Something for the Jews
Topic: Jewish HC
I would really rather find more information about the Jewish women's covering, but I will take what actually makes news somewhere. It seems that there will be a Jewish head covering day : National Yarmulke Day, on December 22. Kind of a solidarity day for Jews and non-Jews, male and female alike. The creator of the day is quoted as saying: "It all started when teachers waved the no hat policy for those Santa hats so I thought well then I want to wear a hat to. This year in New Paltz/The World Yarmilka day is December 22nd. The best part of this is Yarmulke are not considered Holy items like a Torah, and legally they can’t tell you to take it off."

And it's not about the Muslim faith this time.

I like the photo
Topic: Muslim HC
Mostly because I like the photo, I'm including today the article by the Christian Science Monitor called: "the great veil debate". It's a nice overview, with definitions, explanations and some internal links to various stories about Islamic veiling.

Latest news from Italy
At first it looks like another European country bowing to secularism, but then you realize: This is Italy. All they are seeking to do is keep faces from being covered, not get rid of religion or symbols of faith. Here's a quote I've been looking for, but never seem to see in the news:

"Until recently Italians have been reluctant to ban religious symbols, perhaps as religion and the crucifix are such a key part of Italian society.

"As for the headscarf, it has been commonplace for devout Roman Catholic women, especially in the south, to cover their heads when outdoors. "

So, it is not just Muslims who cover their heads, and has little to do with the heat of the sun. Isn't there anywhere that I can find more information on European women who wear head scarves?

Come Together
Wear a Headscarf or Turban Day
November 16, 2006

started by the Fremont, California, group: Foundation for Self Reliance

more information found at the website highlighted above

A Point of View
Topic: Muslim HC
Veils Make a Modest Statement - For Muslim women, coverings symbolize humility and pride

BY ROBIN FARMER, TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Nov 5, 2006

For Whittni Brown, wearing a hijab -- a veil covering her hair, neck and ears -- is part of her religious conviction as a Muslim woman.

"Hijab has had different symbolic and political manifestations over time, but in general, it is just the way we show our modesty and humility to The Creator," said Brown, a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University who chose Islam as her religion at 16.

Brown, 21, dismisses critics who say the veils are a rejection of Western values.

"This is ludicrous. Hijab to us is like the habit of a nun. And aren't nuns from the West? Do people see them as oppressed?" she asked. "Wearing the hijab has nothing to do with a conflict between East and West."

(Read the whole article at the above link.)

Who is Veiling?
Topic: Muslim HC
While this article is mainly about the idea of the Muslim head covering, I found a few intereseting thoughts in this blog called: "Veils and Questions". One good quote is as follows:

"For instance, I have often found myself thinking that women who wear make-up are in a sense, veiling themselves. In fact, the whole industry of women's fashion and self-adornment has become an extraordinary type of inverted veil -- fashionable, glamourous women spend what amounts to huge quantities time and effort obscuring their true appearance behind masks composed of cosmetics and clothing. How would it be if the mass of women living in cultures that require women to be perfectly groomed and coiffed at all times were to be forced to "remove the veil" of their glamour and appear unadorned to the gaze of the world? Would that be the same as asking Islamic women to remove the veils behind which they have grown up?"

Just a thought. Reminded me of the current ad campaign by the Dove company: Campaign for Real Beauty. Watch their video called "evolution". Just who is covering up?

Even in traditionally Muslim countries
Topic: Face Covering
I thought this was interesting: Now a Pakistani judge seems to side with the MP who wonders why full face covering is "necessary," in court of law by an attorney - when it is actually a detriment of sorts. Interested to see where this one goes...

So Maybe Covering is about Being Modest
Topic: Modesty
It seems that the veil raises the question of modesty. Especially in response to the Imam's comments about uncovered women inciting men (consciously or not) to do things they shouldn't. Read here about the Australian Christian ministers, who had to actually explain to people that Christiany also expects men and women to dress modestly.

And this Texas Christian student, trying to find something to wear to dress up for Halloween, is stumped. Why are women encouraged to uncover so much more than just their heads?

Granted, there are some Israeli government officials who are offended by all the immodesty, considering that it is being used as a target to get people to travel to their predominantly Jewish country.

Perhaps, as this Modern journalist points out, modesty is not limited to Muslim school teachers hiding behind a traditional cultural form of dress. Maybe there's a little modest history in all of us. As well there should be.

(Please also look into some of the links I've added to this page as well, for more on modesty in dress for all three Abrahamic faiths listed - and how having the head covered factors in their explanations. Also check out this Christian Teen Study on Modesty, from which I took the picture for today.)

How many viewpoints for the Muslim Head Covering?
Topic: Muslim HC
Based in Cairo, Egypt, this reporter does a fair job of trying to show most all of the sides in the debate over veils, including discussion of face veils, recent history and opposing Muslim viewpoints regarding the debate between modesty or politics.

But there are also penalties for stating your opinion. Just ask these people who spoke against the head covering, from Turkey, and Germany.

Islamophobia & Europe : 4 Articles
Topic: Face Covering
In today's articles, we read how seeing that veil, especially the niqab (full face covering) is a truly discomforting thing, both inside and outside the veil.
First, from the inside, by a first-timer: The veil: Too obviously hidden.
And from "Counterpunch.org", an observation article about: European Islamophobia.
An article concerning the European bans on Muslim clothing is also included: Europe draws battle lines.
Finally, an opinion article in the Calgary Sun which includes the recent and various news stories about head coverings and veils: Judging people at face value. In this article, Licia Corbella states that "Veils have nothing to do with religion but everything to do with freedom," and points out that covering the face is the problem.