Submitted by Gautieri(United States), Apr 23, 2008 at 10:37
"Modesty" - A word so often used by Muslims to describe and justify the cloaking and separating of women is an interesting choice of a word to say the least.
It is my contention that Modesty is about how one conducts oneself around others. Attire is part of this of course, but a sense of class, decorum and virtue is equally important. Basically it's having control over ones self and others perception of you. One's control over one's virtue is clearly important.
Because in the Islamist view of women (and presumably men) does not account for self-control, let alone self determination "modesty" must be contrived and presumably enforced. Men cannot control themselves and Women's bodies are fundamentally irresistible so men and women are kept separate and women are shrouded. Basically; cutting off the need for the intellectual portion of the brain and denying hundreds of years of social development that are the fruits of this collective intellect.
As many westerners and reformed Muslims well know – people can control themselves and unless enforcing Religious law is the motive – no one cares that your arms and hair are showing! In fact you garner much more attention by wearing the burka or some other cloaking construct. So if "true modesty" is the intent then in a western social scene one would dress like a westerner – possible a conservative westerner – and no one would notice you at all. Proving that the principle of cultural superiority and not modesty is what is the intent here.
And once again: Shame on all you others for buying into and supporting this bigotry!
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