I will probably get reported for this but does anyone find Women in Burkahs offensive?

Question

I feel uneasy when I see these woman walking around, to me it represents oppression, what do you think?

Answer 1

why would you be reported, freedom of speech!

Answer 2

The reason that they wear Burkahs (or one of them) is to protect them against the heat, blooming hot in the middle east and also its part of the culture.

To discriminate against them or be offended is like saying you would be offended if a Scotsman wear a kilt, an Eskimo wearing fur, a Dutch man wearing clogs.

I can understand you feeling offended as it is popular misconception regarding the religion that people find un-easy, with that the Burkahs related to that. I see no reason for this to get reported as you are asking a legitimate question with a view to find unbiased responses.

Question: Do you think a Muslim would get offended you wearing your Sunday best?

I think what you need to do is find out exactly the reason they are worn and ask a female Muslim if she feels as though she is oppressed then maybe you wont feel so uneasy about it.

Answer 3

No, I do not find it offensive. The women I know who wear Burkahs wear them by personal choice. They are just another style of dress and they look good (at least the ones i have seen). I'm not suggesting that they become a fashion item, just they need to be seen with an open mind and an appreciation for another culture.

Answer 4

I agree with you, but I think it has to do with the fact that growing up as a Western woman I can only imagine dressing in Burkah if I was forced to do it.
I suppose a lot of Muslim women don't think they are forced but it is a matter of choice. They are doing it for themselves.
Think of all those western women interviewed after they had some beauty surgery - the majority will say that their breast job, their nose job or whatever they had done was "for themselves". Noone made them, they wanted it. They didn't do it for a man, or anyone else. Same thing about female circumcision in Northern Africa. The girls are being mutiliated by their mothers, aunts, grandmothers - other women. Because it is a good thing. In time many of those crying girls will do the same thing to their daughters.
I think what is acceptable or even desirable behaviour in any society is dictated by the norms of that society - and it influences the members of society without them noticing that their choices are influenced.
Just makes you wonder what members of other cultures find offensive in us.

Answer 5

I am not Muslim, but I know many Muslim women who find the hijab and/or burqa to be liberating, particularly in Western culture. They're not enslaved to the cult of beauty, where everyone has to diet like crazy every swimsuit season or have the perfect body and appearance. They can just be natural. I'm not saying it's right, but I can see some logic in that view, just as I can with the idea that the burqa, at least in some circumstances, is a tool of oppression.

Answer 6

You shouldn't get reported for asking this it's a perfectly good question.

But yes while I do think it's offensive and represents women's oppression it's part of their culture and society. They probably think you look just as foolish not wearing a burkah.

Answer 7

I am inclined to agree with you, also I find this country is getting too PC,why dont other cultures live as we do, they're in OUR country??We would definately have to conform if we lived in theirs.Im not saying change their religion, just the dress code, it seems quite ridiculous in our own country.The laws here are changing for the worst,its certainly not helping integration,I for on, like to look into the face of someone I am talking to.It certainly is an identity of oppression.

Answer 8

I think that you feel intimidated by someone who you perceive as looking down on you from their position of religious power.

You shouldn't. I live in a place where almost all my neighbours are shrouded to some degree and they are the sweetest most welcoming, funny people you could wish to meet.

We all make assumptions based on how people dress, stand or initially address us. It is natural, but it doesn't always make good sense.

Answer 9

do i find women in burkahs offensive? not nearly as offensive as the women OUT of burkahs!

seriously though. i did find ONE women in a burkah offensive to me. i was walking through a mall one day and there was a gaggle of the women in burkahs walking around---hissing and giggling at people. one of the women motioned for me to come over to them. i was a bit uneasy as i approached them--what could they possibly want with me?

so i mustered up my courage and said "Yes, mam, can I help you?" in my best gentlemanly voice.

the woman in the burkah closest to me extended a thin bony finger from the robe and motioned for me to come closer.

when i got closer she straightened out the finger and pointed it directly at me!

"Excuse me," I said.

"Pull my finger!" she said and began cackling hysterically---along with all the other women in the gaggle.

i guess thats about the most offensive i've ever found a woman in a burkah.

Answer 10

No I don't because its their dress, as the Hindu's dress in saris.
The only thing I don't like if not even the eyes are showing.
I like to look at the person and see the eyes when I am speaking with her. But my philosophy is "live and let live"
There are Muslims who do not have to wear head coverings at all. But even Jewish people are supposed to wear head coverings, that's why a lot of older woman wear wigs.

Answer 11

Maybe to women in burkahs, crucifixes represent torture.
It's a simple, nonthreatening symbol of your group, and it doesn't really matter how people outside your group view it.