posted on Aug, 16 2012 @ 03:43 PM
Choice vs. Force- if you can't see the difference, then there's no discussion to be had. However, I will say that there are some folks out there
who are coerced into dressing a certain way, be they Christian, Muslim, whoever. Honestly, MOST Christian women don't fall into that category.
Yes, Orthodox Christian nuns DO dress that way all the time (I'm Orthodox and I have had interactions with nuns on more than one occasion. Our male
monastics and priests also dress a certain way all the time, as well). They chose their life. Nobody coerces/forces another into becoming a
monastic, of all things. It just isn't done. If anything, those who become monastics tend to be discouraged by their families.
It all boils down to perspective. When a woman or a man chooses to dress a certain way (that sets them apart from what you normally see in society),
you'll usually find a strong person. It isn't easy, especially if people are telling you you're oppressed all the time.
I admit, I dislike niqab as I find it creepy to not be able to see a person's face. It thoroughly discourages people from interacting with the
person whose face is covered. It is a psychological thing. However, seeing a Muslim woman in hijab doesn't bother me at all- and I don't
automatically think oppression. After all, I've been thoroughly covered with a headscarf, long skirts and long sleeves when going to monasteries. I
didn't feel oppressed then. I chose to go and knew what I was getting myself into. Nobody forced me to do anything.