Hayley Speaks! A Hot Bed Issue!

Earlier I had a post nearly complete when my internet connection got bungled (not for the first time in recent days) and shut down on me. But I'll try to remember all of my very excellent points. The topic I was contemplating was the Muslim veil issue, which is a real hot topic in the UK as of late.

The debate has centered on what place the veil has in a modern, European society. While not many people have come right out and said the veil should be banned, many people (Jack Straw, Tony Blair, Salman Rushdie all reccently) have critiqued it, arguing, specifically, that it clearly segregates Muslims from non-Muslims. This is always meant in a negative light.

I, however, don't believe we need to make such a case out of the veil. First, banning it certainly won't solve anything. Afterall, many things are illegal and it doesn't stop their proliferation. Second, this is a sensitive time for Europe's largest minority. We do not need fresh efforts at alienating an already alienated community. Finally, feminists will argue that the veil is a symbol of subjugation; and while there is some merit to this argument, I would argue that wearing a veil hasn't stopped Muslim women from pursuing university degrees and professional careers.

Banning the wearing of the veil will only make criminals out of otherwise law-abiding and productive members of society. The case of a teacher's aid now facing job loss is a case in point. Firmly believing that her veil had never been a classroom nuisance, Azmi continued wearing her veil, including covering her entire face (save for the eyes). She was suspended and her case handed over to an employment tribunal.

With Azmi dealing with suspension over her choice to remain veiled, there is the looming possibility of further alienating an already marginalized group. Muslims need little provocation these days to point toward instances of Islamophobia. Criticizing their lack of integration - taking issue with the fact that they stick out, are clearly identifiable - does not stand to improve relations.

Finally, a brief note on feminism. While I don't by any means conider the veil to be ideal women's attire, I will clearly defend a woman's right to choose it (nor do I even have any idea what ideal women's attire is). That it may be forced upon some women, there is little doubt. However, there are instances in which women use it as a bargaining tool - if they promise to remain veiled, they may pursue their university degrees and their careers. Some women choose it because it physically identifies them as Muslims - to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The choice to wear it ought to be protected. After all, who gets to determine what defines a liberated woman? (But that opens up a new can of worms)

This has been a hot issue in recent weeks, and has probably cropped up every now and then over the past few years. France and Germany both have laws regarding head-scarf banning, and it is already banned in certain instances in the UK. This is also a topic I've been contemplating for quite some time and my opinion has remained largely unchanged. As for the future of race relations in the UK and whether the task of integration has failed, I can't speak with any authority. But these are also perpetual-issues - not just for the UK, but for all western democracies, really.

Music today has ranged widely from Arcade Fire, Belle & Sebastian, and Smog. Interesting day.