Summary:
On August 29, 2016 an article written by Alison Baitz for NPR discusses how the French council of state, the highest authority, suspended a ban on Burkinis which are a particular type of swimsuit wear worn by certain women. Burkinis are a special kind of bathing wear that covers as much as skin possible without revealing too much .These types of swimwear are typically worn by Muslim women who feel the the need to cover up while swimming and playing sports without revealing too much because of their religious beliefs. The French banned the attire of Burkinis because it was thought to be a symbol of terrorism and oppression. A contribution to this ban was the attack on Bastille day and the negative views the French have on Muslims and their Islamic views. Another contribution was France's secular views on Burkinis, especially from Manuel Valls, a French socialist prime minister who quotes Burkinis were "a symbol of enslavement of women".
Analysis:
Before I had read the article I absolutely did not have any knowledge prior to it. Once I had read the article I was shocked that this was still a issue in today's world but to be fairly honest topics such as these will always be controversial. I particularly thought this ban on Burkinis was an affront to basic human rights. Everyone has a right to assert the way they physically appear in the world whether they be fully clothed or scantily attired people really need to respect a woman's morals in what she wears without any particular judgment or discrimination. If she feels comfortable in a certain attire let her be, it does not affect your way life in any way, it's her choice in the end and no one should tell her otherwise to do so. After all it's just another way of dressing.
Synthesis:
This event specifically reminded me when Luisa Capetillo, a Puerto Rican Women's right activist, when she challenged the way attire was worn in society by becoming the first woman in Puerto Rico to wear women's trousers in public. She was later sent to jail for the "crime" she comitted but was later released. I find it kinda of ironic how over the centuries there has been constant controversy on what women can or cannot wear. From sexual double standards to the showing of exclipt skin to no skin at all, it is our choice as a human being to decide what we wear and to not be defined by absurd standards set by others.
Source: http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/08/26/491477033/frances-highest-court-suspends-burkini-ban-in-one-town
I agree with you that trying to control what a person wears is taking away that person's rights. I heard about the burquini ban a few days ago, and was rather startled that France had gone so far as to ban it. I am relieved that the ban was suspended, although I hope that they do not reinstate it.
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