Can a government tell you what to wear?

**juliensimon** · 06-23-2009, 11:25 AM

Burkas are no longer welcome in France.

I think it's BS. I have muslim friends who think wearing a tink top (spelling?) is degrading and that the burka "protects" them and people like them for who they are rather than what they look like.

Of course, I believe some women would rather not wear it. Rather than banishing it, give them the freedom of wearing it or not.

although some women don't have the choice. (abusive husbands)

Although in their countries, it is not seen as abusive.

man it's complicated.

StrongInTheArm · 06-23-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juliensimon

funny you must mention the muslims: Burkas are no longer welcome in France.

I think it's BS. I have muslim friends who think wearing a tink top (spelling?) is degrading and that the burka "protects" them and people like them for who they are rather than what they look like.

Of course, I believe some women would rather not wear it. Rather than banishing it, give them the freedom of wearing it or not.

although some women don't have the choice. (abusive husbands)

Although in their countries, it is not seen as abusive.

man it's complicated.

I find it odd. The French are kind of saying we are defending these women's rights by forcing them not to wear burkas, even if they want to wear them. It is a bit nonsensical. They are taking the non-secular thing a bit far I think.

**juliensimon** · 06-23-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrongInTheArm

I find it odd. The French are kind of saying we are defending these women's rights by forcing them not to wear burkas, even if they want to wear them. It is a bit nonsensical. They are taking the non-secular thing a bit far I think.

I completely agree.

Their point is: if you don't want to share our culture, stay in your country.
How about freedom of expression?

I think I'll start a thread in the political forumn this afternoon

**juliensimon** · 06-23-2009, 03:23 PM

I moved the posts here.

NeuroToxic · 06-23-2009, 03:59 PM

Well this is not quite on the same level...

But many shops in my area ask customers to remove baseball caps and lower hoods before entering the premises...

Allen Farlow · 06-23-2009, 04:17 PM

France is, well, France. But I can see their point. It is degrading, to them, but to the women who have grown up in that culture and wear burkhas all the time?

I still don't want to be a bank teller and have someone completely covered from head to toe walk up to me...or be a police officer looking at a photo on a drivers license and only see a couple small eyes.

But just as I have the right to dictate the rules in my home, countries have the same right. If you don't like it, you are free to leave.

And people of other countries and cultures moving to another country and trying to force their beliefs and culture on someone else is completely out of bounds as well.

So, yes, Governments should have the right to tell you what you can't wear. If they have to have their police enforce the law with fines and imprisonment, so be it.

Like I said, if you don't like it, you are free to leave.

This PC baloney is just that, a bunch of baloney.

Atom · 06-23-2009, 04:39 PM

I think that sunglasses should be prohibited. I hate trying to converse with a person who's eyes are not visible.

**Muddy** · 06-23-2009, 10:57 PM

I totally agree with that. I can understand perhaps if we're outside and the other person is facing the sun. But even then, I try to move so they're not. Wearing sunglasses inside is just plain rude.

Atom · 06-23-2009, 10:59 PM

I never thought I'd be torn by a burka.

Atom · 06-23-2009, 11:00 PM

I can't decide if they should be allowed or not.

**Muddy** · 06-23-2009, 11:02 PM

There's a place in France.
Where the ladies wear no burkas.

Nope, just doesn't work...

Atom · 06-23-2009, 11:07 PM

What earthly good are the darn things anyway? Keep the sand out I suppose, but..

I don't know, I'm inclined to agree with Allen I think.

Atom · 06-23-2009, 11:19 PM

I don't know though, it doesn't seem right telling people what they can't wear either.

**Muddy** · 06-23-2009, 11:22 PM

Particularly if it's worn for religious reasons...hard call.

**Muddy** · 06-23-2009, 11:24 PM

For example here in the States I believe the Santerians are allowed to sacrifice chickens because it's part of their worship.

**Muddy** · 06-23-2009, 11:26 PM

There are many things done in the name of religion that would not normally be allowed.

**Muddy** · 06-23-2009, 11:26 PM

Religious rights are obviously different in France though.

**Muddy** · 06-23-2009, 11:29 PM

What I'm saying is, it makes perfect sense to not want people walking around in those things for reasons such as Allen mentioned. However, I'm surprised that they would be banned since they're worn as part of a religious belief.

JacobGodwin · 06-23-2009, 11:35 PM

So I take it you guys who support France forcing Muslim women to dress a certain way, are okay with Saudi Arabia forcing Westerners who are visiting to dress in Islamic clothing right?

How can you support freedom of choice if the only choices are the ones you like?

I agree that a government should be able to limit how people in their country should dress...to a certain extent.

I just hope those who are supporting France's rules will also support SA's and Iran's. Or else....I smell hypocrisy.

Atom · 06-23-2009, 11:36 PM

Yeah, the Mennonites down here in TN are allowed to pretty much do what they want. They are a stubborn lot, their light-less buggies are always getting hit by cars at night, yet they're not made to follow the law.. they're not required to have lights.