Why do people object when muslim woman try to cover up themselves.?

Question

In Islam woman wear clothes to cover their body so they look respectible, not like western woman who wear very reveiling clothes, why does it offend people?

Answer 1

I'd rather see a girl showing her skin than looking at a Ku Klux Klan in black walking down the street.

Answer 2

I can only assume, because I have no problem with this personally, but for most women having an institution that requires women to dress a certain way smacks of oppression. The type of oppression women have been fighting diligently against for at least the last 100 years. And when you consider the religious leaders of Islam are mostly, if not all, men, then we are talking about male oppression which strikes a more sensitive chord.

And although I think most people would rather die than admit it, there is a bit of racism there too. I believe it's in human nature to be descriminatory, not that it makes it right. But our history with racism is such an emotional issue, no one can discuss it rationally without it devolving into accusations and arguments. But the Burqa is just a reminder to a person that you are of 'them' and not of 'us'. And it's human nature not to like or trust what is not of 'us'.

Answer 3

First, not all Muslims agree that women need to be covered to be modest.
Second, in "Western" societies, evading eye-contact violates a cultural norm of open-ness. If people are expected to respect the norms of a society, it goes for everyone, not just telling a Western woman not to wear a miniskirt in the Middle East.
Third, asking to not be forced to show faces in official ID photos is asking for special treatment; it is treatment which also flies in the face of the logic of the photo itself.
Fourth, as has been noted, there is a question as to fairness (men not covering up) and actual choice.
Finally, as I understand it, part of the norm in Muslim societies is that women wear what they do to fit in. If the coverings call attention to themselves, then they violate their purpose.

Answer 4

Many people in the US tend to be of the belief that women of Islamic cultures are "forced" to wear the hijab or burqua, or to otherwise cover their bodies, and are unable to see this practice as a religious-based tradition, because they are unaccustomed to such practices. Personally, I see no difference between a woman who is completely covered, such as a Muslim woman, or a woman who practices the Pentecostal religion in the US and chooses not to cut her hair and to always wear long skirts or dresses and not to dress in a revealing fashion. It's not what I would choose for myself, but it is well within their rights to choose whatever mode of dress they desire for their religion. I do agree with those who say that a woman should have to reveal herself, if requested, for airline security or for other security measures, but some respect should be provided for religious reasons and these types of checks should be done by a woman and in a private area, if requested.

Answer 5

I object to people that live in Britain and dont try to at least make an effort to blend in a bit, Maybe speak english in public when they can speak it very well, I cant remember which country it is that it is offensive to show the soles of your feet, Now i wouldn't go over there and do it on purpose so i cant see why if they have the choice why women would cover themself up when in the country they live in it is not that countrys way of life.

Answer 6

Why does it offend people when western women choose to wear revealing clothes? Everyone has different opinions, and if people concentrated on each others common goals and similarities instead of nitpicking over what doesnt really matter in the big scheme of things, life would be a lot more peaceful.

Answer 7

It doesn't offend me. I would defend her right to do so as a personal expression of her religious belief.

What I have a problem with are the societies that force women to cover up and don't allow them a choice in the matter. The worst example was in Afghanistan, where women would be beaten if they weren't wearing the burqua, or if it didn't cover them completely.

Answer 8

no idea. they even feel sorry for them. it's nothing to be sorry about.

My non muslims friends actually wear hijabs and clothes along with us for the fun of it. and they actually enjoy it. the rest of the world thinks they are crazy to follow suit.

Somehow it feels like they are offending other people's religion by this O.o

Things they don't know about. they have to know both females and males have their own "dress code" in Islam. Guys cover up from navel to the knees. girls can reveal flesh to any other female and just immediate family.

It's to look modest and not inviting trouble like rape, pre-maritial sex (i know the bible are against this as well, but heck they do it anyway), and lust.

From where I see it, the world is being prominent by them Americans and what they know are the ones they know from TV. You know how Hollywood made sure to feature muslims are all terrorists and no peace. there's no good muslims hollywood movie yet!

These lot are only exposed to the societies in India, Pakistan, and Afganistan who's Muslims are violent. They haven't been exposed to the muslims culture from the rest of the world yet, like Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore for instance. where there's barely any religious conflicts.

Answer 9

Western women don't necessarily wear clothing that is all that revealing, and a woman can look quite respectable while not wearing the full Islamic dress.

Answer 10

if you have nothing to hide, you should show your face.
it's a well-known fact that terrorists & criminals have used the hijab or burka, to flee the authorities.
& as nowhere in western culture, does it require a woman to cover her face, why embrace this islamic trend, filled with pious bigotry, a form of female oppression, when it's not OUR culture & nowhere in the koran does it imply anything other then the covering of the head, not the face ?
devout christian nuns cover their head & hair, but cover their faces?
never.
not all western woman walk around dressed in revealing clothes, i certainly don't!
but seeing a woman struggling in the rain, wind & wearing a burka makes me very uncomfortable.

Answer 11

Probably for the same reason it offends some muslims when western women wear 'very revealing clothes'. Lack of tolerance on both sides (or one side and retaliation on the other).