That's fine your neighbour is entitled to that opinion. But what about the Muslim women who want to wear the hijab? Why are we saying to them no you can't express yourself that way. For me it's not even a Muslim thing its about something bigger. Our gov't dictating more and more what we can and cannot do. Europe is notorious for this, it's a total nanny state. Individualism is being thrown out with the baby's bath water. If you think I'm overreacting let me give you a few examples here in North America.I waited to respond because I wanted to know if my stance on this was indeed "wrong" as some have stated here.
I waited to talk to my neighbour. She is a mother, married, with 3 children.
Yes she is muslim and her husband is a decent guy and friend.
I asked her about this ban and this was her response to me (not word for word as I am working from memory and you can believe me or not your choice):
"I think most muslim traditions are ridiculous. But my mother wouldn't agree. I live in Canada where I am free to be who I am. My mother is not free to be who she is. She wears a headscarf and I do not. I firmly believe that it is an antiquited and outdated tradition that has no place in the world today. Wearing traditional muslim dress for a woman is more about muslim men's insecurity and wanting to repress women in their societies. It is disgusting. If Europe banning this stupid tradition I applaud them and hope it leads to Canada doing the same."
There you have it. A muslim woman's take on the situation.
'nuf.
1. NYC and California banned all trans fats from food service locations in 2008. This has caused many bakeries to shut their doors or change their processes. They are now looking at banning salt (no joke)
2. The state of NJ requires all provisional drivers license holders under the age of 21 to put reflective decals on their license plates. This is in order to make it easier for law enforcement officials to check that these drivers are obeying the terms of their license. Terms such as not having more than one passenger under 18 in the car or driving past a 11:00 pm curfew.
3. The city of SF has banned all plastic water bottles from gov't buildings. Other jurisdictions like Toronto are doing the same thing. Fucking ridiculous!
4. Here in Toronto we pay 5 cents for each plastic bag we require when spending our hard earned money on goods.
5. California banned toys from any kids meal that exceeds a certain caloric or fat count. That means happy meals no longer can give out a toy to kids.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Why can't the authorities let people make their own decisons, good or bad?