Head Scarves Banned In Paris, Some Protest, What is your Position?

Published on September 8, 2004 By Deference In Politics

We've all heard of France's (poor) decision to ban head scarves in schools. This policy is a slap in the face to all who believe in a free society. Forget freedom fries, this is something much more important, I can't see any American (or even Frenchie) supporting this poorly devised policy that practically invites terrorism and protest. Oddly enough, there has been little protest beside the action these one hundred young women have offered. What does the JoeUser community think about this?

The link to the yahoo news article is here: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=14&u=/ap/20040908/ap_on_re_eu/france_head_scarves

Comments (Page 1)

oligarchy314

on Sep 08, 2004

I think they should be banned only if it covers their face.

Deference

on Sep 08, 2004

Because of security reasons?

oligarchy314

on Sep 08, 2004

A student wearing something that covers your face in class seems like a distraction to me. Looking at facial gestures is a basic and important part of human communication.

Gideon MacLeish

on Sep 08, 2004

I commend these young women for standing up for their human rights. They are showing a conviction that has become largely absent in many people, and they are doing so in a way that brings honor to their faith, rather than shame.

Deference

on Sep 08, 2004

Hmm...good point, oligarchy.

And well said, as usual Gideon.

I can't believe the French would have passed something like this, I pray for an appeal or a repeal.

ShoZan

on Sep 08, 2004

Yeah I agree with Gideon here.

I should also be able to wear black robes with Death is my Shepard, with Skulls, etc. on it as well as be able to wear t-shirts with 'thought provoking' imagery based on the Grim Reaper, hey it's a part of my religion to accept death and look at death in a different way than the average joe / jane, so why can't I wear a robe that covers my face, or t-shirts with "thought provoking" imagery inspired by the Grim Reaper in College, hmmm, well I probably can, the robe part, but right now it's too hot, but what about the t-shirt part, and what if someone who follows down the same ill-begotten road that I travel down wants to wear "thought provoking" t-shirts inspired by the Grim Reaper, I think all faiths should be accepted and allowed to dress how they want to and befitting their religios beliefs. All for Nudism, excuse me 'skyclad'.

Gideon MacLeish

on Sep 08, 2004

shozan,

within appropriate boundaries, yes. The attire you described is certainly appropriate, tshirts emblazoned with certain selections from rotten.com would not be (although, as a Christian, I do question the appropriateness of certain depictions of Christ on a cross, but I digress). There should be very few limitations placed on religiously expressive attire (and while you're at it, whattya got against nudists? Well, the FEMALE nudists, anyway!)

ShoZan

on Sep 08, 2004

Nothing I am all for those nud...er mean 'sky clad' female pagans and 'sky clad' non-pagan females, well to put it frankly 'sky clad' females in general I am so for there rights to be nu...'sky clad'.

As for 'thought provoking' imagery, yes I do believe pictures from rotten.com or a Faces of Death Video would be wrong, but not if the body was on a coroner's table (in a tasteful pre-autopsy way), with a label 'Just a Day at the Office for the Country Coroner'.

Repeal that headscarf thing France you are just going to segregate your Islamic population, making it harder for you on Foreign affairs.

Last thing to comment on is: Support your local gravedigger's union!!!

sandy2

on Sep 08, 2004

The french claim that this is to protect the seperation of religion and state. It defies the purpose of speration of religion and state. The point was to allow the free expression or religion without governmental oppression. I mean, if a relgion does say for example tell people they must go around naked, I can see this as an exception, but a rule that specifically disallows religious things is ridiculous. Even a no hats rule shouldn't apply to headscarves, however for example a private school could ban such a thing. The only time a headscarf could be banned is if the headscarf itself broke with the dresscode of the school (I know in my community we had a recent discussion and I think the board decided it should be that all clothing must not encourage illegal activity). Thats just my thoughts.

MommaErn

on Sep 08, 2004

It's France. I think that's all the explaination (sp?) needed.

Lee1776

on Sep 08, 2004

I agree with MommaErn.

The French are trying to protect their culture. In their mind; why should we give up our culture for someone selves, Because ours is perfect. Wee, Wee. They are banning headscarves just as they banned using English words in government when talking about computers. The French words made up for things like megabyte, disk drive, and others are the only words that can be used. It is a little silly when you think that most school children in France don't know the French words themselves.

I do agree that they should not be able to cover their face, just as I believe that here in the US they should not be able to cover their face in Driver's license.

My Two Cents

ShoZan

on Sep 08, 2004

I do agree that they should not be able to cover their face, just as I believe that here in the US they should not be able to cover their face in Driver's license.

Yeah I am with you there, if they cover there face up in a driver's license how do you tell them apart, look carefully at the eye slits?

stevendedalus

on Sep 12, 2004

What about the growing trend in this country toward wearing uniforms? And schools here have the right to dress codes that distract classroom learning and instruction. In France, other faiths, too, must abide by this ruling--no conspicuous religious artifacts.

Deference

on Sep 12, 2004

The French can give whatever reason under the sun they want for this action, but religion is a part of culture (any culture) and a soveriegn choice of the individual. We aren't cogs in a machine, and some of us believe in souls, the government has no right to infringe upon this personal matter.

As for the uniform matter, uniforms in schools often are found only in private schools such as Catholic or "military schools". There is a choice still given to the individual : wear what you like or attend a school that doesn't allow you to chose. Personally, if I ever have the unfortunate luck of having a daughter, I know where she's going (with today's trends being what they are)

. Seriously, most public schools have some type of dress code that makes it so people can't wear whatever they want, but that mandate doesn't come from some hard to reach place like the federal government, it comes from local schoolboards. I never really had a problem with the French on anything until this....

drmiler

on Sep 12, 2004

Reply #14 By: Deference - 9/12/2004 3:52:25 PM
The French can give whatever reason under the sun they want for this action, but religion is a part of culture (any culture) and a soveriegn choice of the individual. We aren't cogs in a machine, and some of us believe in souls, the government has no right to infringe upon this personal matter.

As for the uniform matter, uniforms in schools often are found only in private schools such as Catholic or "military schools". There is a choice still given to the individual : wear what you like or attend a school that doesn't allow you to chose. Personally, if I ever have the unfortunate luck of having a daughter, I know where she's going (with today's trends being what they are) . Seriously, most public schools have some type of dress code that makes it so people can't wear whatever they want, but that mandate doesn't come from some hard to reach place like the federal government, it comes from local schoolboards. I never really had a problem with the French on anything until this....

You are correct to a point. In America what you said would be 100% true. "But" it ain't America, it's France.

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