworth · 09/04/2010 20:43

This is a really interesting debate and I'd like to know more about it too. Funnily enough I was listening to a documentary on the world service about the niqab ban in France today. It featured a very articulate young muslim woman - born in France of immigrant parents - who has chosen to wear the niqab as a statement of both her muslim identity and of her feminism. I find it a really confusing issue because the idea of women having to cover themselves in this way is of course a form of oppression, but at the same time I can see the point being made by women like the one in the documentary, that wearing the niqab frees her from being subjected to the objectification of the 'male gaze' so that when people engage with her, they have to engage with her as a person and not as a body. I'm not sure if that makes it OK. I don't know what to think about it, tbh. Will be interested to read others' views.

scurryfunge · 09/04/2010 20:40

From what I understand, I believe the wearing of the burka and the like is of cultural not religious significance. I find it difficult to understand how anyone would truly have the choice to wear anything so restrictive to communication.

wukter · 09/04/2010 20:39

Crackfox I seem to remember that was Jack Straw's argument, when he got into bother for asking a veiled woman to remove her veil.

(Not burqa related but I think we should ask MNHQ for a "fencesitting" emoticon. Just a face with a straight line for a mouth. I'd make great use of it.)

TheCrackFox · 09/04/2010 20:34

I have to say I am not a fan of the Burqa as I am a very visual person (I don't even like using the phone) and I like to see a person's face when I speak to them. Just seeing the eyes isn't enough for me.

However, even though I am an atheist I believe in religious freedom.

It is such a tricky subject that it confuses me no end.

wukter · 09/04/2010 20:27

It seems to boil down to:
A bunch of men in the government telling you not to wear it v A bunch of men in your community telling you to wear it.

In case you can't tell, I am no expert in this.

Swipe left for the next trending thread