When the US president and his wife paid their respects to the late King Abdullah two days ago, she didn't wear a headscarf during the brief visit although she wore a long dress with sleeves.
Her uncovered head caused consternation, and highlighted the restrictions placed on women in Saudi Arabia.
Her uncovered head caused consternation, and highlighted the restrictions placed on women in Saudi Arabia.
Women living in the ultra-conservative Kingdom, face severe restraints. They must cover their hair and wear loose black robes in public at all times, they are banned from driving, and must be accompanied by a male chaperone when they leave the house.
Other women and most men at the ceremony displayed their hair, so the trend wasn't about everyone showing respect in a certain way. What if a country's custom required women to wear goggles? Or walk barefooted? Should religious rules be imposed on visiting foreigners?
I agree that everyone should be free to worship the way they choose, or have conformed to for all their life, or even to shun all religion. To me, it speaks of a person's spiritual evolution. I prefer to follow a private communication with a Higher Power.
However, we shouldn't insist on every visitor deviating from their own custom or dress.
Other women and most men at the ceremony displayed their hair, so the trend wasn't about everyone showing respect in a certain way. What if a country's custom required women to wear goggles? Or walk barefooted? Should religious rules be imposed on visiting foreigners?
I agree that everyone should be free to worship the way they choose, or have conformed to for all their life, or even to shun all religion. To me, it speaks of a person's spiritual evolution. I prefer to follow a private communication with a Higher Power.
However, we shouldn't insist on every visitor deviating from their own custom or dress.
Fashion is a fleeting state of adornment. Trends come and go, and not everyone bothers to follow the herd.
US Presidents have visited Saudi Arabia 13 times since 1945. The photo shows President Nixon and his scarf-less wife in 1971. See the Washington Post article with pictures.
Do you think 'rules is rules'? Or should we conform when visiting another country?
US Presidents have visited Saudi Arabia 13 times since 1945. The photo shows President Nixon and his scarf-less wife in 1971. See the Washington Post article with pictures.
Do you think 'rules is rules'? Or should we conform when visiting another country?
RSS Feed
