‘Hijab: a political symbol’

“Re: ‘The hijab is more than a head cover; Around the world similar head gear provides security and a tie to culture’ (Opinion, April 23). The hijab is indeed more than head cover. In some countries it is a symbol of what patriarchal societies do to dominate and oppress women. Something to celebrate here in Hamilton on the McMaster campus? I think not. The hijab in the West is more a cultural and political symbol than it is religious apparel. In some cases it represents the most radical and fundamentalist political views of Islam today.”

Letter in Hamilton Spectator, 25 April 2007