I think I might have "maskaphobia" 
Only it's that I just feel a profound sense of depression when I see women wearing burqas or niqabs., because it reminds me of the proclaimed inferior status of women in Islam. It's something which affects me profoundly and causes me distress.
Can't help it; that's how I feel. Also, it's a bit depressing to me that some Muslim women in Australia have not yet absorbed one of our most important cultural beliefs . . the belief in the equality of the sexes.
Maybe in time, eh?
Someone above said that we should respect others' cultural and religious beliefs. . . Well, I cannot do that if that culture or religion contains ideas which I find repugnant and insulting. Sorry.
@iapetus_rocks wrote:I think I might have "maskaphobia"
Only it's that I just feel a profound sense of depression when I see women wearing burqas or niqabs., because it reminds me of the proclaimed inferior status of women in Islam. It's something which affects me profoundly and causes me distress.
Can't help it; that's how I feel. Also, it's a bit depressing to me that some Muslim women in Australia have not yet absorbed one of our most important cultural beliefs . . the belief in the equality of the sexes.
Maybe in time, eh?
Someone above said that we should respect others' cultural and religious beliefs. . . Well, I cannot do that if that culture or religion contains ideas which I find repugnant and insulting. Sorry.
iapetusrocks, you are putting your own meaning on the wearing of a burqa or niqab
*Note: This pamphlet will refer to both the niqab and burqa simply as the burqa for the remaining sections.
An Established Practice
There is no doubt that both the burqa and niqab have an Islamic basis, and that both have been commonly practised and
recognised by Muslims throughout history. Islamic texts make it very clear that the hijab is compulsory for Muslim women to
observe. Consequently, Islamic scholars have agreed that both the burqa and niqab are part of Islam, but have differed as to whether they are also compulsory or optional acts of virtue. This explains why some Muslim women wear the hijab, while others decide to wear the niqab or burqa.
Common Allegations
‘It is oppressive’
Muslim women who choose to wear the burqa do so out of their own free will, believing it is an act of worship and a form of
liberation from the objectifi cation of women in modern society. In fact, preventing Muslim women from practising their religion is what is truly oppressive. “Niqab is a very liberating and empowering experience. It allows me to realise my goals by having a career and going to school without worrying about the prying eyes of men. It forces people not to judge me based on my appearance, but on my thoughts and character.” Ms. Flavia, 22, USA.
‘It is backwards’ ‘
The burqa is not part of a short-lived fashion trend. It is a religious garment and act of worship which is not subject to time and therefore, does not become outdated. In fact, the burqa is gaining much popularity in modern societies, especially amongst Western convert women. “My body is my business, and I shouldn’t have to defend what I wear to anyone. The burqa is part of my religion, and the fact that I choose to wear it does not make me any less human.” Ms. Yasmin, 21, Aus.
‘It is intimidating’
While the burqa may appear intimidating to some people, it is not worn with the intention of being threatening or frightening. People are often intimidated by what they have no knowledge of, and the burqa is a piece of clothing which should not warrant fearful reaction. Underneath the burqa is a person simply trying to practise their religion. It is interesting to note that other forms of dress and appearance are no longer considered intimidating, as they have become accepted by the wider community. Tattoos, extremely short dresses, revealing clothes, body piercing and outlandish hairstyles are all examples of this phenomena.
‘It is a form of male domination’
Wearing the burqa does not in any way suggest that women are inferior to men. Claiming that the burqa is a symbol of male domination goes against the fact that many women voluntarily wear the burqa, even though some have no male relatives, or wear it against their male relatives’ wishes.
‘It is anti-social’
There is nothing in the burqa that prevents a woman from interacting with other members of society, or from participating in the community. In fact, neither the hijab nor the burqa are required when among women only.
‘It stops women from contributing to society
Wearing a burqa does not stop a woman from contributing to society or from pursuing higher education. There are many women who wear the burqa and are very highly educated, or lead very successful careers. Every woman who wears a burqa is a unique individual, and it is unfair and inaccurate to make a sweeping judgement about all such women based on one item of clothing they have in common.
From the very advent of Islam, Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was and still is renowned as one of the greatest Islamic scholars to have ever lived. The fact that she wore the burqa did not, in any way, hinder her from becoming such a prominent scholar or from teaching the men and women of her society.
And from another pamphlet:
The Hijab is Dignity
The Hijab promotes a woman’s femininity rather than suppressing it, and grants women dignity and self-respect for who they are, as opposed to being judged by superficial standards, such as appearance. This grants women the power to shape their own dignity via more meaningful standards, such as righteousness, knowledge and societal contribution, rather than having a consumer society dictate their worth through material means, such as how they look or how much money they earn. In the sight of God, men and women do not have to be identical in order to be equal, and this is reflected in the different roles and responsibilities which apply to each.
