I support individual freedom and liberties. As such there is no problem with a woman volunteering to wear the Niqab in the United Kingdom.
However, I absolutely condemn any imposed dress code upon a woman, particularly one so comprehensively oppressive. If indeed the Niqab is a sign of submission to Allah why is it not mandated in the woman’s home? Simple - because it’s to signify submission to men.
Equally we chose our clothes to elicit reaction or at the very least with the knowledge that people will react according to them. T-Shirts, aggressive, ripped camouflage attire, formal wear: we know people will react differently to different clothing.
A full veil cuts a person off from the outside world, it’s introverted and exclusive. It signifies that the wearer doesn’t want any contact - we know this because that’s the way we dress ourselves when we’re feeling vulnerable or shy.
It’s nothing short of a declaration of indifference and represents a physical barrier to interaction. How is integration to be achieved when every venture into the outside world is undertaken behind a wall of fabric?
I met and spoke to many students at London Met who wore the Hijab, I made a few friends amongst them too. They were conversational and open people. I didn’t get so much as a hello from those who wore anything more restrictive than the Hijab.
Later
John
Posted by John Swaine at October 5, 2006 10:56 PM