I think that some of you are missing the point.

Whilst I would argue that in our country, others have the right to be different, I would also point out to those who wish to be different, that many members of our society actually do object to them being different. In consequence of that, they then have to accept the slings and arrows which will be aimed at them.

However, in giving them the right to be different, we are not also giving them the right to arbitrarily impose their ways on us. That can only happen if they win a majority in the government (shudder).

Is that really the point? The writer was not asking us to wear the garment, only that we should allow her to decide whether or not she wore it.

You (VK3AUU) are right in implying that what we wear says something about us, and we learn in time that dressing simply to please ourselves (or wearing tattoos, body-piercing, adorning ourselves) can have negative impacts on others: they might choose not to employ us, or to choose us as friends or partners. But we are a diverse and pluralist society, and that is part of it. It is (thank heavens) up to us what we wear. In Chairman Mao's China everyone wore the same; that was not a great alternative. The headgear in question doesn't offend me any more than a nun's habit does, or a weird hairdo. Why is it a problem for others?

Don Aitkin
" The headgear in question doesn't offend me any more than a nun's habit does, or a weird hairdo. Why is it a problem for others? "

That is just the point, it IS a problem for others, the why or wherefore is immaterial, that is just their prejudice, so those who choose to wear hedgear, for whatever reason, just have to put up with the slack.

I don't like youths who wear caps with the peak to the back, I think they look dills, but that is my prejudice based on my perceptions of the behaviour of a few which in my brain illogically also translates to the many.

Getting back to the thread, it seems to me to be imperative that more Muslim women become vocal in defense of their views. Their silence on many issues comes across as acquiescence.

In international hallways female employers from Islamist world mentioned possibility to wear Western clothes as a very reason for all hardness such a travelling lifestyle of international bureaucrats brings about.

May I jump round streets naked – whether in the West or East? Eventually,YES - somewhere in areas requiring a special pass to reach only.

So, what is a problem, should it suite me?