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http://www.thejc.com/news/world-news...t-modesty-spat
FIBA Europe has acted admirably for the benefit of all women in denying her request for special treatment in order to satisfy an archaic facet of her religion. I strongly support any and all secular organisations that will oppose religious or culturally mandated "modesty" requirements for women, regardless of the culture or the religion.
Religion uses the word "modesty" dishonestly. Modesty in this context could be described as "having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc" as if there is something indecent about a woman's shoulders or legs or hair or face. It's a real stretch to suggest that religious modesty has anything to do with humility or decency.
Religion uses the word "modesty" as a euphemism. When they say "modesty" what they really mean is "shame". Religious dress requirements for women are making the statement - that women should be ashamed of themselves for no other reason than their sex. That their existence itself is shameful. So shameful that she must cover up her shoulders or legs or arms or face or hair or whatever other arbitrarily chosen anatomical feature, lest they offend the delicate sensibilities of the senile old men who make up the rules.
Every decent person, religious or otherwise, should be vehemently opposing the imposition of religious shame rules because the oppression of women is the oppression of our wives, our daughters, our mothers. It is oppression of all of us.
An Orthodox Jewish basketball player has been forced to drop out of an international competition after officials ruled that she could not wear a T-shirt rather than a vest which would leave her shoulders bare.
Religion uses the word "modesty" dishonestly. Modesty in this context could be described as "having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc" as if there is something indecent about a woman's shoulders or legs or hair or face. It's a real stretch to suggest that religious modesty has anything to do with humility or decency.
Religion uses the word "modesty" as a euphemism. When they say "modesty" what they really mean is "shame". Religious dress requirements for women are making the statement - that women should be ashamed of themselves for no other reason than their sex. That their existence itself is shameful. So shameful that she must cover up her shoulders or legs or arms or face or hair or whatever other arbitrarily chosen anatomical feature, lest they offend the delicate sensibilities of the senile old men who make up the rules.
Every decent person, religious or otherwise, should be vehemently opposing the imposition of religious shame rules because the oppression of women is the oppression of our wives, our daughters, our mothers. It is oppression of all of us.
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