The debate over the burka has become a poisoned chalice for feminists. On one hand you might be criticized for not supporting your Muslim sisters. On the other you fall under the typical Western sentiment that our society is progressive and right whilst the predominantly Muslin societies are backwards and wrong.
A column written by Irfan Yusuf basically summarizes my personal view on the matter. Whether or not you believe the burka should be banned in Australia, gender based violence rampant in our own backyard should be the primary focus. Any politician who criticizes the burka under the guise of protecting the rights of women, need to look at what they are doing to change the brutal statistics of sexual violence and domestic abuse first. http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/stories/s2895960.htm
-Renee
This issue was brought up on Q&A last week on the ABC.
ReplyDeleteThe point was made that if a woman chooses to wear the burka, she should have that right.
If it's imposed on her, then that is where the problem lies. Outlawing a piece of clothing won't empower women.
Some truly ridiculous arguments have been put forward to support the banning of it too..."People can use it as a disguise to rob banks!"...you try fleeing effectively in a lacy tent. Your logic doesn't fly...
It worries that me that all feminist and social dialogue screams to a halt as soon as it is mentioned that the woman in question has "made a choice".
ReplyDeletePerhaps its because the early feminist movement involved creating choices for women so its really shaky ground to criticise women for exercising their right to make choices.
ReplyDeleteIts like religion. I may not be religious but I certainly respect your right to be.