In one of my classes today the fact came up that Muslim women are not allowed to wear the "Muslim veil" or head covering in French schools and universities. The specific law, approved in 2004, forbids "ostensible" religions items in schools, but seems to be projected specifically at Muslim women.
Hearing this come so matter-of-factly out of my professor's mouth completely appalled me - how can this law be anything but a violation of free speech? I began to think about how unique our "norteamericano" values may actually be.
Once at home, I did a bit of research, and it turns out many European countries have enacted or are considering similar laws, including The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and most recently the UK.
Keep in mind that many (all?) of these countries allow topless or nude sunbathing, yet forbid in some manner the polar opposite - extreme conservatism in dress. What's wrong with wanting to cover oneself? Or even more so, what gives a government the right to say what it's people can or cannot wear?
Back on campus at UT there are quite a few girls who choose to cover their head, one of which was in my high school class. I can't imagine US legislation prohibiting this, nor do I see any reason why such legislation would exist.
I was never a very patriotic person, but living away from the US these few months has helped me see my country in a different light - some things bad, but definitely some things good too. I am glad to call the USA home.
Here's a link to a wikipedia article with some more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_dress_controversy_in_Europe
Thoughts? Do you see anti-head scarf legislation ever happening in the US? Would it infringe on free speech rights?
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3 comments:
Interesting topic. It seems I read somewhere that a high school was discussing the use of head scarves and is it a hat which is banned. Was it Sante Fe?
I'm glad to hear you won't be moving to Europe to live!
Love, Mom
Sometimes getting a taste of the other side can deepen one's appreciation of home. I understand what you mean; I loved visiting Europe, but I feel blessed to call myself an American.
By the by, when do we find out who gets the special hug? Hmm???? I'm hanging on the edge of my cyber seat!
Julie xox
Oh, and to answer your questions: no, i can't see such legislation passing in our country. I really can't see the purpose in restricting something like that other than repression, and anyone attempting to do so in a public school setting would be in for a monster of a fight. I don't mind school uniforms, but I think whether someone covers their heads for religious reasons or not should have nothing to do with it--definitely would impinge on some "unalienable rights" to restrict it.
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