Aislin/Montreal Gazette
A cartoon referred to as “controversial”, and the Islamic faith, are both back in the news together today, after the Montreal Gazette ran an editorial cartoon on the Muslim woman expelled from school for refusing to remove her niqab in class.
The cartoonist, Terry Mosher, who draws under the name Aislin, crafted a picture of a common niqab, but with prison bars and lock where the eyes would go. As far as cartoons go, it’s not particularly original, or offensive. A simple google images search for the word “burqa” turns up the niqab instead, with a digitally edited photograph of a woman looking through a veil of prison bars. The photo was commissioned by the International Society for Human Rights, which opposes third world gender apartheid for women.
The Egyptian-born immigrant, Naïma Atef Amed, has now twice been removed from provincially funded French language and integration classes for new immigrants after refusing to remove her niqab. The province has backed the wishes of school instructors who said that the niqab was making interaction impractical.
Ms.Amed has since spawned the obligatory provincial human rights complaint with the Quebec Human Rights Commission, an ironic move not lost on many women who say that religious freedom should not be used as an excuse to wear the symbols of gender oppression.
Several Islamic lobby groups and organizations expressed disapproval of the political cartoon today, saying that many women wear the Niqab because they believe it to be the truest expression of their faith. Islamic scholar and author, Tarek Fatah, is not convinced.
“You are free to support these ninjas and I will continue to expose this hideous symbol of Islamofascism,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
“The niqab is a symbol of the Muslim Brotherhood doctrine best expressed by the Saudis where an entire population is identified by their attire just as the red guards were under Mao’s China.”
Many people, like Mr.Fatah, believe that the burqa and niqab aren’t expressions of religiosity, but rather political symbols of political Islam. Indeed, he has written that the burqa is an imported and modern compulsion of Saudi Arabia’s strict Wahabbist interpretation of Islam. It is an interpretation that has been widely condemned by human rights observers the world over.
There’s nothing wrong with the editorial cartoon, which accurately symbolizes the voluntary imprisonment of individuality behind a black curtain of religious dogma. But if I were Mr.Mosher, I would purchase a panic room forthwith.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the depiction but with what happened with Ezra a few short years ago, is this a double standard, a refreshing NEW Pandora’s box, an awakening. Are we going to open an adult and truthful dialogue about how we all REALLY feel about this perceived female abusive act?
Put a check mark beside my name. I certainly hope so.
Yes, but just wait. You never know if the Gazette will be forced to apologize later when the HRC complaints come a callin’.
Well yes and that may need to happen because I suspect the moderates are looking for the perfect storm to stage their coo. It has to happen and this could be the venue and jurisdiction.
the burka is an ideological statement, not merely a fashion statement. Those who hold such a worldview should have realized, in coming to this country, that while they are free to hold to their beliefs in their private lives, they should not expect our public institutions to change established practices to satisfy their demands. And the same freedoms that allow them to hold to their beliefs likewise protect everyone else, who may see fit to differ or to criticize.
The cartoon is not a gratuitous insult seeking to communicate contempt towards minority beliefs. .. Having filed a formal human rights complaint and having sought public attention with their grievance, this matter is in the public domain and subject to political comment, including critical commentary in an editorial cartoon. Those unaccustomed to such practices may not like it, but it is part of public discourse in this country.
Bang on Terry M.!!
The femme in question is apparently from Egypt. It has been reported that sometime in the past 12 to 18 months Egypt passed a law PROHIBITING the wearing of the Niqab.
If her homeland rejects the attire, why must we knuckle under in Canada?
Our western society has the iconic connotations that most wearers of face-coverings are perps of some sort of crime or evil. to wit: bank robbers, thugs, train and stagecoach hold up artists, highwaymen etc. etc.
tj
t.e.&o.e.
If you’ve ever seen a woman in a burka, it’s also a very intimidating sight. Noticed a woman downtown while on the train: tall, long coat, and veiled so only a slit for her eyes was visible. I would not want to be forced to interact (for want of a better word) with a woman who, while totally able to inspect and form her opinions about moi, will not grant me the same right. Not to mention that her words, muffled as they will be through the cloth, would be very difficult for me to understand and that could cause problems. Would my disease at being confronted by a mask, so to speak, not to mention my unability to understand the woman, be allowable excuises when the HRC comes calling?
What an excellent idea. Let’s express our commitment to this woman’s freedom and our disgust at her oppression by forcing her to adopt what WE feel is appropriate.
Yes, we already know how you feel about gender apartheid.
What a cogent and informed response.
Now perhaps wipe the smirk off, and explain why forcing a woman to conform to your taste in clothing is somehow liberating her.
Balbull, you seem to be short-tempered lately…everything o.k. buddy?
Pretty much. You KNOW I’ve always been a prick, M.