Not sure what to think of the Burka…
While some people appear to thrive in the type of hot and humid weather we’ve been ‘enjoying’ this summer, the same cannot be said of yours truly. Actually, it’s not the heat I mind, it’s the humidity and living without air conditioning in either my car or my home, it’s been rather unpleasant at times.
A few weeks ago during one of those oppressively humid afternoons, I was driving home and was surprised/shocked to see a group of women dressed head to toe in black burkas, walking in my neighbourhood with a few small children…
(Part of the column was omitted, to read the full version, click here)
…I’ve only had one glimpse of the women, and I must admit I was a little surprised/dismayed to see them fully covered and on such a hot and humid day. I understand that Canadians pride themselves on religious tolerance and freedom. However, I believe we’ve also come a long way in the rights of women and as a Western woman living in a Western country, I have a difficult time accepting the notion of a burka anywhere, let alone in North America.
I have to agree with French president Nicolas Sarkozy who, in calling for a nationwide ban on burkas said, “In our country, we cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity.”
I haven’t had a chance to meet with my new neighbours and don’t know whether they’re Canadian-born or are transplants from another country. It doesn’t matter much either way, and as an immigrant myself, I like to think we all bring something unique with us to this country. However, in the melting pot that is Canada, I can’t help but wonder how easy it will be for these Muslim women to make friends and become part of the greater community when they are separated from us by a garment which has become – at least in the eyes of many Westerners – a symbol of oppression.
I also can’t help but wonder what the new neighbours must think of those of us who aren’t as modestly attired, especially at this time of year.
K.R.
