But is it a choice? I'm not sure. I can't imagine opting to wear a tent to a swimming pool, maybe my imagination needs some exercise...
I chatted up several people at the pool, of various backgrounds. But isn't part of the idea of wearing a Burqa to "other" the person wearing it? I understand the link between suffering and piety. The more uncomfortable one is for the sake of their religion, the more devout they are seen as being. Aside from her kids, I didn't notice anyone speaking to this woman. That's kind of sad and must be lonely. How does one even approach and speak to a woman wearing a Burqa without being potentially offensive? "Hey! How are you? It sure is hot today, isn't it?" Is kind of inappropriate. Just the "Hey! How are you?" Line is too familiar for speaking with someone you don't know. Plus, being in a bathing suit myself, I'd feel self-conscious that even my manner of dress would be taken as offensive.
But is it a totally free choice? Example, I've taken all of the boys' jeans and put them away for the summer. They choose shorts to wear everyday, but that really isn't a choice, is it? Same for the woman in the Burqa... I'm sure she has regular clothes, but when she leaves her home she dons the Burqa. Is she free to wear something else? Would her husband beat her if she didn't wear a Burqa? Is she a devout Muslim, moreso than her lenient husband, and opts to wear it to show her devotion to her faith? Has she been indoctrinated since childhood and believes she must wear a Burqa? Don't know...
Another question: Why is it necessary to other oneself so completely for the sake of one's faith? Especially when the issue of women's rights/value is such a hot button topic, particularly in regards to Islam.
I chatted up several people at the pool, of various backgrounds. But isn't part of the idea of wearing a Burqa to "other" the person wearing it? I understand the link between suffering and piety. The more uncomfortable one is for the sake of their religion, the more devout they are seen as being. Aside from her kids, I didn't notice anyone speaking to this woman. That's kind of sad and must be lonely. How does one even approach and speak to a woman wearing a Burqa without being potentially offensive? "Hey! How are you? It sure is hot today, isn't it?" Is kind of inappropriate. Just the "Hey! How are you?" Line is too familiar for speaking with someone you don't know. Plus, being in a bathing suit myself, I'd feel self-conscious that even my manner of dress would be taken as offensive.
But is it a totally free choice? Example, I've taken all of the boys' jeans and put them away for the summer. They choose shorts to wear everyday, but that really isn't a choice, is it? Same for the woman in the Burqa... I'm sure she has regular clothes, but when she leaves her home she dons the Burqa. Is she free to wear something else? Would her husband beat her if she didn't wear a Burqa? Is she a devout Muslim, moreso than her lenient husband, and opts to wear it to show her devotion to her faith? Has she been indoctrinated since childhood and believes she must wear a Burqa? Don't know...
Another question: Why is it necessary to other oneself so completely for the sake of one's faith? Especially when the issue of women's rights/value is such a hot button topic, particularly in regards to Islam.
