Boris and the burka
- Thread starter koolpc
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Why? They don't live in total isolation in their own sovereign nation.
Sikhs, not Hindus. It's not very specific, either. It can be a sword, for example. You're hardly likely to see a Sikh carrying a sword around, but they could if they wanted to.
I think religion shouldn't be above the law. It's not a practical security issue here and now. Ever heard of a Sikh in the UK using their bladed weapon (kirpan, I think) as a weapon? I think it happened once. It's still placing religion above the law so I'm opposed to it as a matter of principle. If religion, why not culture? Traditional Scottish culture, for example, has a knife in it. Sgian Dubh? Something like that. So why aren't they allowed to carry it?
Soldato
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Which is wrong, because even if you're Knighted by HM the Queen you're not allowed to walk around in public with a sword strapped to your back.
Why? Because it primarily affects them, they need to be part of that discussion, especially if the challenge is that of oppression. What if it turns out the vast majority are wearing it because they like it.
Certainly I think they have a better understanding than a fop haired toff from Whitehall.
That would actually be safer - a sword strapped to your back is not very useful. It's really hard to draw a sword from your back and it would get in the way quite a lot. Which is why swords were worn on the hip.
But yes, that's another example of culture not being above the law where religion is. Traditionally in England (and some other places), a noble had a right to wear a sword inside a town or city. That was an important symbol of their rank. It's part of our cultural heritage.
Part of it, yes. But not the only part.
Caporegime
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People moan about politicians lying and just saying what people want to hear, but when they say what they are thinking, people get offended
People moan about politicians lying and just saying what people want to hear, but when they say what they are thinking, people get offended
People are offended because it was racist.
People need to stop dressing this up as anything but to be honest.
Wrote the piece and went on holiday. However I am fed up with demands for anyone to apologise whenever someone takes exception to what they are saying. It is a bit weak and lily livered in my view. All views are contentious to someone. August is just a weak news month.
Bit of a stretch to suggest racism. Culturally prejudicial, certainly.
Soldato
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Well then you're part of the problem.
Theres nothing racist about saying "women in burkas look like letter boxes"
Islam isn't a race.
I agree. We have free speech in this country and people ARE allowed to be offended. If he doesn't want to apologise, too bad, they can't make him. The offended don't have to vote for him if he runs for PM.
People accuse Trump of being "thin skinned", yet expect an apology any time someone says something slightly controversial.
Anyway, Boris the Burka should be his nickname. It has a ring to it. Like Boris the bullet from Snatch
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So you are saying a grown man, with experience in politics, can say what he wants (even if he knows better), because children have no filter?
Well, I guess you are right in terms of Boris basically being an oversized toddler.
Whatever helps you sleep at night, it was a racist comment made by a complete and utter moron.
Yet again GD absolutely excels.
So in what way was it racist considering Islam isn't a race?
Permabanned
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In some ways its good that it is being discussed/brought to the forefront by Boris but it just feel like he has put it badly.
This is the standard argument that possibly no longer stands up in modern society.
This is the standard argument that possibly no longer stands up in modern society.