I fully applaud the French for making a stand against the Muslim veils that seem to be on the increase in our communities.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8480161.stm
I really dont know why they worry me so much, but they do seem sinister. Its not a question of terrorism threats etc, its just that I find it unnerving that someone needs to keep themselves hidden behind a 'mask'.
I appreciate its a cultural issue, and I know the old "live here, live by our rules" and "we would have to abide by their rules over there" chestnuts get a regular airing in recent times, but when the average Joe in street has his normal existence affected by the actions of Muslim extremists am I wrong to think France is justified in its actions?

PS. No offence or malice intended here.

'rascist'…one who is prejudiced against rascals?

do you get the feeling you are walking on egg shells whilst carrying a hot potato?

no
but i bet the accusers will be here soon.
i can hear them coming…….listen

teej has just choked on his haggis, ernie has just dropped the spectator………. 😯

Why do you hate Ninjas?

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/france-and-the-burka-ban-shopuld-they-ban-it

Its a bit of a sensitive issue, on one hand we should respect their religious beliefs (I personally think anyway) but on the other hand, it does come across as a bit 'sinister' as you said. I also think that the muslim faith just get so much ridiculous press attention nowadays though, lets face it, before september 11th, would anyone have actually given two $hits even if they were walking around with budgie cages on their heads? No.
Things like that teacher who refused to take off their burqa whilst in lesson was a bit ridiculous though…

beats me how anyone wearing a burka can see enough to drive a car , madness

Here we go again. Some folk are different, that is the great thing about folk.

It really doesn't bother me – if people choose to wear a veil then they can.

Where does the government draw the line? Should I be allowed to wear lycra in public? Lets be honest – I know which one would cause more local panic in here Glasgow.

Also reading the link check this out:

It also recommends that anyone showing visible signs of "radical religious practice" should be refused residence cards and citizenship.

That's a very scary step to make!

but on the other hand, it does come across as a bit 'sinister'

Hardly reason enough to ban it. We keep hearing in the press how people are frightened by women in burkhas and how they come across as sinister or creepy. I believe STW has a suitable acronym for such occasions – MTFU

Ban it if yer want but at least have a good enough reason to. Personally I think it will be a sad day indeed when our government starts telling people what they can and can't wear.

Of course, we hear of the oppression of women forced to wear the burkha and this is a different matter entirely. Equally, there appear to be those who wear it willingly. Not sure banning it is the right approach but something needs to be done to address the former I think.

When in Rome. Thats how I see it. Its not a case of being racist. I think New Labour could have reinvented the definition or racism to the point that not liking black wine gums makes you a member of the Koo klux clan! No point getting out the soap box though. Our voices don't matter so best not to say anything.

It's not "racist", but it does involve taking a certain line on "citizenship" and "community cohesion" which takes you into defining what "people like us" do – a very fraught exercise. I don't think the impulse is racist, but implementing it almost inevitably involves singling out muslims.

I find myself wishing no-one wanted to wear the daft things or was made to, but I can't get at all comfortable with a general ban on them. 😕

I think New Labour could have reinvented the definition or racism to the point that not liking black wine gums makes you a member of the Koo klux clan!

Can you give examples of this?

Ton – I suggest you read my response on the linked thread on this.

No you're not, and while you're at it ban kilts in England, them Jocks are always kicking off.

How about banning nuns? Fairly close to Muslim atire. Or little old ladies in Greece/Spain that wear mourning vails. Women who wear big black sunglasses, privacy glass in cars, hoodies…….

It's just a lack of cultural tolerance, nothing sinister.

Personally, I like Post Boxes but happen to dislike the new black livery

most of my friends are black wine gums.

Your not racist, you are just scared of things you don't understand. understandable really given that our goverment and others throw sacre stories at us all the time.

Heaven forbit it should come to this, but France has the backbone to respect the wishes of the majority of its citizens. If only Britain would do the same. No, not a racist, just having an opinion.

Islam is an agressive religon. If you read the Koran it's pretty explicit and if you are privvy to the kind of teaching that goes on in even fairly mainstream mosques you can see clear evidence of this agression.

However there is nothing to be done as the process required to erode religious belief is long and difficult. It warms me to find that many Muslims are increasingly non practicing/unbelieving and are passing that non belief onto their children.

Fighting against religion only increases fervour, better to ridicule it for the stupidity it clearly is.

I think the Scottish Assembly* should ban troosers. If you live in Scotchland, you'll wear a skirt like a real Scotchman!

I like that the French are doing this. The three piece suit was invented so that we'd be different to the French.

*I know.

racist maybe

fascist yes

why? because you are telling people what clothes they can and cant wear

and yes the koran is quite aggressive but large parts of the koran are word for word the same as the old testament !

i despise all religions but nuns are sexy and you know what burkhas can be too!

If you registered your religion as 'Jedi' in the last census, would you be allowed to wear a yoda mask when entering a bank or government building etc?

Two muslim women knocked at my door the other day, I didnt open the door, just shouted back through the letterbox "how do you like it?"

Dirtynap – Member
Your not racist, you are just scared of things you don't understand. understandable really given that our goverment and others throw sacre stories at us all the time.

I think you are refering to Xenophobia

I don't agree with fully fledged religious values of any faith or Muslims.

Treat everyone equal-check,
No stealing-check,
Death to all that don't agree…wait a second!

If I go to Iran I would respect their culture and laws/clothing and try to fit in. This is what the French are saying but also pointing out that they are not bending backwards for people who don't want to fit in Frecnh culture.

Do what you want in home just not in Work, business or schools.

I’m not a racialist but…. This is a bike forum isn’t it?

I believe you will find similarly peeved/confused by the world types Here

Who would like to discuss sprockets, tyres or trails? I don’t mind if you wear a Burkka, clown outfit or nothing at all while we converse…

I'm having second thoughts now about the ninja assasin I saw cycling in the woods the other day.

THee is only so much one can talk about regarding Rockshox V Fox. A bit of OT never did any harm to a forum.

Why can I not stop looking at that nun picture 😳

( flash, ban kilts in England, them Jocks are always kicking off)"kilts are Irish".

Why can I not stop looking at that nun picture

you will burn in the pit for eternity

Should be made to prove their identity
for security purposes though.
e.g. airports.

How about banning nuns? Fairly close to Muslim atire. Or little old ladies in Greece/Spain that wear mourning vails. Women who wear big black sunglasses, privacy glass in cars, hoodies…….

Hoodies are banned in certain places. I've been kicked out of a few places for wearing a hoodie, although most of the time they just ask you to take it off. Which does raise the question – if I cant wear a hood, why should they be allowed to wear a whole burka thing? Although in reality, I don't really care what they wear. Just doesn't affect me.

Is kinda amusing when you see them all group together for photos though. Smile! Why..?

I wish some of you would stop using the old "if you live in this country, you should live by our rules" crap.
There is, thankfully, no law against what they're wearing, so they ARE living by our rules.
The 'bans' on hoodies, and white trainers in nightclubs etc are as a rule in private businesses/ shopping centres and such, and in the case of the former, are there because of people using them to get away with crime.
Forgive me, but I dont see a huge wave of shoplifting and bag theft being commited by Muslim women (or terrorism, for that matter)
So, yes, you are being prejudiced.

I does make me chuckle to think that Western civilisation is so fragile that it can be threatened so enormously by a few ladies in scarves that cover their faces.

It's also very enlightening to see the number of excuses people trot out when what they really mean is 'I don't like darkies'….

crikey – Member

I does make me chuckle to think that Western civilisation is so fragile that it can be threatened so enormously by a few ladies in scarves that cover their faces.

It's also very enlightening to see the number of excuses people trot out when what they really mean is 'I don't like darkies'….

Nicely put.

I live in an area with loads of families whose origins lie in Pakistan or Bangladesh, and see very few burkas, but was standing at a bus stop with a lady in full ninja gear; it was slightly incongruous to hear her say 'bloody 'ell it's 'kin freezin', should 'ave put me 'at on'