Dawkins says the sight of a burka causes 'visceral revulsion' but he wouldn't want to ban them

[BurtWorm]

I know what he means on both counts.

PS: Of course his remarks were deemed offensive.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1301750/Fury-Richard-Dawkinss-burka-jibe-atheist-tells-visceral-revulsion-Muslim-dress.html?ito=feeds-newsxml




Fury over Richard Dawkins's burka jibe as atheist tells of his 'visceral revulsion' at Muslim dress - Mail Online - Mail Online


The outspoken atheist Professor Richard Dawkins has re-ignited the furore over the burka, describing it as a ‘full bin-liner thing’.

The 69-year-old author and scientist told of his ‘visceral revulsion’ when he sees women wearing the controversial Islamic clothing.

But he stopped short of calling for the UK to follow the French in banning them, insisting such legislation would not be in Britain’s liberal tradition.
His comments prompted fury among Muslim groups who accused him of being ‘ignorant’ and ‘Islamophobic’.

Professor Dawkins made the comments in an interview with Radio Times discussing his forthcoming documentary about the dangers of faith schools.

Last night he stood by his remarks and told the Daily Mail: ‘I do feel visceral revulsion at the burka because for me it is a symbol of the oppression of women.’

But he admitted he was reluctant to advocate banning any item of clothing.

He said: ‘As a liberal I would hesitate to propose a blanket ban on any style of dress because of the implications for individual liberty and freedom of choice.’

...

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

1. He managed to piss BOTH the Islamic fundies AND the anti-Islam zealots in one fell swoop.

I love this guy. :thumbsup:

[PDJane]

2. That's our boy.......

And I have to admit that I agree with him.

[uppityperson]

3. "it is a symbol of the oppression of women" indeed.

"the implications for individual liberty and freedom of choice", for me, do not cover hurting other people though.

[KamaAina]

19. I used to see women in burqas all the time in Jersey City.

At the time, the governor of New Jersey was Christie Todd Whitman.

I kept wanting to yell, "You're in New Jersey! The governor is a woman! You don't need to wear that here!!"

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. visceral revulsion

Hits the nail on the head.

And I agree with Dawkins.

[Posteritatis]

5. That's my reaction in a nutshell. (nt)

[realisticphish]

6. whoop whoop

:thumbsup:

[pnwmom]

7. "Visceral revulsion" -- yes. The first time I saw a man leading around a woman

in one of these -- at my local Sears -- it was like seeing a man leading a woman on a leash. Revolting.

I'll never get used to the sight, though it isn't as shocking to me here anymore.

[Sea Witch]

11. I agree

It isn't so much the piece of cloth, but what that cloth represents. Women who wear them never come from cultures/communities that allow them a choice in it. Even here in the US, the choice is not really a choice when coerced.

[pnwmom]

17. Welcome to DU, Sea Witch! n/t

[Sea Witch]

18. Thank you, just getting my land legs!

I have a passion for global women's rights, GBLT equality, ending wars, eleviating poverty and fixing how we relate to our environment. Hoping I fit in here.

[Hannah Bell]

8. self-important pukes like dawkins cause me visceral revulsion.

[BurtWorm]

9. But you just love the sight of a woman in a burka, right?

:patriot:

[MindPilot]

16. When your opinion is considered worthy of being published in the international press,

you will be in a position to call others "self-important".

[Hannah Bell]

21. "worthy" -- by who? by other self-important ruling class twits.

just because the ruling class thinks someone's "worthy" (= supports ruling class positions & biases) of being published in the media venues *they* own doesn't mean anyone should pay attention.

[sufrommich]

10. Dawkins, once again, is right. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

12. Can't say I disagree on both counts. nt

[leftynyc]

13. I agree with both sentiments

I find burkas disgusting but laws governing what relgious clothing can and cannot be worn go against my idea of liberty.

[MindPilot]

14. Up to a point...

The point being that you cannot go into certain places with your face covered.

[seabeyond]

15. i agree with his view. nt

[piratefish08]

20. correct on both counts.

[blondeatlast]

22. This Xtian agrees with Dawkins on both counts. nt