As there hasn't been a new thread on burkas in the last hour I wanted to seek opinions on one point.
One argument raised a few times which i can understand is that it is a symbol of oppression of women. I think it often is. Some say they are forced to wear it against their will , some say they want to wear it and we shouldn't deny that freedom. I suggested a poll of Muslim women would give us more info but the idea was dismissed as i was told we wouldn't know if they were lying.
So, if a ban were introduced would it stop oppression? Would these men who currently force/pressure them to wear it let them go out without one or would they force them to stay indoors so that other men can't see their faces (in which cases they'd be even more oppressed) . Or would the men let them go out but insist they still cover up in public and risk arrest?
Also, from a practical point of view, could it be policed if some people still wear them? If a woman gets on a bus wearing one would the driver be expected to stop and call the police if she refused to uncover her face? Would a shop assistant be expected torefuse to serve them and call security or the police?
Do we know how well it's worked in other countries?
It would be forced on those brainwashed to hide away in existing generations but forevermore free generations from undergoing the same situation who would no longer be bound by oppressive traditional custom. No contest then. Any claim it's oppression approaches zero legitimacy as time goes on.
IMO it's not anything to do with oppression. It's abiding by the law of a country you are residing in. If people aren't allowed to wear face coverings in a public place (especially in a bank) then no one should cover their face.
If people have to wear crash helmets when riding a motor cycle then all should adhere to it...not wear a turban.
If no one is allowed to carry/wear a knife or hold a sharp object in public then Sikh's should NOT be allowed to carry a shirpan! If you accept a different country to live in which is nothing to do with your culture or religion then you go there and accept the rules! Adapt to your chosen country to live in or go home!
Don't expect that country to suit your culture or rules because IMO you shouldn't be there.
Well Zacs, I reckon you have a fundamental misunderstanding of how one generation disagrees with another and thus advances the group, if put in the right curcumstances that allow it.