burka

[quincyqqq]

lets get rid of the burka
what do u think

[ummmm]

Are they allowed to drive?

[LoftyLottie]

Vibra, Covering up one's face with only eyes showing is very intimidating and makes people nervous. A natural reaction. I have no problems with people wearing what they like, or even nothing at all as long as I can see their face.

Probably because people who commit crimes often cover their face or wear masks. If we were used to it in this country and had never known any different then I would probably think differently.

When in a country with completely different customs I try my hardest to respect their customs and conform. If I had to wear a burka in a Moslem country I would be happy to do so.

[naomi24]

Did someone mention swimwear?

http://mylifedump.com...in-a-burqa-priceless/

[McMouse]

It should compulsory for real ugly mingers to wear full burka. This include all races and religions..............

[Akinator]

That's the thing you see, most people have nice eyes. I can't this no longer
i'll er brb.

[Akinator]

stand

[snags]

naomi... how would you be sure you came out of the pool/sea with the same one you went in with... or maybe it doesn't really matter...

[tinkie]

Having been the victim of 2 armed robberies and on both occasions the robbers were wearing balaclavas, burkha's really do freak me out, and I think they should be banned.as you can't see more than the eyes, and on 2 occasions in a town near me recently burkha's were used in robberies, worn by men.

[marval]

It is time this government took a stand. Burkas should only be allowed in their own home. If they don't like it, they shouldn't come here.

[naomi24]

snags, maybe that's why the husband is holding on to her! On the other hand it could be in case she sinks under the weight!

[pastafreak]

Everyone seems to see the wearing of the burka as 'intimidating' behaviour...yet it can only intimidate if that is the intention of the wearer. We seem to forget that Muslim women wear it as a way to be modest-to let other men see their faces goes against belief and culture. How do you force someone to conform in that manner? Many women feel 'safer' in the Burka...I am not surprised.
Granted-some may be forced-but I think it is choice for most.
Lofty-you refer to Asian women who did NOT wear the Burka....surely it depends on sect and country of origin. Those from southeast asia are not as likely to adopt it as those from the middle east.
Just as SOME Jewish women choose to wear wigs---for similar reasons--according to whether they are Hasidic or Orthodox...so too there are different Muslim sects----some stricter than others.

[IrishHeart]

I think I'd have a more respect for the religon if the menwere expected to cover their faces as well

[joko]

i don't believe a woman ever wears a burkha, 'truly' by choice...she may claim she chose it, but its years of being told that its 'correct' and holy, and right, and good etc etc and that woman who dont wear one are bad, that has become ingrained in their psyche and their society and culture so much so that they 'believe' its their choice - simply because no person is standing over them and ordering them to wear it there and then...but its still years of opression

[joeluke]

^ "it can only intimidate if that is the intention of the wearer"

Is that also the case when men wear balaclavas?

[boxtops]

joko, sorry but you are wrong. Yes, some are imposed on my religious and cultural norms in certain countries, but other women opti to wear covering garments from choice. When we say burka we do mean the all in one garment, black or blue, with the mesh veil? - because that is the burka. Anything less is hijab, or niqab if the woman chooses to wear the separate face veil. (Having spent some time in Saudia Arabia where we had no choice than to wear hijab when out and about, I must say that personally I found it very comfortable and not that different from the kaftans and similar clothers I often wear at home in hot weather.) I find that people do make assumptions - I have Muslim friends who wear varying levels of covering to suit different occasions, I wonder how many people who are "anti" have ever spoken to Muslim women (I am sure some of you have). Interestingly in Morocca (where I've just been) hijab and niqab are optional - women can wear whatever they choose to wear, and be no less Muslim.

[sg]

I have never felt remotely intimidated by the presence of these diminutive, modestly clad women in burkhas, walking past with eyes downcast, going about their business. I have lived in the same neighbourhood as the Arab embassies as a child back in the 80's, with incredibly wealthy families going on shopping jaunts to Hamleys and Harrods in Trans Ams (tacky) and Rolls'. I have also lived among the 'ordinary' people down east Oxford, west Reading and also these days where I live now.
How can you be afraid? You think that each one you see is a male bomber?
I get nervous though, each time an Englishman with a butch dog and a Special Brew swaggers towards me spitting and swearing with his gormless tracksuited mates.
Perhaps I'm paranoid.

[cazzz1975]

regardless of their preference, the fact of the matter is these women are dangerous behind the wheel, I know I have seen it many times, not to mention the security issues of things being concealed using a burka or people not being identifiable because of the burka.

I dont find them intimidating but I find them unsafe. If I went to a muslim country and they wanted me to dress head to foot in a burka I would, or should I do what they do and say no, I feel comfortable and liberated in my thong bikini...do you think they would say..okay then..? no, they wouldnt, they would throw me out or arrest me.

[pastafreak]

I bet there are plenty of men in the Arab states who drive wearing similar.......

http://www.chillnite..../2007/01/arab_man.gif

[AlBags]

like Sqad ...

For reasons of social integration, security, and intimidation ..

Ban 'em.

[naomi24]

Boxtops, I find it very odd that you have rarely joined in the heated debates we've had in other sections here on the burqa. And yes, I have travelled to many Islamic countries and I have spoken to very many Muslim women and girls on the subject. I have also been invited to try a burqa on and 'feel my pain'. I might be wrong, but I get the impression that you have been strongly influenced by your holiday tour guide's politically correct rhetoric.