Truemors
Shakespeare Says: Niqab or not Niqab? 
The niqab is a veil that covers the face and entire body. Certain women wear it by choice, other wear it by force. Today, the UK, a secular nation, is rather puzzled and seems to be preparing its response to a variety of cases in which the niqab has become a social problem and seems to be disturbing the peace. On June 21st 2007, an English woman stopped a 'niqabi' and insulted her. Let's ask ourselves why.
Afraid
Yes, who wouldn't be afraid of a faceless dark shadow walking by you by surprise.
Traumatized
Hasn't the UK suffered severe bombings perpetrated by muslim organizations. Niqab seems to be muslim related. One could easily understand that fear, exasperation and mental shortcuts led to anger and insults.
Intolerant
Definitely. Why woud the poor niqabi not have the right to be the way she is?
That type of intolerance happens all the time. When I had green hair, I would get all sorts of sarcasms.
Predictible
Absolutely. We are all aware that attire and body language are both signs of one's identity, or one's search for identity. Seeking a reaction is part of the process. Meanwhile, reacting could be considered as the beginning of a dialog. At least that's what one could hope for. A dialog.
Faulty
Why do we necessarily assume that the niqab is worn by force? Doing so aren't we showing very little respect to the free will of the niqabi women? When in doubt (who wouldn't be), why not walk up to the woman and say something stupid like: "I know I'll sound stupid but hey... just in case: is everything ok at home? If you've been forced into this, please let me help you." You might get a nasty response like: "Why do you western women and men always think we've been forced into this ? This is my choice." You can just smile and walk away or, to explain why you asked, you can show her a video of a young 17 year girl being stoned to death in Kurdistan.
The answer ?
Remember when the parents would say "Don't stare!". This is what I feel like saying to the Britons. Don't stare. If you feel that these women are in danger, then do what it takes to help them, with diplomacy. If you feel they are provoking you then just ignore them, I suppose they'll get bored and stop. If you feel that they are trying to say something, well... by all means, try to listen. Maybe dialog, as usual, may teach you and them quite a lot.
Ahmad Sherif
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (2)
at 11:58 on May 12th, 2009
how can you say that 'they are black shadows walking behind you', when british or Christians do something bad nobody cares but when a Muslim makes a mistake why do you repeatedly say 'you are a terrorist' you don't say that to your own people. only because they are Muslims doesn't mean they try to destroy every christian or terrorize everyone don't judge anyone look at your self first.by the way Muslims are still humans they can also make mistakes like you and me.
also don't say anything to me i am just like you
at 17:54 on July 14th, 2009
Niquabs in the UK are an insult to women. They represent slavery and degradation. We western women are proud and free. I detest being reminded of the subjugation of half the human race. Ban the filthy things.