Thursday, April 22, 2010

Women's dignity really saved by a Burqua Ban?

I hope most of you must have known about the Burqua ban in Belgium. Belgium claims to be the first European country to enforce this ban to wear over face coverings in public places, with exceptions like motorcyclists. The main intention is to target Muslim women who wear this traditional garb. The committee says that they cannot allow someone to claim the right to see others without being seen, and that wearing Burqua doesn't seem compatible with an open, liberal, tolerant society. Similar measures are taken in France also. The French president boasts that wearing Burqua is contradicting to the dignity of Women. And he says the only answer to this is to ban it. But statistics show that there are over 5,00,000 muslim women living in Belgium. But not all of them wear Burquas. Some really choose to wear it in order to express their religious faith. A month ago when France was seriously debating on this issue, there were so many blogs and articles popping up on this concern. I found that so many comments from Muslim women. They really wear the Burqua or the Hijab, only because they choose to wear it. Nobody forces them to do so. At least here in the west, nobody does, they say. I really don't get the point of guarding the dignity of women by banning the Burqua. I don't even see security issues here. When Muslim women go for a security check they very well co-operate and reveal their identity. So where is this getting to? When women don't get to choose what they wear, where is the whole idea of freedom and liberalism? And for heaven's sake, seven days jail for wearing a burqua?? God save this world !!!


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13 comments:

  1. I think this is a very sensitive issue that I guess only exemplifies the clash of cultures. People are sensitive or cautious of the unknown.
    It has been this way - sadly - in the past and will be this way about anything unfamiliar in the future.
    xo

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  2. I have a mixed opinion on this. A burqa ban does not gurantee a woman's dignity nor does wearing a burqa. While I agree with u on the freedom of choice for a woman to wear what she wants to - would we let guys cover their faces and walk around? Would it not give us a sense of insecurity? We need to respect tradition but nobody really knows when tradition becomes coerced enforcement and conditioning of one's choices....It is a sensitive issue with no simple anwers but glad you brought it up here.

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  3. Let them choose what to wear. Maybe this could be a sensible thing to do.

    Let them file a compliant against anybody who forces them to wear burqua. If it is a personal choice. Let them be.

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  4. Hi dear...thanks for the lovely words in my blog. It is really great to know that we are so close by :) I'll definitely keep in touch :) This post is very thoughtful, I too don't feel the need for any ban if the person chooses to wear something on their own will...really makes us wonder right..Take care :)

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  5. hey sukanya..i came thru ur blog thru another blogger :)... when i dropped in ur blog i was like wow!!1 what a superb and a different one... i too have blog where u can find a small world of cooking recipes :)...
    i love to read what people think on different matters and their views... i agree totally with u..if u dont get to wear what u want, then whats he menaing of freedom :) ?..

    do drop y when u get time and share ur thoguhts on mine too..i would really be ahppy if u could do that :)...

    http://neetzkitchen.blogspot.com

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  6. also wanted to let u know that i m following.i cant let the girl next door escape with the thoughts thats written to share with all :)..i too wanna be involved :)..happy writing and with thoughts too :)

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  7. Thank you ladies for sharing your thoughts. I'd really appreciate that.

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  8. wow.. u are havin a great blog.. nice reading.. following you

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  9. Very thought provoking post on burqua. when I was a teen and in of need to travel in a city bus (India), I thought burqua should be compulsory for all ladies...don't want to tempt the bad men..huh:)Sometimes I feel its a good dress to protect the ladies from evil eyes. May be it is having its own meaning that I can't understand.... As long as there is no security breach or misunderstanding, ladies can wear whatever they like...that's my opinion dear!

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  10. Interesting post Sukanya and definitely something to think about. You have a very nice writing style. I enjoy coming by and reading what your thoughts...

    Jeanne :)

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  11. Well written post, its a very sensitive topic,...will it be alright to say, religion is just personal affair...why to bring it up in dressing, walking...why not just blend with the world.

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  12. nice thought dear! i too agree with you..

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