22nd January 2004, 1:45 PM
It's more than just a symbol of modesty, come on. It is a symbol of strong religious faith and of subjugation. Turkey banned them 80 years ago when they were trying to seperate church and state, because they were such a strong religious icon and so hurtful at chances for a truly secular state...
Yes, ignorance and intolerance are a big part of it. But for both sides of this issue, not just the French. Again, France has large minorities and definite problems between them and the French. I've heard of all kinds of bad things going on in French schools... intolerance? Some. But the Muslims seem to be just as bad in return... banning headscarves might help cool things down and lessen some tensions (while admittedly making others worse).
And it's more than just a symbol of modesty.
Yes, ignorance and intolerance are a big part of it. But for both sides of this issue, not just the French. Again, France has large minorities and definite problems between them and the French. I've heard of all kinds of bad things going on in French schools... intolerance? Some. But the Muslims seem to be just as bad in return... banning headscarves might help cool things down and lessen some tensions (while admittedly making others worse).
And it's more than just a symbol of modesty.