What do you think about bans on wearing religious garb in public? The main example of this is obviously the various bans on hijabs and burkas, but of course it can also be extended to other religions and clothing.
There seems to be a big difference on this issue between the first and third worlds. In the first world, these bans are associated with the anti-immigrant right and liberals tend to oppose them on anti-racist grounds. In the Islamic world, on the other hand, such restrictions are strongly associated with the left (Tunisia, Turkey, ex-SSRs).
What do you think about such laws. Are they universally right or wrong regardless of the country, or should different standards be applied depending on the political context. If you do support such bans, should they also extend to, say, clergy? What about less conspicuous garments like rings and necklaces?
This perhaps leads to a larger question–should a socialist state aggressively secularize the country and force religion out of public life (like in the French revolution)? Or is it better to take a passive approach by simply removing state support for religion and letting it wither away due to education and higher living standards?
By removing the material conditions that give rise to it and educating people. For example, "the real danger facing the churches in the GDR today is no longer a direct confrontation with the state. . . Numerous parishes have already dwindled down to a small handful of worshippers, if that. But since the church in the GDR—unlike that in the West—does not have the opportunity of compensating for its dwindling religious substance and attractiveness by social activities, it is hit all the harder by the process of secularization." (Sontheimer and Bleek, The Government and Politics of East Germany, 1975, p. 125.)
In other words the church no longer had the need to dispense charity to the destitute or carry out other societal functions. One's belief in religion was not tied to economic or cultural considerations. This obviously weakens the influence of religion.
Ethan Morales
Religious garb is not necessarily the issue. Burkas are bad because they are a symbol of propriety and reinforce the notion that women exist for solely for males. Hijabs and various religious "modesty" requirements might require elimination if they are likewise used to keep women oppressed (which they usually are.)
Jace Wilson
This argument is dumb because if someone is really that extreme about it they'll probably just not let their wife/daughter go out at all.
Anyway these bans are dumb handouts to far rightists disguised as feminism or some shite.
Jaxson Turner
And then this presents a problem that authorities can intervene in Got a problem with that liberal?
Benjamin Bennett
I just thought of a follow-up question. Should a socialist government allow private religious schools? strawpoll.me/17561369
Bentley Lewis
Now that's a nonono
Elijah Sullivan
And the women will say it was their idea and you'd get nowhere, plus you've alienated them more. Great solution!
Joshua Sanders
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Lincoln Allen
Most people don't escape their culture, especially not by force. If they see society as friendly and well intentioned then I'd say they're much more likely to try and see what it has to offer. If society oppresses them and alienates them, guess what, they'll most likely retreat inwarda and become more extreme.
