What not to wear
The so-called ‘burkini ban’ in France raises some serious issues for a democratic society which espouses freedom of expression and expressly guarantees the freedom of religion in its 1905 constitution.
But what of the freedom of expression in the way we dress? Of course the feeling of freedom is relative to each individual depending on culture, values, religion, sexuality and a multitude of factors that make us human.
I’m British and on the face of it, it might be assumed that I’d feel a greater sense of freedom in this respect in Europe. But for my personal preferences, I’m able to express myself more freely here in Qatar.
I can wear normal western attire, my bicycling lycra, or an abaya and hijab, or even and my most preferred ‘look’, the male keffiyeh or ghutrah. I can do this without fear of harassment, abuse or arrest. On the contrary, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and, in fact, can often lead to interesting conversations and lasting friendships with those for whom the way that I dress has sparked curiosity.
We live in a world where instant assumptions are made about someone based on a simple item of clothing they are wearing. A businessman from the UAE was recently arrested in the US because he was wearing his national dress and a woman assumed he was a terrorist and called the police.
I started wearing the keffiyeh as a mark of affection for the Yemeni community in Qatar who were the first to welcome me into the warmth of true Arab hospitality, despite the suffering in their own country. Now, though, I wear it in part as a symbol of solidarity with this part of the world and my desire to overcome the misconceptions and prejudice so triggered by a humble scarf.
Let’s not allow a lack of understanding between cultures stamp out all that is rich in our differences.
I blog about my life in Qatar in ‘Dear Doha Diary’: http://deardohadiary.blogspot.qa
May be you are right but Islamism and Jihadism is also one of the reasons behind rise of right wing politics in West.
Mufti: I am a firm believer in the Freedom of speech and freedom of expression - I do believe that in this case the French mayors have a hidden agenda and are wrong
Why is it that Hindus , buddists, jains, Sikhs and followers of other faiths don't complain discrimination. Why only we? The reasons are obvious. Let us introspect.
My early visits to Souq Waqif - where I watched them formation dancing and got talking to them. They were the first arab community that really welcomed me and their warmth and hospitality towards me as a stranger and foreigner, I found truly moving.
As an aside ... I find it interesting that you have immersed yourself in the Yemeni culture .. What was the key driver or attraction
I agree with you partially .. Europe in particular and the UK is moving to the right. The "nationalist" parties are gaining momentum and the right wing press is aiding them through false reporting..
However, to say that minorities feel suppressed is to me an over statement.
The French are shooting themselves in the foot by enacting laws that curtail peronal freedoms - pandering to a minority right but damaging the whole..
I agree - French and European society in general is a wonderful and vibrant and generally libertarian environment but its teetering on the brink of something sinister here. My point is that you can feel oppressed in a democracy too, when you are part of a minority which suffers prejudice and mistreatment, you don't feel free to walk safely at night, travel on public transport etc. There are plenty of people living in democracies who don't feel free......
I agree - French and European society in general is a wonderful and vibrant and generally libertarian environment but its teetering on the brink of something sinister here. My point is that you can feel oppressed in a democracy too, when you are part of a minority which suffers prejudice and mistreatment, you don't feel free to walk safely at night, travel on public transport etc. There are plenty of people living in democracies who don't feel free......
Though I agree that it was wrong to ban burkini but for God's sake don't compare this part of world with France. Later is democracy and has many things to offer.
Authors point:
"But for my personal preferences, I’m able to express myself more freely here in Qatar"
My Point:
So, Qatar is a better country in this respect.
Well done Qatar.
Whats wrong with wearing spandex burkini?
Sadly the French mayors (who are mostly aligned to the Right Wing Parties) are using this as an excuse to persecute minorities.
I am not a supporter of the Burkini - but the ban goes against everything the French Motto Liberté, égalité, fraternité stands for.
It is all about freedom of expression and freedom of choice -