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From London, the apparent centre of oblivious idealism, Nesrine Malik allows only one eye to peer from behind her full-face anonymity (Revealing view from behind the black veil, The West, 19 Jul 10).
After three years, the "abaya and niquab became a comfort and a delight. It was a relief not to have to think about what to wear." So far, so good.
"The uniform black costume has a charming egalitarianism about it." Sound nice. Unfortunately, Malik was not listening to what she was writing.
"Fashion-wise... the smallest details count." From egalitarianism Malik has jumped to a fashion statement.
"Subtly embellished... Light fabrics and slim-line empire silhouettes..." So much for the plain uniform of egalitarianism... "My uniform is better than your uniform!" she shouts.
"Eye make-up and footwear took on extra significance." I'm better than you! Just look at my expensive and tasteful extras!
"The outfit became empowering, enabling reclamation of one's sexuality..." Wow! Whatever happened to "the Islamic requirement for modest dress"?! Someone is just asking for a stoning...
And let's have a quick look at the "charming egalitarianism" of the "uniform black costume":
Egalitarianism? Wikipedia introduces egalitarianism as, "a trend of thought that favors equality of some sort." Wearing a black sack makes everyone somehow equal, does it? Equal to whom?
Equal to every other person who wears the same black sack.
Not equal to the women who can afford to and who do tailor their outfits.
Not equal to the women who wear expensive shoes.
Not equal to the women who paint their nails, in order to better display their sexuality.
And certainly not equal to the 50% of the world -- men -- who are never required to wear either abaya or niqab.
It can be had to be objective about subjugation when you have finally learnt to shut up and accept it.
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