To be Disturbed by this woman in a Burka? ......

[Gingefringe]

I saw a very strange event in Debenhams make-up counter this week-end which on reflection, I found very disturbing.
A woman in a full burka (including her eyes covered in thin veil) came up to the make-up counter with a man (presumably DH). The man then proceeded to ask about foundation for the woman and had a conversation with the sales assistant which rarely included the woman at all (apart from trying on a sample colour on her hand).
I felt so sorry for the poor woman - not only to be forced to wear this ridiculous veil but she wasn't allowed even to chose her own make-up!
I did give the man my best evil looks but he didn't seem to notice - perhaps because I was a woman!! I was too cowardly to say anything.

On the day that France bans the burka I wonder whether you would have said anything?

Ha ha sponge! too right, probably

"believe a woman wearing a Burka will never truly be regarded as British"

you can't say things like that

I can and that is what I believe I will always see them as a foreigner.

Ericnorthmansmistress - So you think using a word for woman's genitals in a derogatory fashion is acceptable? Why do you think this is okay?

Goodbye don't be so absurd. Do you honestly think that every Muslim that resides in Britain is an immigrant?

On the whole I think British men are quite bland compared to other cultures - and you have nothing to fear from them.

I went to Morocco last year on holiday and the men there were really oggling me and my daughters - made me really want to cover up! But I don't think you get much of that in this country.

You are kidding arnt you?

Do you think sexual violence/harressment is only carried by non british men in the UK? because the rate of this sort of crime is very high.

Bland meaning not as voracious.

There are some things that are clearly part of British culture. For example, respect for the rights of an individual and a belief that individuals will/should in general do what is best for them.

In some cultures the extended family comes first, before the rights or needs of an individual. You wouldn't have people debating on mums net about how to tell a MIL or FIL to stop putting their views across about how to bring up a child.

In some cultures not having children is very very strange and childless women are often assumed to have fertility problems. Whereas in this country children are seen as a choice.

In some cultures the family is seen as far more important than friends and single family members would be expected to put the needs of family members before friends.

I could go on and on. There are parts of our culture that are very different from many cultures. But because the superfacial aspects are often the same e.g. style of dress, starbucks, etc it is easy not to see these differences when you visit somewhere as a tourist.

The cullture here generally is quite conservative - and you don't usually get men following women around in streets. So there is really no need for the burka if that's your reason for wearing it.

computermouse - Yes - I don't believe Britain will ban the burkha or veil. But that doesn't mean that many people, myself included, feel comfortable with a woman wearing a veil.

computermouse - yes women get harassed, etc in Britain. But certainly in the North of England where I live, the level of street harassment/comments is nowhere near the level of harassment/comments British women experience in Morocco.

Animation, do you live in some sheltered little hamlet with your not voracious comments and men not harassing women? I've lost count of the amount of times I've been catcalled, groped and sexually intimidated.* Women's groups have put out studies of the level of sexual harrassment and sexual violence in schools and workplaces an how girls sigh and see it as 'normal'.
Not that thats relevent to the niqab debate anyhow.

Sorry it does not happen where I live either, I suggeat you move.

Oh come on computermouse! Feminist groups are right to call for an end to violence against women. This is totally different from saying that British women experience more street harassment in Morocco than they do in the north where I live.

British feminist groups rightly point out that the most dangerous place for women is not on the street, but in their own homes.

I have mixed opinions on burkas. I agree that women should wear what they want, within reason (public decency etc.) but I do feel uncomfortable with the idea of women completely shrouded when men are not. Actually my personal issue with them is rather different. I have a severe hearing loss and need to lipread. I can't understand someone in a burka (I also have problems with men with very big shaggy beards). I don't meet many people with burkas or big shaggy beards (and so far none with both :) ) so not a big issue, but I would find it extremely difficult in a society where it was the norm. Makes me think it must be hard for hard-of-hearing people in societies where peoples mouths are routinely covered up.

Having been to Lakeside yesterday, frankly, I am going to make the Burka law for some people.