The totally off-topic thread

[Pushka]

Before I post one of my thoughts I'd like to have confirmation why there is a need for women to have to completely conceal their body and face.

As far as security goes, then I think there is a genuine need to identify people in high security areas. And that applies to anyone who is wearing say a balaklava, helmet or scarf that covers their face.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Before I post one of my thoughts I'd like to have confirmation why there is a need for women to have to completely conceal their body and face.

As far as security goes, then I think there is a genuine need to identify people in high security areas. And that applies to anyone who is wearing say a balaklava, helmet or scarf that covers their face.

My understanding is that it is a cultural and/ or religious need for women to choose to cover their face.
I personally don't have a problem with people being asked to identify themselves in high security areas but can't this be done at the point of entry?

 

[JessicaTam]

Before I post one of my thoughts I'd like to have confirmation why there is a need for women to have to completely conceal their body and face.

As far as security goes, then I think there is a genuine need to identify people in high security areas. And that applies to anyone who is wearing say a balaklava, helmet or scarf that covers their face.

For whatever reason, it is their choice.

All people visiting parliament house have to go through security. Photo ID is produced and checked against an uncovered face. After that how can a face covering be a security threat?

 

[anat0l]

For whatever reason, it is their choice.

All people visiting parliament house have to go through security. Photo ID is produced and checked against an uncovered face. After that how can a face covering be a security threat?

I would have assumed everyone had to pass through a security check similar to being at the airport, i.e. metal and all that jazz.

So if your intents are malicious, covering your face won't do you much good.

 

[Shelf]

...in high security areas but can't this be done at the point of entry?

Identification of people involved in an incident would be troublesome (eg several people wearing the same attire)

Edit : finding the correct balance of respecting cultural/religious beliefs and security considerations is essential.

 

[Pushka]

For whatever reason, it is their choice.

All people visiting parliament house have to go through security. Photo ID is produced and checked against an uncovered face. After that how can a face covering be a security threat?

And currently there is no policy in place for that check to occur.

I've read a range of reasons why women might decide to cover their faces from other men. And that may be to preserve their modesty. But it saddens me to think that women think they need to do that to preserve their modesty from 99.9% of men who don't look at women as sexual objects.

 

[erkpod]

Scenario: You work in a bank. You see someone wearing a helmet, a balaclava or a burqa walking into your bank.

What are you thinking at that point?

 

[anat0l]

Scenario: You work in a bank. You see someone wearing a helmet, a balaclava or a burqa walking into your bank.

What are you thinking at that point?

Helmet: Either they can't take it off because it's stuck or they're being rude. I can't think of a religion where one must wear a helmet. No, a full face helmet is not a proxy for a burqa.

Balaclava: Maybe their face is burnt or they're albino / sensitive to sunlight. Otherwise an odd covering.

Burqa: Must be religious reasons.

Any case at all, face covering or not: Remember where the silent alarm is located.


I really wonder how banks in Muslim countries work, and how often they are held up / robbed. I guess in some cases the penalty for theft is loss of your hands or limbs, which is rather deterring....

 

[Princess Fiona]

Scenario: You work in a bank. You see someone wearing a helmet, a balaclava or a burqa walking into your bank.

What are you thinking at that point?

If I'm in Western Sydney and its option 3, nothing at all.
The first two I'd be alarmed

 

[Pushka]

Islam doesn't require the wearing of the burqa.

 

[get me outta here]

There are very few women indeed wearing full cover in Aus. Most just use a headscarf when the face is shown except maybe the top of the forehead. I think we should step back from constantly telling women what they should and should not wear. Moslem women bear the brunt of biased and worse comments and attacks just because they are obvious.

 

[Pushka]

It's interesting that in a democracy you are entitled to have freedom of expression. That cuts both ways.

If people find being unable to see a person's eyes or facial expressions troublesome then I don't see why it's an issue of consternation for them to say that. Reading people's faces is a very strong means of communication. The face provides a lot of visual clues as to how someone is really feeling. So I wouldn't start a conversation with a person in a burqa. I just would feel uncomfortable and unsure not being able to get cues from their face. I would start a conversation with a person wearing the hijab. And do so, frequently.

There is a security issue which can be addressed but I see that as s separate issue.

 

[drron]

The burqa Is not a necessary religious item.
Ban the Burqa? The Argument in Favor :: Middle East Quarterly

 

[medhead]

Before I post one of my thoughts I'd like to have confirmation why there is a need for women to have to completely conceal their body and face.

As far as security goes, then I think there is a genuine need to identify people in high security areas. And that applies to anyone who is wearing say a balaklava, helmet or scarf that covers their face.

There is no need, but it they truly, freely choose to do so that is their right in a free society.

The balaclava/helmet thing is pretty weak. What is this religious belief system that requires people to wear either of those in public?

Scenario: You work in a bank. You see someone wearing a helmet, a balaclava or a burqa walking into your bank.

What are you thinking at that point?

Depends which one has the shotgun, and got out of the VK commodore double parked with the engine running out the front of the bank.

 

[get me outta here]

Very interesting article and author.

The burqa Is not a necessary religious item.
Ban the Burqa? The Argument in Favor :: Middle East Quarterly

 

[medhead]

I'm trying to work out which is more confronting.

Abbott appears in public like this:

Or

View attachment 35532

 

[JohnK]

Before I post one of my thoughts I'd like to have confirmation why there is a need for women to have to completely conceal their body and face.

As far as security goes, then I think there is a genuine need to identify people in high security areas. And that applies to anyone who is wearing say a balaklava, helmet or scarf that covers their face.

Be careful of the thought police.

 

[Flashback]

Hmmm....actually now that I think of it, if a vegetarian will drink milk / eat dairy then why will they not eat butter.

I think I was thinking "butter comes from animal fat" and animal fat instantly drew in my mind that means you need to kill the animal to get at that fat to make butter.

I knew something wasn't screwed on properly this morning....

Mrs Flashback has no issues with butter ... that being said, she's vegetarian just because she doesn't like the texture/taste of meat; no other reason. She admits it smells good when I cook it!!

 

[ReLoad]

Just did the Boeing factory tour, was awesome! Saw AA's first 787 get ready to be pushed out the door.

Also SQ's 83rd 777. If only QF.......

Anyway, the tour is a must see, the 747-8 is amazing!

 

[JohnM]

Just did the Boeing factory tour, was awesome! Saw AA's first 787 get ready to be pushed out the door.

Also SQ's 83rd 777. If only QF.......

Anyway, the tour is a must see, the 747-8 is amazing!

The Boeing museum at their airfield S of Seattle (but before you get to SEATAC) is also excellent IMO. They have a Concorde you can go in, the original B707 Airforce1 (complete with LBJ Stetson hat holder). Allow a full day. I did, was captivated by both the modern stuff and the full Boeing history - and still didn't see it all.