So currently in France, there is a law that bans women from veiling their faces in public. This law, though not stated directly, is intended towards Muslim women's face veils. According to the French Government, this law is in place so that women can be released from the religious oppression faced by them. But many of these women argue that this is an act of defiance against their religion, believing it infringes of their right to freedom of religion, and expression of this religion. Have their minds been corrupted? Or are we just being intolerant?
Personally, I agree with the latter. Yes, this is progressive for women, letting them free themselves, but this does not mean we can infringe on the religions of others. That's for the religion and the society itself to work out, not us. If they are facing discrimination for their beliefs, they are not facing equality. Some women have even reported being honked at, spat at, and beaten for their veils and Muslim beliefs. This law only furthers discrimination in their name. Let them express their beliefs. If they are in no way hurting themselves or others, it should be no threat to France, either. Sure, they may be overheated in summer, but that's their choice, not ours. Though I strongly agree that the Muslim belief of the face veil is extremely sexist towards women, putting a law up that bans it does nothing to help their case. It only makes their situation harder to deal with. There are other means of fixing this issue, and for the most part, as mentioned earlier, it is up to them if they want to work it out.
But I'd like to hear what you think. Do you think this law is progressive or backwards? Is France liberating women or discriminating against religion? Tell me your thoughts.
For more information, check out: http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/has-the-burqa-ban-worked-in-france/
I feel as though wearing the veil should be a choice made by the individual, not by a government that probably doesn't even have a lot of Muslim people in it. In France, there's no one making these women wear veils so how is it religiously oppressive? Instead the government should make more of an effort to educate people in Muslim beliefs to promote a greater understanding between different cultures. I once read somewhere that misunderstanding leads to fear, fear leads to hate, and hate leads to people trying to kill each other. Sort-of like the path to the dark side, it begins gradually and instead of widening the gaps of misinformation and misunderstanding we, not only France, should be closing them. Besides, banning veils makes as much sense as banning Halloween masks (originally a pagan religious holiday All Hallows Eve)or the wearing of crosses or crucifixes. Imagine the outrage if that were to occur and apply it to head scarves and veils.
ReplyDeleteIf it is just intended to express their religion, I would personally agree with the Muslim face veil.
ReplyDeleteWhile the French may be trying to be progressive, this is a poor way to do that. If the woman wants to practice her religion openly and follow her customs, she should be able to. This law is definitely targeting Muslims, and any laws that target specific groups (unless they are hateful groups like the KKK) are wrong.
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