an increase in # of veiled (full veiled0 women fueling debate in UK

[rodeodance]

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2007/06/17/world/20070622_VEIL_slideshow_1.html
Slide Show: A Symbol of Identity
The increasing numbers of veiled Muslim women are fueling the debate over the role of Muslims in British life.
Related Article

[mainegreen]

1. I can't wait until this is in vogue.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Since there is a hadith

where the Beloved Prophet said that to "dress modestly" meant wearing what others in your area wears, I wonder about women who wear hijab or full veil in Western society. I mean, I can dress modestly and cover my head without attracting attention (which is the point of modest dress). No one around here thinks anything of a woman wearing a baseball cap or a straw sun hat.

[soothsayer]

3. Interesting perspective. Thanks!

[Captain Hilts]

4. Western children are socialized to fear people who cover their faces.

That's why I thought the issue of teachers wearing cover in public schools was actually a legitimate issue.

[Warpy]

5. I have worked with Muslim nurses and doctors from all over

the world, and all the women worked with uncovered heads since that was the local standard.

Some wore a simple head scarf in off hours but they admitted it was for their own comfort because it wasn't mandated by local standards of modest dress.

Islam is very forgiving in that regard. It's the tribal customs that came up with extreme forms like the burqa that are harsh.

[fasttense]

6. I don't know how I feel about this.

On the one hand, it represent a horrible view of women as deadly sexual demons. Just a show of hair will cause men to go wild with lust. It is so irritating to some women that in certain countries police roam the streets to force women to wear the garments. On the other hand, some women gladly wear these cumbersome robes as a show of unity with their Muslim sisters.

On the one side, women who wear these robes are displaying a clear disregard for the freedoms fought for by our feminist ancestors. Yet people should have a right to wear what they want.

I'm torn about this form of dress, but as long as you don't force me to wear them, I guess I can tolerate your views.