As a Canadian citizen, I have been through many cases where the burka has actually caused a bigger divide and cultural isolation among people. A 7 year old girl who was playing soccer was insistent on wearing her hijab (despite it being against the dress code). And may I ask again what is sexually provocative about a 7 year old that must be covered? Anyway, through several legal battles, she was allowed, despite it still being a hazard as it covered her side vision. What caused the most issue for me is, if I wanted to wear my Spider-Man mask, or some kind of head/face gear that I found of certain value, I would not be allowed. A double standard towards citizens for some reason is allowed when it’s the other way around.

The concept of white guilt can’t last forever; nor should it serve to guide policies. How I can feel guilt over something I have no control over? Most of these women will never speak up about domestic violence, sadly enough, because its not something to speak about. Its hard to explain, its very similar to the Eastern European mind set. It’s just something that happens.

I think the most important thing to regard about France is that they are doing this less to help the women but more so to preserve their own culture. If one thing I admire, is that they have a strong sense of national identity, the French DEFINE their culture, not let others do it for them. As an immigrant myself (I moved to Canada 9 years ago), is I understand that I want to incorporate my cultural values but never forgetting that I live in Canada now, and if there are certain values I must either accept them or “go back home to my country”. I have successfully done it. My values as a Russian are my own but I never force them upon others nor force others to accept them.

“how did these women get so submissive? My wife tells me what to wear.” <— I love that!