Sarkozy's Right About Islamic Debasement: The Burkha Is an Offense Against Women

Skvodjfm

oSRSGd

burhha

'Islamic countries have their laws (associated with religion) and France is more than allowed to make their own laws in support of women's rights'

The difference is france is secular and everyone is free to practise their whatever

beards vs. burhka

A beard us a lot easier for a man that a woman wearing a burkha. It like being in a tent, especially horrible in hot weather. The men that think this isn't so bad should try one on and see how hard it is to see and walk safely.

burkha burkha

Sarkozy's has good intentions. I think historically the burka was designed to control women and make them feel inferior. However, I have to agree that if France were to ban it—essentially an item of clothing, it would be discriminatory and counterproductive from a rights perspective. I definitely see the national security argument as a better reason for its banning.

no burkhas

The Burkha is a symbol of oppression. There is no place for them in a free society such as France. Islamic countries have their laws (associated with religion) and France is more than allowed to make their own laws in support of women's rights. As long as the majority of the citizens agrre, I'm not sure I see the big deal here.

Bigger fish to fry?

"Let's reverse this scenario. Imagine if Egypt made it law that you could "NOT" wear Western clothing, because it went against their values."

A number of Muslim countries require that men wear beards, even if they are only visiting and are not Muslims. There's not much difference.

It's not a big deal; most of us men would probably be happy to have an excuse not to shave. But the principle is the same - I don't feel I should HAVE to grow a beard.

Just the same, Muslim women should not HAVE to give up their burkhas any more than they should be forced to wear them.

Just how "free" are we in America, anyway? Test your freedom, and you'll find it is actually quite limited. That said, there are plenty more pressing concerns greater than what women do or do not wear.

The right to cover

Its a form of represison that a woman cannot do as she chooses. I do not agree that putting yourself out there as only a sexulaised object.. means freedom. Freedom is also the right I have to cover myself, should I choose to. In no way does that make you the 'property' of your husband, or accept male dominance. I am pretty sure a lot males would like- the more skin the better attitude, bowing to that, in my view is male dominance.

In an abaya I can still state my views, hold my own opinions, go drive around the country or get a univerity degree, and persue a job. All this, without being harassed by the wrong kind of attention. Sure I won't be able to make me some bucks pole dancing, but hey..that is a form of liberation I would rather avoid.

Re Burkas

Democratic and pluralistic societies care very little for styles of clothing that are based on hiding the female form divine....it is just another example of treating women as though they are just property or slaves to their own husbands.....Sarkozy is a good person and he does not like to see islamics abusing or mistreating women which is offensive to him .........Cordially....

Let them choose western customs on their own, but by "law".

Let's reverse this scenario. Imagine if Egypt made it law that you could "NOT" wear Western clothing, because it went against their values.

I'm a strong supporter of freedom of expression, so I'm offended when someone tried to restrict that.

Women in Western countries technically wear the Burkha out of choice. Banning it will not free women from repression, it will take away their expression.

And no, I'm not a Muslim. :)

burkhas

it isn't demeaning a woman to tell her - by law - what fashion she can or cannot wear?

rc -n.y.