many thanks!
Nov. 2nd, 2006 08:58 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
winterbadgerThanks to everyone who replied to my previous post; I was trying (not entirely successfully) not to make replies myself because I was more interested in hearing other people's points of view than in having a debate.
I would be interested, however, in discussing reactions to the proposition, outlined in the op-ed Brooke mentioned and elsewhere, that the niqab is not part of the cultural norms of western society, and that the same sort of consideration for western norms ought to apply to people who bring their customs to our countries that people of other nations expect when we westerners visit their countries. Yes, not every western person is offended or upset by women wearing the niqab, but then not every Arab or Afghan or Pakistani is upset by the sight of western people wearing shorts; the fact that *some* will be is considered enough for the courteous visitor to respect local custom, however.
And, yes, I realise that many Muslims who follow traditional practices are not "visitors" to the US or the UK but natives, born citizens of those countries. But I hesitated to use the phrase "born and bred"; clearly they are *not* "bred", that is, brought up in the traditional uses and practices of the nations they live in. Just as the children of US otr UK diplomats or other expatriates living in other countries often adopt a few (or none) of the local customs, may learn the local language, but often do not integrate, these are people who, for whatever reason, choose to live in western countries but not integrate into the populations. So, to my mind, these practices are still foreign practices.
Just my opinions; interested to see what other people say.
I would be interested, however, in discussing reactions to the proposition, outlined in the op-ed Brooke mentioned and elsewhere, that the niqab is not part of the cultural norms of western society, and that the same sort of consideration for western norms ought to apply to people who bring their customs to our countries that people of other nations expect when we westerners visit their countries. Yes, not every western person is offended or upset by women wearing the niqab, but then not every Arab or Afghan or Pakistani is upset by the sight of western people wearing shorts; the fact that *some* will be is considered enough for the courteous visitor to respect local custom, however.
And, yes, I realise that many Muslims who follow traditional practices are not "visitors" to the US or the UK but natives, born citizens of those countries. But I hesitated to use the phrase "born and bred"; clearly they are *not* "bred", that is, brought up in the traditional uses and practices of the nations they live in. Just as the children of US otr UK diplomats or other expatriates living in other countries often adopt a few (or none) of the local customs, may learn the local language, but often do not integrate, these are people who, for whatever reason, choose to live in western countries but not integrate into the populations. So, to my mind, these practices are still foreign practices.
Just my opinions; interested to see what other people say.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-02 06:22 pm (UTC)