I have no problem with people just covering their heads. Many religious and non-religious people do so. (Think: Hat) Covering faces in many cultures is considered inappropriate because it conveys a sense of deceit and hiding. For example, thieves and assassins tend to cover their faces. (That's why many western cultures are uncomfortable with women completely concealed. It's a thought of: What are they hiding? What are they trying to conceal from me? Are they trying to hurt me? How do I know if I can't read their faces?) Covering ones head and hair however are completely acceptable in my view- We don't need someone's hair color to identify them. Just their eyes, their nose, their smile and their expressions.
As far as the religious aspect of your argument: I don't argue one way or the other. I have learned what I know of religions through very difficult, sad and disconcerting ways. My opinion on them will never change. I do, however, truly respect a person's right to faith. Human beings were built to believe in a higher being. We are spiritual by nature. It's difficult for many not to look at the world in wonder- and believe that it is the work of a devine being. People who are spiritual are far happier, whole and even alive than those of us who are not. I am existential in my beliefs, and initially it was a great trial to come to terms with it. It was like... walking through fire inside myself. But now that I've gone through it- faced my beliefs from the bottom of my heart- I am at peace.
As far as the religious aspect of your argument: I don't argue one way or the other. I have learned what I know of religions through very difficult, sad and disconcerting ways. My opinion on them will never change. I do, however, truly respect a person's right to faith. Human beings were built to believe in a higher being. We are spiritual by nature. It's difficult for many not to look at the world in wonder- and believe that it is the work of a devine being. People who are spiritual are far happier, whole and even alive than those of us who are not. I am existential in my beliefs, and initially it was a great trial to come to terms with it. It was like... walking through fire inside myself. But now that I've gone through it- faced my beliefs from the bottom of my heart- I am at peace.
A hat can never be compared to a hijab because as I have stated, the hijab is more than just covering your head+hair, it should also fall below your bosom to hide the curves of your body. I can see and feel what you do when you talk about people who cover everything including their face, it falls back to culture.
Do unto others what you want others to do unto you right? If one wishes respect from another, first one must give respect and in this case, I guess people should just respect another's culture. You say you come from a diverse childhood correct? Then there must have been a lot of different ethnics and religions that were served to you as a child. If you ask people to respect your culture and views (in which I do) then I could only hope that you respect these 'covered' ladies' culture as well
As you can see, I am a Muslim but I do not cover myself head-to-toe in black cloth. It is because it is not in my culture but I do respect their dressing just like the way I respect Westerners who come to my country (in which Islam is the main religion) and wear bikinis. It is not something that we grew up with, but we have accepted that different people from different parts of this small Earth vary
Do unto others what you want others to do unto you right? If one wishes respect from another, first one must give respect and in this case, I guess people should just respect another's culture. You say you come from a diverse childhood correct? Then there must have been a lot of different ethnics and religions that were served to you as a child. If you ask people to respect your culture and views (in which I do) then I could only hope that you respect these 'covered' ladies' culture as well
As you can see, I am a Muslim but I do not cover myself head-to-toe in black cloth. It is because it is not in my culture but I do respect their dressing just like the way I respect Westerners who come to my country (in which Islam is the main religion) and wear bikinis. It is not something that we grew up with, but we have accepted that different people from different parts of this small Earth vary
Acceptance and respect are wonderful attributes that should be followed by every culture.
Something interesting to note: Even in America, there are several pockets of people who also don't believe in bodily exposure. Many Americans are actually conservative, but they aren't shown in movies and T.V (because to the rest of the world they are uninteresting). Sort of the way that good, honest, true Muslims aren't shown on T.V in America- More conservative Americans are only shown as corrupt money-makers. It's really interesting the part that media plays in confusing all of us.
Have you ever heard of the Amish?: [link]
They are a strong group of people who dress extremely conservatively, believe that technology is the mark of the devil, shun wealth, love peace and live in social groups who rely on farming their own food, making their own clothes, and avoiding contact with the "outside world". Very interesting people.
Also something interesting: [link] There is a lot of Data about the demographics of the U.S. here.
Something interesting to note: Even in America, there are several pockets of people who also don't believe in bodily exposure. Many Americans are actually conservative, but they aren't shown in movies and T.V (because to the rest of the world they are uninteresting). Sort of the way that good, honest, true Muslims aren't shown on T.V in America- More conservative Americans are only shown as corrupt money-makers. It's really interesting the part that media plays in confusing all of us.
Have you ever heard of the Amish?: [link]
They are a strong group of people who dress extremely conservatively, believe that technology is the mark of the devil, shun wealth, love peace and live in social groups who rely on farming their own food, making their own clothes, and avoiding contact with the "outside world". Very interesting people.
Also something interesting: [link] There is a lot of Data about the demographics of the U.S. here.
I see. That is something new to me, the fact that there are Americans who aren't comfortable or agree with bodily exposure You're right, humans tend to focus on the negatives/bad sides of things because scandalous news and dramas are what feeds most of us. The media is such a dangerous yet interesting tool to propagate agendas.
Thank you for the links. I'll look into them when I have the time. Thank you also for educating me on your culture
You're right, humans tend to focus on the negatives/bad sides of things because scandalous news and dramas are what feeds most of us. The media is such a dangerous yet interesting tool to propagate agendas.Thank you for the links. I'll look into them when I have the time. Thank you also for educating me on your culture