170 / PC is taking over the burqa debate
Elizabeth Farrelly and I are in great trouble: We seem to agree with Fred Nile (SMH).
A strange alliance indeed, but when the ultra-right campaigner Nile tried to bring in a rule prohibiting face covering devices in public, he somehow hit a nerve with the PC brigade and all those needing to assert they are not racist. Says Farrelly, "The burqa is seen, here in the latte classes, as a symbol of the fight for cultural tolerance. But is this reasonable?"
Cultural tolerance is one thing, to be confronted by a burqa or niqab wearing person is another. I had a couple of instances where my cultural tolerance was tested.
When I had my little gallery in the QVB a few years ago, one day a man walked in and asked if he could use a corner in my shop for prayer. Of course he could. As he prepared himself, I decided to give him some space and walked out, closing the shop door behind me; there was a café outside my shop, I had a cuppa and after a few minutes he emerged - thanking me profusely - and went on his way. I was happy I had been able to assist him … often had I wondered what Muslims, who adhere to the five-prayers-a-day rule, do when away from home.
Another day a Muslim man walked in, made eye contact, smiled at me and acknowledged myself and my work - as most people did once they walked into my space. I noticed a figure a few meters behind him, cloaked in black, a shapeless form (as intended, I assume) body and face hidden entirely. She wore what I think is called a niqab, the viewing slit in front of her eyes covered with webbing. She came into my gallery, walked around, but never acknowledged me; she kept a distance, not a spacial distance but a distance in demeanor. It was clear she was not going to communicate with me; I experienced her as somber, subdued, indeed alien. I was utterly uncomfortable in her presence and glad when eventually she walked out.
Should we be forced to accept this predicament in the name of 'cultural tolerance'? I know, this is not a Politically Correct question. I thought I'd ask anyway.