Other Publications
Comments: Editorial: Burqa ban unfounded
Fri, 07/10/2009 1:44 PM | Reader's Forum
The financial crisis in wealthy countries has not only caused right-wing and center- right parties in Europe to retreat from advocating market radicalism, but has also returned faith to the center of European politics. Jan-Werner Mueller from the Project Syndicate Institute made this observation in this paper Wednesday, noting that the trend has distanced Europe from America where religion played virtually no role in its recent presidential election.
As it stands, Europe is moving closer to Indonesia where religion has always been exploited for political purposes, including the ongoing presidential election. There is no shortage of politicians in this country who are willing to play with fire, not mindful of the high social costs of their behavior. From France to Britain, religion has found its way into politics, which Mueller believes results from the dilemma facing right-wing and center-right parties trying to appear more modern on the one hand, while on the other hand painting themselves as sworn enemies of the left's supposed moral relativism.
Your comments:.
To Europeans, the burqa represents everything European culture has stood against for ages. Sarkozy's proposal is ironic and sad. Either way, extremists will have their way up to a point.
Let us not equate burqa and Islam, though.
Indonesia is the liveliest and loveliest example of how Islam wins modernity, tolerance and common sense. As is Turkey. Let us cheer up to that!
Antonio Andre
With respect, your editorial is wrong. The burqa is an inflammatory political and social statement. I am generally as tolerant as they come, and as a non-Muslim living in Australia, I have no problem at all with the Indonesian jilbab and other forms of scarf or head-dress, which allow the face to be seen.
In Australia and most other civilized countries, it is not acceptable for a man to walk about in (say) banks or shopping centers wearing a balaclava - a warm woolen hood covering the head and neck, exposing only the eyes and perhaps the mouth.
That is seen as provocative and dangerous or what a bandit might wear to avoid being recognized. If you're not a polar explorer or hiker in extremely cold conditions, don't wear a balaclava.
The burqa is deeply offensive to many Westerners. It spits in the face of hundreds of years of progress in human rights. It is much more than the statement "I am a Muslim". It absolutely rejects the whole basis of civilized interpersonal relationships in a Western democratic society.
David T
What's On
- Festival of India
10/29/2009 12/15/2009 Balai Kartini & Umar Ismail Hall, Jakarta
- Imagemakers of the Future: Photography exhibition
10/10/2009 11/30/2009 Alila Ubud Desa Melinggih Kelod Payangan, Gianyar 80572, Bali - Timeless Change
11/05/2009 12/07/2009 Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Hotel Jimbaran, Bali. - Choreography of Colours; Sardono W. Kusumo's first solo painting exhibition
11/12/2009 12/12/2009 vivi yip art room Annexe Ciputra World Marketing Gallery Jalan Prof Satrio Kav 11, Casablanca
Irfan Nugroho (not verified) — Sat, 07/11/2009 - 12:16pm
Why should the wearing of the burka be banned?
If Sarkozy believes in secularism, so French secularism should now be revised or updated. If those backing the statement believe in democracy, this is not democracy, where is the rights and freedom for the French Muslim women to imply Islamic teachings. Of course, this is against Islam.