On the one hand we have Pat Condell who looks at the Burkah as an instrument of oppression and who wants to have the whole thing banned, in his fervour to stop ONE form of oppression proposing a solution that denies freedom of expression to those who, whether we find that hard to believe or not, would freely choose to wear that piece of clothing. It is not up to us to deem somebody unworthy of availing of a right because of the fact that we cannot respect the choices they would make if they were to use it. On the other we have people who don't believe in banning anything who want to not interfere at all, and who, in their pious devotion to laissez faire, turn a blind eye to fanatical Muslims, through coercion, pressure and threats, taking women's freedom to wear what they wish away. The way I see it, both suggestions will limit SOMEBODY's freedom of expression, and they are both, therefore unacceptable. But in true rozeboosje fashion, I'm not proposing a compromise. I'm proposing an entirely different take on things. One that, I think, will guarantee everybody's freedom of expression. That of those who wish to express their devotion to Islam by wearing this traditional piece of clothing as well as that of those who wish to express themselves differently and leave such traditions behind.
No comments:
Post a Comment