But we are told in the West that such garments are burqas and hijabs have always been the laws of the land for muslims. Deep rooted tradition. Can’t take it off to serve customers, play volleyball, or pose for a driver’s license photo.
Maybe in Saudi Arabia, that might be true. Before the establishment of the modern nation, they were nomads living on the desert for centuries. With all that sun, it makes sense to cover yourself up, or the sun will literally kill you.
If I'm mistaken, would someone who's better versed with the history of the Middle East please correct me?
There was a time when Western culture and values were dominant around the world, certainly among 3rd world elites anyway, and were seen as THE keys for progress and development. Part of that was the West's OWN self-confidence and belief in its own culture of Christianity, personal freedom and personal responsibility. Of course, we have lost that now.
I know Western women who travelled to Muslim areas of India, Pakistan, etc.. in the 1970's who were told to cover up, sexually harassed, etc... just as we heard of now, so the closed Muslim mind and attitudes toward women have always been there. Only now there is a vacuum in the world - and radical Islam seeks to fill it. We are only now waking to this reality.