Dawkins and the Burka...

[The Dawktor]

From the Telegraph today

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop ... liner.html

Richard Dawkins sparks outcry after likening the burka to a bin liner
Richard Dawkins, the outspoken atheist, has courted fresh controversy by likening the burka to a bin liner.

By Heidi Blake
Published: 9:36AM BST 10 Aug 2010

Previous1 of 2 ImagesNext Richard Dawkins sparks outcry after likening the burka to a bin liner. Photo: REUTERS
Richard Dawkins Photo: GETTY
The 69-year-old author and Oxford academic said he is filled with “visceral revulsion” when he sees women wearing the traditional Islamic covering.

But he held back from advocating a ban on the all-enveloping cloak, insisting that such legislation would fly in the face of Britain’s liberal tradition.


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Science and faith: the conflictProfessor Dawkins referred to the burka as a “full bin-liner thing” in an interview with the Radio Times in which he discussed his forthcoming documentary on the dangers of faith schools.

He has sparked fury among Muslim groups, who have accused him of being “ignorant” and “Islamophobic”.

But he stood by his remarks last night, telling the Daily Mail: “I do feel visceral revulsion at the burka because for me it is a symbol of the oppression of women.”

But he added: "As a liberal I would hesitate to propose a blanket ban on any style of dress because of the implications for individual liberty and freedom of choice."

Last month the French government voted to ban the burka from public places. It also banned the niqab – a piece of cloth covering the face.

Seyyed Ferjani, of the Muslim Association of Britain, accused Professor Dawkins of “Islamophobia”.

She said: “This kind of thing has been on the rise for some time. Britain is a diverse and free society.

“It is a woman’s choice if she wishes to wear a burka, a niqab or not. Why does it matter to this man what a woman is wearing?”

In Faith Schools Menace? on More4 next week, the Oxford University evolutionary biologist argues that religious schools are encouraging social segregation.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

He has sparked fury among Muslim groups, who have accused him of being “ignorant” and “Islamophobic”.

They trying to make that sound like a bad thing?

[devogue]

Spot the difference.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Spot the difference.

Somebody needs to put eyes on the bin liner.

[devogue]

At least the bin liner is sparkly and shiny. It looks like fun.

[Animavore]

When I was in the airport last night there was a gorgeous blonde woman with a short skirt and lovely long legs and awesome cleavage. Sitting just beside her (though not with her) was a woman in a burka. I lolled.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

When I was in the airport last night there was a gorgeous blonde woman with a short skirt and lovely long legs and awesome cleavage. Sitting just beside her (though not with her) was a woman in a burka. I lolled.

(oh, please, please, please. )

[Animavore]

When I was in the airport last night there was a gorgeous blonde woman with a short skirt and lovely long legs and awesome cleavage. Sitting just beside her (though not with her) was a woman in a burka. I lolled.

(oh, please, please, please. )

I don't, or never have, own a camera.

Sorres.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

When I was in the airport last night there was a gorgeous blonde woman with a short skirt and lovely long legs and awesome cleavage. Sitting just beside her (though not with her) was a woman in a burka. I lolled.

(oh, please, please, please. )

I don't, or never have, own a camera.

Sorres.

Rats.

[Feck]

Spot the difference.

Somebody needs to put eyes on the bin liner.

Some boby needs to sell bin liners with the slit and the eyes already printed on !

Seyyed Ferjani, of the Muslim Association of Britain, accused Professor Dawkins of “Islamophobia”.

She said: “This kind of thing has been on the rise for some time. Britain is a diverse and free society.

“It is a woman’s choice if she wishes to wear a burka, a niqab or not. ?”

THAT IS A LIE ,how many of the women wearing a Burka in britain could just chose not to wear one ? what would happen to most of them if their families and saw them outside in western dress ?

[Mysturji]

I can't imagine why anyone would say such a thing...

[The Dawktor]

I can't imagine why anyone would say such a thing...

[Trolldor]

It's not even remotely close to a bin liner.

It's like wearing and entire house everywhere you go.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

It's not even remotely close to a bin liner.

It's like wearing and entire house everywhere you go.

Or one of these.

[Posse Comitatus]

Don't see what the issue is here, he's very welcome not to like the burka, and generally it's banning it that's the problem, an action he's quite unambiguously against. I'm firmly on the 'banning it is ridiculous' camp but no one can credibly claim to be surprised that not everyone likes it.