Would you consider the hijab/burqa degrading to women and why?

[Clueless Morgan]

I think from that perspective, these type of rules aimed at preventing the stuff that leads up to the cheating is important.

why the control over only women tho? Why not make men wear goggles? Or blinders? Or oven mitts? Why send the message to women that exposing their faces and hair is just too tempting for men so they must be the responsible party and cover up? Why insinuate to men that they are lustful monsters who can't control themselves?

[Mystic]

I think from that perspective, these type of rules aimed at preventing the stuff that leads up to the cheating is important.

why the control over only women tho? Why not make men wear goggles?  Or blinders?  Or oven mitts?  Why send the message to women that exposing their faces and hair is just too tempting for men so they must be the responsible party and cover up?  Why insinuate to men that they are lustful monsters who can't control themselves?

Because that would be weird(er)?

[robvalue]

I think that anyone being forced to wear anything or face harsh consequences is degrading. If women wanted to wear these totally out of free choice, then that's fine. But I doubt many would. If they continue to wear it past the point where they have to, I would suspect it's due to being conditioned to wear it.

It says way more about the men in the culture than it does the women.

[Mystic]

Except in the case of Islam, either it's due to God or Mohammad [s]. Men aren't deciding these rules, they are following Mohammad [s] believing they are following God's revelation.

[robvalue]

Well they should stop doing it then, it's disgusting. God/Mo is clearly a terrible guide to follow.

You can justify anything with that reasoning.

[ReptilianPeon]

Well they should stop doing it then, it's disgusting. God/Mo is clearly a terrible guide to follow.

You can justify anything with that reasoning.

Nowhere in the Quran does it mention specific items of clothing to cover the head though. I suppose people can twist Quran 24:31 a little bit in order to control women, but the notion that women should exclude themselves society must be a predominately a Hadith thing. But I can doubt on even that verse, and Taj Hargey has an interesting theory about the garments the OP wants us to talk about, and he claims they were actually around before Muhammad (was even born) to control women. It is unfortunate that he chose to write about his campaign in the Daily Mail though.

These items of clothing are insulting to both genders. They suggest men cannot control themselves, sexually. You have this idea, in places where there is too much Saudi money, that the moment a woman reveals her face she will be raped. This is wrong. Someone who is of the mindset that they will abusive a woman in such a way will do so regardless of whether the they are alienating themselves from wider society or not.

I would like to see all religious clothing banned in public, but I know that won't happen. Having said that, a Daster has the complete opposite effect on me that the burqa, etc., does. I know that if there is trouble, the man can quickly whip out their Kirpan and maybe do some Gatka. Yes, I'll admit it, women who do not want be part of society scares me.

[LastPoet]

It's degrading to women, but at the same time if women want to wear it (i.e. they choose to) I'm fine with them wearing it. Banning items of clothing is just fucking ridiculous in my opinion.

We should ban all clothes in beaches. What is the point of a bathing suit?

[abaris]

Burka and Hijab are two different things. As far as the Hijab is concerned, it's just a headscarf and that has an equally strong and old tradition in some rural regions of Central- and Southern Europe. It's less popular than it was some 30 years ago, but especially older women still wear it. Same as the Hijab it's also originally based in religion.

The Burka is a different matter. While I agree that banning cloths isn't the way to go, it's often forced on the wearer. And whenever something is forced on anyone, it is a form of degradation.

[Fidel_Castronaut]

I think if you look at high divorce rates in some societies and some of the high cheating rates in some countries, I think from that perspective, these type of rules aimed at preventing the stuff that leads up to the cheating is important.  

Plus in the past, you couldn't even DNA test who your father was. So this whole emphasis on these aspects of society I think has a wisdom.

Naturally I don't think showing your hair is immodest but I think there is a wisdom, that, now with time, is becoming more and more manifest to some of us in applying these rules.

Or you can believe your husband and wife will be faithful with 30%-60% cheat rate in US for example. 2-3% of children are believed to product of infidelity.

Studies also show serial monogamy is very hard (not impossible to do). So I would say divine help regarding this matter is welcomed.

Yup so putting a woman in a bin liner is going to solve all that amiright?

[Reforged]

I find it very offensive.
Muslim strip joints are terrible.