The Islamic face veil is a barrier to integration in the West.

Reading through Pro’s argument, I believe it is very clear that he/she has a very out-dated cliché view on the Muslim face veil. He has given very bold statements about how the veil is a sign of oppression and restricts women to get education and social life etc. These are incorrect analyses and very basic level argumentation, which do not hold any substance until given at least some demonstration of examples. Below is a list of points which Pro raised in the first round that I see should be addressed: 1. “Wearing the burqa is an act offensive to Western culture and should therefore not be allowed.” Pro explains how multiculturalists can accept different cultures and values but draw the line when something is offensive or detrimental to the society. And then states the burqa is an act of offence to western culture and so shouldn’t be allowed. I have two issues which this statement to refute it. a) Pro needs to demonstrate how it is offensive to western culture? Is it harming anyone? Or is it offending anybody? Why is it offensive? And b) Pro seems to have made the assumption that western culture is absolute pin-point and accurate on morality and judgement, and therefore has the high authority to judge other cultures it comes across in a world of multiculturalism. What’s to say that there aren’t any flaws in western culture? To justify this point Pro has to provide a sufficient reasoning to why we should look at western culture as superior to any other. 2. “According to Fathi, the burqa exists as a tool for men to control their wives.” This is not true. According to Fathi it might be, but in accordance to Islamic rulings it is clearly not. Researching about the veil from Muslim sources, one would find that veiling is part of the modesty and worship of God. And Muslim women should choose this freely of their choice. Also the majority of Muslim scholars do not advocate the face veil as compulsory but an optional. Some argue that the face veil is not even part of the minimum female hijab dress code. So those that wear the veil, the majority of them wear it even though they see it as optional, this it indicates free choice. Even if some Muslim women see it as compulsory, still it indicates free choice, because Islam does not see it fit to force anything upon anyone, be it compulsory acts or optional. So I believe I have made it clear, Muslim women who practice the veil do not do it out of blind faith to subjugate themselves to male control. Those that see it as a tool to control the wives have an incoherent understanding. 3. “According to the rationalizations provided by Muslim men, women must wear the burqa because, if they don't, men will rape women who show their face in public.” This is totally an irrational type of argument. Whoever said this? I leave it to Pro to provide us with a Muslim academic who has ever said this for the purpose of proving this statement to be true. Regardless, I would still argue that Muslims should not use this type of argumentation. 4. “Because of veiling, women were not allowed to get an education, nor to have any role in political life. In fact, they were not allowed to have any role at all in public life.” In his argument, Pro has mentioned how in history the veil has been a ‘sign of oppression’ and then stated “because of veiling, women were not allowed…”. In regards Pro’s comment: women are not allowed education because of veiling. I would like Pro to make it clear what he thinks/understands the reasons for this are today in the west. This would be helpful before we go any further on the matter. Also, it is not so in western society that a single person should be able to fit into every category of public and professional life. We all have our particular niches, and suit ourselves to different categories we like, be it political or social etc. When Muslim women choose the veil, they must also bear in mind there may be certain professions they cannot take because of it, but also there are professions that may suit them perfectly. But this doesn’t mean they cannot by any means contribute to society. 5. “Con argues that it is the right of woman to wear the veil. Con has provided no evidence that woman have this right.” This is an illogical statement. I ask Pro, if a woman freely and consciously chooses to wear the veil. What right does he have then to demand evidence from that woman that it is her right to wear what she likes, so long as it’s not harming/offending anyone? 6. “The veil clearly represents the patriarchal oppression of women.” This is Pro’s conclusion of our discussion so far. It is clear from Islamic rulings the veil is not meant for the representation of oppression of women. Many Muslim women wear the veil in the west, and to boldly speak on their part without any demonstration of proof is not a valid argument. So after thoroughly analysing Pro’s argumentations, I conclude for now that Pro has not yet successfully shown how the face veil is a barrier to integration in the West. Rather providing us with generalised clichéd comments and opinions, I ask Pro to give us some examples and cases to justify his premises. I hope I have understood all of Pro’s arguments properly, if I have fallen short of understanding any I trust he will correct me. I look forward to Pro’s next reply, I trust it will be an interesting one which will help us dig deeper into this topic. Thank you.