(Photo by David Dennis)Spain's senate recently decided to ban Muslim women from wearing the burka--a full-faced veil that covers everything except the eyes. They outlawed "any usage, custom, or discriminatory practice that limits the freedom of women." I applaud Spain on their progressive efforts. I would suggest the following also be banned in order to prevent the limiting of women's freedoms:
- High heels. High heels make it difficult to walk and run freely. Flats are much easier to catch a bus in.
- Skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are often tight and uncomfortable and make it difficult to sit easily at work. More work can be done if one is comfortable.
All joking aside, I would argue that Spain has actually taken a step backwards in women's rights. Women wear the burka for a variety of reasons and personal choice is one. Assuming that all Muslim women wear the veil by force is a gross overgeneralization of a much more complex cultural practice. Legally banning a woman from wearing the burka denies her the right to chose. In this way, legal patriarchy has replaced religious and cultural patriarchy.
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