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30 Sept 2012

22 Sept 2012

What I learned in Istanbul: Headscarf controversy


The wearing of a headscarf was really not something that had ever bothered me. I feel people can do as they please as long as it doesn't infringe on my rights or liberty.

I have visited Istanbul many times, each time over the last few years I have noticed a steady incline of women wearing headscarves. There are beautiful women wearing casual clothing and a simple headscarf. Not a problem and quite pleasing to the eye.

Then I noticed women wearing headscarves AND long dresses..ok...AND A FULL COAT to the floor! In the heat of the summer, Istanbul can reach 35 Degrees Celsius. I was feeling hot, this woman must have been really hot. Torture is a word I enjoy using...but not in this context.

Maybe it has something to do with my own personal views. But the next thing I saw made me angry. In the blistering heat of noon, in an restaurant seated outside sat a woman. On her own at a table, she was dressed in a full Hijab - wearing gloves, her face and eyes covered. She was trying to eat soup, which she could only do by lifting the bottom of her Niqāb up a little, then lowering it again.

Seated behind her at another table was her husband, in T Shirt and shorts. Sitting with friends he was enjoying his lunch. occasionally, he would turn around and check on her.

I'm not sure what I feel. I believe in 'choice' and 'Freedom to choose'. What am I supposed to feel when I see something which I find unequal? We must always accept others opinions and views. How they choose to live their lives is their choice - I cannot pass judgemnet. But, I don't feel comfortable with what I have seen.

I am aware that currently in Turkey there is a Headscarf contraversy.. I can see why. there is a fear among people that by allowing the wearing of a headscarf, the Niqāb, Hijab and Burqa are not far away.

Political freedom, religious freedom and Kemalist Ideology are clashing. And a real friction is growing among people in Istanbul. One thing I know...Being a (good) Muslim does not mean the wearing Niqāb, Hijab or Burqa.

A little background: Turkey has been a secular state since it was founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923. He introduced the secularization of the state in the Turkish Constitution of 1924, alongside Atatürk's Reforms. These were in accordance with the Kemalist Ideology, with a strict appliance of laicite in the constitution. 
Atatürk saw headscarves as backward-looking and an obstacle to his campaign to secularize and modernize the new Turkish Republic. The issue of the headscarf debate has been very intense and controversial since it was banned.[1] Turkey is a secular country and over 95% of its people are Muslims.[2] It has resulted in a clash between those favouring the secular principles of the state, such as the Turkish Army,[3] and those who are more conservative with their religious beliefs.


What I learned in Istanbul - Fashion

A Lot!
I've been many times to Istanbul, nut this time, I made a point of REALLY looking around - Not at the sights, but at the people.

FEMALES:
The women practice natural beauty - much like my discoveries in Paris. They are stylish and chic, dress with sophistication and in a classic manner. 

They seem to invest in key pieces, quality over price and wear what suits them. 

They eat sensibly, exercise and look after themselves. 

And the hair... Long, luscious and natural.

When I returned to my hometown of Reading I suddenly felt I had been dropped into a 'fashion disaster zone'. 

I won't start mumbling about my personal views, instead I'll leave you with this:


Vivienne Westwood criticises Britain’s bad dress sense
Queen of fashion Dame Vivienne Westwood is known for making bold statements - and this time she has some strong words for the British public.
Dame Vivienne slated Britain’s sense of style, saying “people have never looked so ugly” when it comes to fashion.
 Westwood said ‘conformist’ shoppers and cheap clothes have given society a ‘generic look’.
Dame Vivienne blamed the rise of cheap “disposable” clothes for curbing individuality and added that the only well dressed women are usually in their 70s, because they know how to choose investment pieces.
 The 70-year-old told reporters: “Everybody looks like clones and the only people you notice are my age. I don’t notice anybody unless they look great, and every now and again they do, and they are usually 70.”
Courtesy of Yahoo  http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/vivienne-westwood-criticises-britain%E2%80%99s-bad-dress-sense.html


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18 Sept 2012

Romney Caught on Tape Speaking about Welfare Recipients


OOPS! Mitt Romney Caught on Tape Speaking about Welfare Recipients

How on earth do these guys get into the positions of power in the first place?



Practice makes perfect

Resulting form the lack of effectiveness in work while wearing shackles, I did promise Mistress to practice more at home when I have time an...