by John Hostetler
Ah politics, what could ever be more divisive than that? Religion! What could ever be more divisive than that? Politics and religion!
The current embodiment of the ever present political and religious divisions in society are burkinis. Despite the name, it is not this year’s new fashion trend. Instead it is a very, very conservative bathing suit that was created in 2003.
While the burkini may be new, the theme of it is not. It is very reminiscent of female bathing suites pre-suffrage. It is like those bathing suits that cover everything from ankle to the neck in addition to covering the head.
So what could be the problem? Islamic Extremism and their terrorist attacks.
While Americans may forever have Sept. 11 at the forefront of their thoughts with a new major terrorist attack happening every few years, France has a more present danger with a new event or even several occurring every year.
With the Charlie Hebdo attacks from 2015 and the Bastille Day attack this year, France is more terrified than ever. In an attempt to combat terror, or feel as though they are, the government of Cannes banned burkinis. Although, the banning was short lived, as almost immediately after the banning a court ruled against it. This is not the first time French authorities have ‘attacked’ Islamic clothing. There was an incident in 2009 where a woman was forced to change out of her burkini at a pool and other various ‘attacks’ on the burka itself.
What is it that will be accomplished by this? Absolutely nothing. There has not been a case of a “Burkini Bomber” or anything of the sort so there is no real justification for this. However, something like actively fighting terrorism, or at least trying to, with bombings and troops has a chance to impact terrorist activities. Though on the flip side, this may create disdain for the French and possibly create new recruits for terrorists.
Banning burkinis or other clothing does not fight terrorism at all. All it does is enrage those in the Islamic community not only abroad but more importantly in France itself, which again can cause animosity towards France and even new terrorist recruits. So really it would be safer to bomb them than ban them.
The real irony is that while Burkinis are popular among the Islamic communities, the maker estimates 40 percent of sales to come from other religious communities including Jewish, Christian and Hindu, as well as those who just wish to protect their skin. Maybe attitudes will change when authorities ask a Christian woman to remove her Burkini.
