The hijab can be a symbol of oppression or of freedom
The hijab — the scarf-neck-head covering worn by some Muslim women — is not actually dictated per se by the Koran, but is a traditional dress in some parts of the Muslim world that has been tied to religious and theocratic rulings. It’s controversial in a number of places as religious wear, and as Muslim religious wear, but also as a sign of oppression against women in the Muslim world (and, as such, often conflated with other and more restrictive garb to hide, mask, or enforce the modesty of women).
Ilhan Omar, in hijab
The first article below demonstrates, though, that it’s not a matter of either-or. Some Muslim women (such as Ilhan Omar) wear hijab as a sign of their religious devotion, and celebrate it as a personal freedom. Others, esp. those living in some Middle Eastern Muslim nations, have it forced on them by state law, and consider it as a constriction of freedom.
The conflict seems perfectly understandable to me, analogous to another example of religious identification. I know a number of Jewish people, especially women, who wear a Star of David as a necklace, as an expression of their religious belief. Nobody (aside from anti-Semites) thinks a thing of it, save perhaps observing how cool it is that someone can choose to wear the symbol openly and without government sanction.
But if you had a law (as in Nazi Germany) where Jews were forced to wear a Star of David on their clothing to identify them as Jews … that’s clearly oppressive.
From there, it seems straightforward to celebrate that Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab have the freedom to do so … but to condemn nations who mandate that all women do so (or even more).
I don't condone physical retaliation against anyone wearing provocative political wear… but it's also disingenuous to pretend that such garb isn't making a statement, and looking for a response. https://t.co/PcV4RkFMh7
I don’t condone physical retaliation against anyone wearing provocative political wear… but it’s also disingenuous to pretend that such garb isn’t making a statement, and looking for a response. https://t.co/PcV4RkFMh7
Or, put another way …
A MAGA hat is a product sold by Donald Trump. It’s a product worn by Donald Trump. It’s a product in support of — financially and ideologically — the President of the United States and, by extension, his policies.
Some people clearly feel that’s keen. Indeed, I would assume that number includes folk wearing such a hat. But clearly other people (if one looks at disapproval polling numbers, a significant majority of Americans) disagree with that sentiment, sometimes with passion as well.
Indeed, for people who feel that Trump represents an existential threat to themselves or their loved ones, that passion can understandably boil over in the face of what they see as provocation. I don’t see a MAGA hat as “Fighting Words,” but it’s not beyond my imagination that some do.
Still, I can’t condone people acting with violence toward such headwear without any further provocation. But unpleasantness, perhaps verbal confrontation, a measure of social opprobrium, perhaps. Carrying a message into public is asking for a response to that message — and that response may be camaraderie as a fellow-traveler, or something quite different.
(That’s true whether we’re talking a MAGA hat, or a Gay Rights hat, or a Radical Christianist hat, or a “Tax the Wealthy” hat. A hat that makes a statement to people has to be expected to draw a reaction to that statement.)
So maybe an app that lets MAGA hat wearers hang out with people who won’t disagree with them is a good idea. True, it’s largely been conservatives who have condemned the idea of “safe spaces” …
To wrap things up, it’s worthwhile considering what constitutes such a “safe space” according to the app developers?
– Does this business serve persons of every political belief?
There have been times and places where folk wearing leftist regalia were not welcomed to patronize a business — and political stance is not a protected class under the civil rights laws — but, sure.
– Will this business protect its customers if they are attacked for political reasons?
I suppose it depends on what one means by “attack”. Physical assault? That makes sense. Someone who verbally indicates disagreement with a political statement? (“MAGA!” “Eat the Rich!” “Gay people are going to roast in hell!” “Death to Infidels!”) I suppose it depends on whether it disrupts other customers.
– Does this business allow legal concealed carry under this state’s laws?
Huh. That’s an interesting thing to lump under “safe spaces.”
– Does this business avoid politics in its ads and social media postings?
Does that include expressing conservative political sentiment?
In other words, is the intent to come up with a “safe space” for any person, regardless of their politics? Or just for people who wear MAGA hats?
Also, it’s interesting that avoiding politics in ads and social media is being valued here, when you’re looking to literally march around in clothing that is expressing politics.
So, how is that app working out?
“Finally, I am able to avoid places which don’t respect America and [the] US Constitution. Eat your heart out, snowflakes,” wrote one user, who rated the app five stars.
Because clearly the only people critical of Israel are un-American crypto-Islamicists
Many folk have dogpiled on Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) over her criticisms of knee-jerk American political support for the Israeli government, which has been interpreted by some as anti-Semitism (even though some of the biggest knee-jerking comes from people other than Jewish-Americans).
So, of course, in a discussion fraught with questions of religious intolerance, hatred and fear of the Other, and the conundrum of what it means to be pro- or anti-American in support of another nation, let’s pivot to … bashing Muslims!
Fox News host Jeanine Pirro on Saturday questioned whether Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D-Minn.) hijab is a symbol of loyalty to Sharia law, which she warned is “antithetical” to the U.S. Constitution. “Omar wears a hijab, which, according to the Quran 33:59, tells women to cover so they won’t get molested,” she said.
“Is her adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to Sharia law, which in itself is antithetical to the United States Constitution?” she asked.
Because, of course, only those crazy, evil, un-American Muslim types would ever dream of women covering their heads, right?
Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.
[…] Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.
But I mean, even so, that was centuries ago. In this modern era, in America, can you imagine people covering their heads for religious reasons? Only dangerous fanatics would do that!
Oh, but those folk aren’t covering up because of “Sharia Law,” which to Judge Jeanine clearly makes all the difference. “Sharia Law” is bad, so anyone who follows it is, well, obviously evil (and probably hates American and Israel).
Not, I suspect, that Judge Jeanine has any idea of what “Sharia Law” is, let alone having any coherent argument as to why it is “antithetical to the United States Constitution,” any more than any other personal religious code of conduct.
(Here arethreeresources that might be of help in understanding what Sharia is.)
Of course, if someone is concerned about Rep. Omar and her “loyalty” to Sharia Law, maybe someone should ask her. Or, given the breadth and vagueness of what Sharia actually is, ask her about particular beliefs. Or even, if you want to be really lazy, compare popular conceptions about what Sharia means to her public policy statements.
Pirro argued that Omar’s alleged “anti-Israel sentiment” did not come from the Democratic Party. “Your party is not anti-Israel. She is,” Pirro said. “So if it’s not rooted in the party, where is she getting it from?”
Wait, wait, let me guess your answer, Jeanine! Could it be she gets it from Evil Muslim Sharia Law Secret Spy Anti-America radio broadcasts? Am I close? Because that’s the thing you seem to be implying.
It’s also interesting looking at an underlying argument here:
Suggesting Jewish-Americans have a divided loyalty against the US in their support of Israel is pernicious and anti-Semitic.*
Suggesting Musim-Americans have a divided loyalty against the US in their hatred of Israel is … well, the kind of rabble-rousing thing you can hear about on Fox News.
(* Omar didn’t actually say that, but she’s being characterized as having done so.)
The idea that the way to combat anti-Semitism is to drum up suspicion of Muslims as somehow being un-American is … well, frankly, it’s philosophically incoherent, as it evokes the same sort of paranoia about the Other that is exemplified in anti-Semitism itself. I’m not particularly surprised to find it coming from a talking head on Fox News, but it’s worth calling out even when it shows up there.
I'm not a huge fan of haute couture, especially having grown up on a diet of I Love Lucy reruns (their visit to Paris and commentary on the fashion industry has stuck with me). But the Dior exhibit that's currently at the Denver Art Museum was nonetheless interesting — intersecting history, art, and the conflicting drives between form and function.
I still have little patience for fashion design that doesn't let the wearer ride in a car or sit down at a party — the sort of thing that makes Princess Amidala in her full regalia look under-dressed. But I do have an appreciation for class and elegance that's also functional. And there was plenty of that to see.
▪Favorite smell – Sauteeing onions and garlic; cookies baking; apple pie; mimeographs
▪Favorite foot attire – Birkenstocks
▪Favorite restaurant – The Wooden Table (Greenwood Village, CO)
▪Favorite cereal – As a cold cereal, Cheerios (with plenty of sugar).
▪Jeans or shorts – Shorts. Though I can put up with jeans.
▪Favorite Condiment – Sriracha, as a sauce. Garlic Pepper, as a seasoning.
▪Beach or Mountain – Mountain. I’m seriously not a big sun-and-sand person.
▪Favorite day of the week – Friday. The anticipation of rest and recreation is so powerful.
▪Favorite Holiday – Christmas. Gifts, family, food. Hard to beat that.
▪Tattoos – Do. Not. Want. Needles.
▪Like to cook – When I want to do something nice for +Margie Kleerup (or when she’s on a business trip).
▪Favorite color – Cobalt Blue
▪Do you wear glasses – Since 1st Grade.
▪Favorite season – Autumn. I love fall colors and cooler temps. Spring is a close second.
▪Beer or wine – Wine (usually). Preferably a peppery red Zin. In beer, a wheat / hefe.
▪Favorite drink – Alcoholic: Caipirinha (though at a bar I’ll usually order a G&T). Non-Alcoholic: Root Beer (or, if not indulging, unsweetened iced tea).
▪Dream Place To Live – Tuscany. As a vacation home.
▪Favorite Fruit – Limes. For limeades, and for various cocktails.
Melania Trump is not only the First Lady, she is a former fashion model. I do not, for one second, believe that she wears anything without being aware of the message it sends.
Thus, when she wears a jacket, on a trip to visit immigrant children who are being interned, and she wears a jacket that says on the back, "I REALLY DON'T CARE. DO U?" it's difficult to believe that, as her spokesperson said, "It's a jacket. There was no hidden message."
Or maybe it isn't difficult to believe, as the "message" doesn't seem particularly hidden.
Synthetic indigo has been around for a very long time, to support the never-ending demand for the proper dye for bluejeans. But synthetic indigo is based on benzene, which is awful stuff to work with, let alone the environmental impact.
Now industrial scientists have figured out a way to make bacteria produce the dye, which will have a much lower environmental impact once they get it set up commercially. And since demand for bluejeans doesn’t seem to be decreasing any time soon, that’s a Good Thing.
I’m not sure I’m thrilled about the new Jodie Whittaker outfit (though, yeah, long coat, but, shoulders, what?). I actually sort of liked the charcoal hoodie from the announcement clip. But I’m less worried about how she looks than how her stories go.
But since everyone is always wondering what the next Doctor will wear … well, here it is.
At least it’s not a floral print.
Doctor Who’s New Doctor Has a New Outfit
Ladies and Gentlemen, the 13th Doctor has finally arrived. Sure, Jodie Whittaker might have been cast as Doctor Who’s groundbreaking new Doctor months ago, but does a Time Lord truly arrive until they’re dressed for the occasion?
If you’re going to be under the bright lights of TV, you really need makeup. This article chats with some folk who were involved in the 2016 campaign doing makeup work, and some of the interesting insights they gleaned in the process about the men and women running for the highest office.
7 Weird Secrets You Learn Doing Makeup For US Politicians
Thanks to Nixon, politicians have relied on makeup artists to hide their late nights, cold sores, and reptilian skin from public view for years. We talked to three of them, and this is what we learned.
Paul Ryan now sports a beard. I don't think that's been a popular fashion choice in the halls of Congress for … well, decades, at least (and, en masse, closer to a century). Beards have come and gone and come and gone amongst the normal public in that time — are we returning to bearded American politicians, too?
Or is it just that this is the Evil Mirror Universe Paul Ryan, who will bankrupt America by going on a taxing and spending spree, bwah-ha-ha?
Apparently size doesn't matter, when it comes to women's clothing. Or, rather, it matters so much, it's become a meaningless number. You don't need to diet to get to a smaller size — the size will catch up with you sooner or later — probably sooner, if you select the right clothing manufacturer.
If pants or shirt show creases after I unpackage / pin them at home, I usually throw them into the wash. I never thought about dye residues and other chemicals, or issues with other people who have might have tried them on before me. Hmmm.
How Important Is It To Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them?
Though sometimes you just can’t wait to rip the tags off that new shirt and wear it out for the world to see, you also may’ve had that moment of, “I should probably wash this before I wear it… oh…
Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal
February 15, 2015. Whee! Discuss this comic in the forum. February 14, 2015. Discuss this comic in the forum. February 13, 2015. AM I RIGHT?! Discuss this comic in the forum. February 12, 2015. Last chance to get a Mac NAND Cheese shirt! Discuss this comic in the forum. February 11, 2015 …
On the one hand, if a woman wants to wear heels for some special dress-up occasion — well, I sometimes wear ties, too, so a bit of discomfort for a limited period of time is just part of life.
(Back in my youth (since that youth included the 70s), I did have some formal shoes with maybe an inch, inch-plus heel. It never bothered me all that much, but I also only wore them on select occasions.)
It's the "All Heels, All the Time" fashion statement that just doesn't make sense to me. Heels are uncomfortable, can cause injury and long-term pain, and on some surfaces are just plain unsafe, but they keep being the "standard" for women, for whatever reason. If that standard were to vanish overnight, I would shed no tears.
When +Margie Kleerup broke her ankle a few years back, she ended up not being able to wear heels for quite a long time. And y'know what? Didn't bother me a bit, or make her any less sexy in my eyes.
+Kay Hill has eschewed heels so far. I hope she keeps that up.
Anyway, fun article about some of the reasons for heels becoming a fashion item (again and again).
If the bride-to-be wants to look like a cross between an English judge and a crochet condom … well, Yves Saint Laurent had just the thing back in the 60s.
What's remarkable to me about this comic book advert of embroidered patches is how eclectic they are. There are recycling symbols, Black Power patches, Confederate flags, a Bicentennial logo, cartoon characters, automotive logos, peace signs, happy faces,ecology symbols, various rock group emblems, various counter-culture symbols, vapid slogans — there's no theme, just a dump of anything someone thought might sell to the audience.
How to Gird Up Your Loins: An Illustrated Guide
If you’ve read the Bible, then you’ve probably come across the phrase “gird up your loins.” I’ve always thought it was a funny turn of phrase. Loins….heh.
