For Halloween and our friends' (Peter & Freda) party, Dave and I dressed as a Muslim couple. It was done in fun but I also hope that our appearance provided some fodder for thought.
1) In Canada we really do have the right to express ourselves. Well at least our charter of rights says we do. In actuality, the Canadian, Ontario, and B.C. Human Rights Commissions don't agree. For instance, if a Muslim took off offense at our costumes they could submit a complaint to one of the commissions and we could be brought under investigation requiring us to hire legal representation. Yes, we would be presumed guilty. This in itself is contrary to our rights as Canadians. For a better understanding of the subject I highly recommend you view http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=27268 and read Mark Steyn's book 'Shakedown'.
2) Dave's costume was Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf who is the New York Imam wanting to install a mosque near ground zero. I was dressed as his concubine. Yes, Muslim men do have wives and multiple partners.
3) Wearing the head scarf was a strange feeling. Greeting people with only my eyes, them unable to see the expression on my face. I was only wearing a sheer scarf and found it hot and restrictive. I can't imagine what full veil or burka feels like, while walking behind a man who is able to dress anyway he likes.
4) There are Muslim women being stoned to death for suspicion of inappropriate behaviour of many types including being unfaithful to their spouse. Why are there not more of us 'enlightened' western women fighting for them? I was encouraged to hear Laureen Harper (wife of PM) and Heather Reisman (Chapters/Indigo) speak out. Their letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, released Wednesday, said that Laureen Harper and Reisman are "deeply troubled by the flagrant disregard of women's rights in Iran," specifically citing the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who is facing execution.
The letter says "the most recent and public case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani is an affront to any sense of moral or human decency and is symbolic of the plight of Iranian women."
Why aren't more of us taking up the cause? Where have all the women's libbers of the 70's gone? Was it only about burning our bras and fighting for equal pay?
Food for thought.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
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