An Australian Cleric is in trouble for saying that women who fail to cover their faces are like slabs of open meat on a table, just inviting attack.
Fortunately for the Christian church in Australia, this intemperate remark was made not by some batty Anglican bishop, but by a cleric of the Muslim persuasion.
I know, I know -- you're shocked.
The fact is, this comment says more about the self-identity of Muslim males, as potential sexual predators stopped only by the complete covering of women's bodies, than it does about Australian women.
It also contrasts the difference between Islam, which emphasizes outward appearance and self-effort, vs. Christianity, which offers inward regeneration and empowerment through faith in Christ. Anyone who suggests that Islam and Christianity are compatible or even comparable faiths doesn't understand the profound differences between the two.
During the reign of Golda Meir a parliamentarian suggested a ban on women being out on the streets during the evening, as a means of cutting down on sexual attacks that were taking place. As Golda perhaps dryly but no doubt correctly observed, since it was the men doing the offending, it was they, and not the women, who should be banned from the streets.
Having said all this, women should dress modestly, but there's a difference between dressing like a you-know-what and being draped from head to toe.
Meanwhile, if a ban on Muslim males on Australian streets, or, perhaps, eye-blinkers, is what it takes to keep the women safe, so be it.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
1 comment:
In general people should be allowed to wear whatever costume is suitable. I think the problem arises when Muslim women are forced to cover their faces.
Masks are not acceptable in our society except under special circumstances. Balaclavas in very cold weather or concealment at a costume ball come to mind.
People who hide their faces are often considered to be up to no good. That's why criminals wear masks.
We depend on facial features to indicate what people mean when they are speaking. This lack is often a problem with telephone conversations and especially with the written word. E-mails are notorious for misinterpretation. Irony is very difficult to convey without a facial expression.
There are many analyses of why Muslim men seem to think total concealment of females is a good idea. I don't know how an ethos can be changed quickly in other countries. If women are willing to accept it I don't know what can be done. (Where are our radical feminists?)
In Canada it is unacceptable to go about with a mask on. If this is a condition that is desired then the individuals should go where it is a normal situation.
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