Jack Straw, former foreign secretary to Blair and now head of the house of commons, representing constituents in Blackburn England, has said he asks women to remove their veils when speaking at his constituency office. He points out that a female assistant is always present.
He has been quoted as saying he finds it hard to communicate with a person whose face is covered, and that he believes the veil is a sign of the dividedness in our society.
What do people think about this?
2006-10-10 06:07:42 · 12 answers · asked by Michelle H 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
I love this extra bit that Salman Rushdie (isn't he great?!) in commentary on Straw's position:
Rushdie, whose book "The Satanic Verses," once led to death threats against him by Islamic clerics, told BBC radio that Straw "was expressing an important opinion, which is that veils suck, which they do. I think the veil is a way of taking power away from women."
2006-10-10 06:24:03 · update #1
I think it sucks that a former foreign secretary has a line of thinking along that wavelength. Having had contact with many cultures - I assume -, he should be open-minded enough to know that veils are culture-specific. What may be a symbol of oppression and dividedness for one specific culture context may not be for another culture. For many muslim women, the veil is actually a tool for empowerment - I am speaking based on statements made by muslim friends. The thing is it doesn't take a veil to make communications difficult. People without veils can just as effectively cause a communication divide. The fact that Jack Straw don't seem to realize this and doesn't even seem to be taking steps to learn about his perceived predicament is one manifestation of this. In the same manner, people with veils don't necessarily possess less effective listening skills. Besides, the veil is not exactly a human rights violation measure. All it takes is more understanding and a greater depth of listening instead of insisting on staying inside our own constructed boxes which we use to filter out what seems to be culturally ok and what doesn't seem to be.
2006-10-10 06:35:36 · answer #1 · answered by Nadz U 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it's okay for him to ask. It's okay for them to say no, which they don't seem to have done when asked. Wearing a veil over the face is NOT mandated by the Islamic religion. It is a tradition in some sectors and communities. It is personal choice.
2006-10-10 06:16:14 · answer #2 · answered by auld mom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is totally right its his country and he can ask any one to abide the laws of his country
They should ask them to open their face for security purpose, if they refuse ask them to go back to the place where their own foolish laws can be implemented. If they want to implant their shariah law ask them to do it in their countries not in UK or United States. First they beg visa officer for visas and when they get it they start behaving like stupid. These stupid Muslims are hypocrite they know very well that they are going to an advance country and even then they behave that they don’t know any thing
2006-10-10 23:15:00 · answer #3 · answered by Eccentric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Muslim women wear the veil because their community does not allow them to uncover their faces to men other than immediate family. they can go out and enjoy working only by following this dict at. why should jack straw deny them their financial and personal freedom just because he finds it difficult? he can set standards while recruiting but not after wards. he should try practicing talking to the mirror with the lights switched off at night.
2006-10-10 06:20:42 · answer #4 · answered by sumaravindran1958 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think he's a horrible person for trying to get these women to take off their veils. it's a part of their beliefs! what if someone told you to take off your clothes in their office because they thing it is a sign of the "dividedness" of society. lmao. it's stupid.
2006-10-10 06:16:21 · answer #5 · answered by answer away 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree, nobody with a veil or mask would be allowed in my
office.Screw that Bullshit.!
2006-10-10 06:10:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes! As everyone else said, your land (as well as ours) is a free land. It is his office, he can make whatever rules he wants!
If you don't like it, don't go to his office!
2006-10-10 06:14:25 · answer #7 · answered by ihatehippies 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the women should be allowed to wear their viels when they are in his office, but he should be allowed to wear one too. That will make it even.
2006-10-10 06:09:57 · answer #8 · answered by Isis 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes.
i agree with him, 4 the first time in his political career i think he has a point.
2006-10-10 06:16:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok, first of all, that is in England, not America.
Second, it is his office, and he can ask them to do whatever he wants.
That said, I think it is disrespectful of him to ask that of his Muslim constituents.
2006-10-10 06:10:24 · answer #10 · answered by ItsJustMe 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋