I was thinking about the issues surrounding the hijab yesterday

[etherealtruth]

14. I have truly bifurcated feelings about the hijab

I do find the chador, niqab, and burka to be born solely out of misogyny and my belief is that they oppress (and are designed to oppress).

An important thing to keep in mind is that these coverings are cultural vs specifically religious. In the Quran the rule of Modesty is prescribed for both men and women.

My experiences with Islam (and Muslims) are generally very different than the generic American experience. I think what many are attributing to "choice" is often more attributable to family and cultural pressures than actual "free choice" (I acknowledge most of us act in accordance with family and cultural pressures).

Like you, regardless of the reason a woman wears a hijab or burka, for that matter, I am adamantly opposed to attacking, ridiculing and bigotry directed to the women in this garb.