The burqa

It is 2014; a day and age where the majority of the world lives enriched in multiculturalism and equality. Naturally, anybody of any age or gender or race or class can wear what they want and with freedom. So why should the burqa be an exception?

Firstly, a burqa is a long, loose garment covering the whole body from head to feet, worn in public by women in many Muslim countries. It shows no skin, body shape or even facial features, and is, in most cases black. So what’s the issue? If anybody can wear whatever they like- surely the burqa isn’t doing anybody and harm? or is it?

Well, some Brits would argue that wearing the burqa is anti-social; and that it becomes increasingly hard to try to socialise with people wearing this garment. Others state how there is no need for the burqa to cover so much, and that the Qur’an doesn’t actually state women need to cover their faces in addition to the rest of their body. In fact, studies revealed that 55% of Brits surveyed want to see a ban on full face veils in all public places, similar to the laws in France. With the vast majority admitting to feeling ‘uneasy’, ‘nervous’ and ‘threatened’ by the full face veil.” But the most frequent argument is that it is a security issue. Every year, many cases occur where a burqa has been used to a criminal’s advantage, from robbing stores without facial recognition, to attempted terrorist attacks. The burqa, in almost all cases, is used as an excuse to cover up without suspicion. Is it fair that a man wearing a balaclava and saggy jeans can be blanket searched without hesitation, but a person wearing a burqa is a lot less likely to be searched?

However, can’t we argue the case of equality? The UK let’s in tens of thousands of immigrants from across the globe into the UK per year, coming for a better quality of life for themselves and their family. Who is anybody to tell another person in a multi-cultural society how to dress, and what is and isn’t ‘appropriate?’ Just as one may choose to cover up more doesn’t mean that you cannot talk to them; if you think it’s harder to socialize that’s completely you’re opinion, not a fact. Additionally, thousands more crimes are done wearing hoodies, which can also cover up the face, why not ban those? Wearing a burqa is part of the Islamic religion, which is welcomed into this country just as any other religion, like Jewish people wear skullcaps. The burqa is not insulting or harmful, but can simply give closet racists the chance to express their Islamophobia.

London is renown for its diversity and freedom. Naturally, nobody is discriminated against for race, class, gender or religion. It should therefore be a no-brainer to allow Islamic women to wear burqas! Moreover, in horrific recent events, Paris has been the centre of extremist Islamic terrorist attacks. Is it a coincidence that this is also the place that have actually banned the burqa? This is in no way, shape or form is an excuse or valid reason for terrorist attacks, but could undoubtedly be a major factor into the rage and fuel to these peoples actions. Ultimately, nobody (especially in such culturally  advanced places like London) should have the right to choose what clothing is and isn’t allowed to be worn, it simply causes unnecessary friction and separation between religions and communities.

Frankly, the idea is ridiculous and embarrassing. How can we lead a society to a new world were everyone is treated fairly, when higher powers are attempting to choose what people can and can’t wear? If the ban was to take place, imagine the irony,  imagine the feelings Islamic believers in London will endure. A feeling of rejection and unjustly dismissal, as if we were ‘better’ than them. If you see somebody wearing a burqa, don’t feel threatened or awkward as that’s the only factor causing a cultural separation. Instead, feel proud that our glorious city is able to accept and live entwined in diversity.

In conclusion, I personally feel that the burqa should not be banned, and people who feel this way should seriously consider there reasons why, and weather they’re valid, and can’t be compared equally to garments like hoodies and balaclavas. Or are just indirectly expressing hate to a multi-cultural society.

Thank you.