aibu to feel slightly on edge when I come across women in the full black burka?

[caroleharolde]

I just always feel slightly threatened, I know the vast majority of Muslims are lovely nonviolent people but.just this sight always unnerve me. Be honest, who hadn't felt a bit uncomfortable when passing by a huddle of the burqa wearers? Not trying to be racist, I'd feel the same if it were Christians or Jews or any other religion wearing it.

Yes I was thinking about Islamic countries, especially where women are sometimes seen as second class citizens.

That was in response to:
VampyreofTimeandMemory - so you really think there is no debate about whether women in some Muslim countries lack equality?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burqa how does a woman have freedom of movement and vision in this!

I've seen a lot of women wear the black burkas with a slit for eyes but never seen anyone wear one of these in the uk, well only me and a friend.

I've worn one. The head part is shaped, thicker than the main garment and fitted snugly over my head. below the mesh for the eyes is a slightly thicker swathe of material that forms a sort of funnel, to facilitate air flow to the nose and mouth, in theory. It's not that effective, but I suppose better than if it wasn't there. The main garment is voluminous and is actually completely open at the front. unless you fashion some sort of fasteners for it you need both hands to hold it closed. I'm short and the garment reached the ground. My view was restricted and I found myself having to look down a lot to avoid stumbling over things. When I looked in the mirror I could not see my eyes. I could not recognise myself. I was an anonymous amorphous lump. Out in the sun after a light shower I found it very humid. It was restrictive, yes. I found the experience a bit distressing, although I also sort of enjoyed the novelty. I did use it a couple of times after to 'hide' on the sofa when having a bad day. I could see the comfort in it then. The thing that occurred to me while wearing it was it wasn't about modesty but control. I did feel hobbled. The Quran requires both men and women dress modestly. It's the culture/those in power that dictate how this is interpreted.

There is a cartoon somewhere where a woman in a burka and a woman in a bikini look at each other pityingly sharing a thought bubble. I can't remember what it said though!

Partly it's what you are used to. I hate the transition between summer clothes and bundling up for winter, and also the transition between winter clothes and showing off some flesh when the weather gets warmer.

But for many it isn't a choice, which isn't lightened by the fact that for some it is

Of course it's not a choice for some women. As someone further up the thread said, it's also not a choice for some women to wear tight clothes, or to go into prostitution. Do I assume that all women who wear tight clothes are forced to? Do I want someone to assume that about me?

If there was a thread saying "AIBU to not understand why some women wear such tight dresses" how might you feel?

I give up on this now. But, before I go, may I suggest that you try actually talking to some Muslim women one day and finding things out for yourselves?

regardless of whether it's a choice, not particularly liking/understanding an item of clothing doesn't make someone racist...

very cryptic margot. you think women in all Muslim countries are viewed as equal to men?

Vampyre I have no idea. It's anything to do with concealing the face, face coverings, caps, face paint, hoods, scarves over the face. I just get this feeling like someone is standing on my chest.

For some reason some of these things don't bother me in certain settings though.

Taking, I find your suggestion that I've never spoken to Muslim women offensive, my neighbour is.amongst many work colleagues, I just feel it is too sensitive a subject to broach face to face and risk ruining a friendship over.

The Quran requires both men and women dress modestly. It's the culture/those in power that dictate how this is interpreted.

Agree

dizzy i have once felt uneasy at the sight of a bloke wearing a balaclava walking in my direction. only today, thanks to this thread, have i learned that this was similar to racism.

Not really liking the implications here that you're either a good modest Muslim or a tight dress-wearing, Botox filled prostitute. Isn't that an example of the pressure that causes women to 'choose' to wear hijab?

Many Muslim men do cover up though and dress as what they class as modestly.

never seen a burkha in the UK. I do find the long black robes and niqab and sometimes with the eyes veiled a bit unsettling though as it is very different from what I grew up with and it does stand out. I'm not intimidated though and realise they are just women under there and not some weird species.

Also think there are different reasons why women dress like this and totally think many are doing it by choice, obviously not all though which I do have a problem with. I'd quite like to try one out and see what kind of reaction I get from others and also to see what it feels to be 'hidden' and not judged by your looks and clothes etc. Would also be great for a bad hair day.

shandy unfortunately, i think there would be people who would judge you based on the fact that you're wearing a burka.

Vampyre Who knew, eh?

I am quite a fan of the hijab though (The one that just covers the hair, have i got the name right?). The sonographer who did all my scans wore them and hers were beautiful and i thought she looked lovely in them.

Ok, I said my goodbyes but I feel I need to respond to Postman. It is not either/or. You are extending the debate where there is none. The mentioning of tight dresses and prostitutes are because some women choose those things just like some women choose to wear burqas, niqabs, hijabs... I'm surprised that on MN, a cyberspace that is supposed to be so feminist, many women fail to see that women do choose things in their lives.

Not at all. I was attempting a bit of biting satire but it's late and it was obviously a very lame attempt.

OP burkas or face covering is not compulsory in saudi arabia so claiming women will "likely be stoned" for it is not true!! the dress code in saudi is hijab and abayah, although many do cover face its not stipulated and there are people who dont.

I used to wear niqaab (out of choice) for a few years and have since gone back to just hijab but not covering face. People do wear it out of choice - up to them! I do take on board the point that if you stop wearing it, it can cause issues in some communities or families but for me stop wearing it was not a massive deal.

Yes they would and that would satisfy the part of me that wants to know what these women face day in and out (a Muslim friend had her hijab pulled off in public and been shouted at etc).

that was to Vampyre

Grrr. That was to vampyre.

I really liked how I looked in a scarf. Brings out the eyes.

I agree with the person upthread who said covered faces make them feel uncomfortable. I have never had a conversation with a burka wearer but I have often had to talk to people wearing large sunglasses and I find this very difficult because you cannot properly read their expressions. Body language and facial expression are a large part of communication.

Also, unfortunately, people have used burkas to cover themselves so that they could not be recognised when committing criminal acts. The same goes for hoodies, balaclavas and motorbike helmets. This does not mean that all people wearing these items are criminals or terrorists but in certain circumstances I can see that it would be unnerving.

Be honest, who hadn't felt a bit uncomfortable when passing by a huddle of the burqa wearers

Do they huddle?
What do you thing they might do?