Customs and culture should trump immigrant rights
I oppose women in Canada wearing a veil or burka. For me, it’s not about stopping the oppression of women or about being racist, it’s about defending the culture and customs of the country that I love.
Why are we constantly being asked to alter our society’s norms to accommodate the “rights” of immigrants? I live in a society that communicates not just with the spoken or written word, but visually as well — and that includes faces. In our culture, we look to subtle or not-so-subtle facial cues to communicate with fellow citizens.
If I were asked to work with a woman in a burka or a woman with her face covered, I would lodge a complaint. And I don’t buy the contention that being uncomfortable with a foreign custom makes it my problem and/or that I’m racist. Why does his or her comfort always trump my discomfort?
Peter Randrup, Smithers
Veil ban ‘not Canadian’
Being an imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Canada, I am saddened to learn about the niqab ban in Quebec.
I have always felt that Canada is a role model for the world, exemplifying values of tolerance and inclusiveness. Yet with this ban, Muslim women who like to cover their faces out of modesty are being attacked.
I applaud the effort for finding ways to protect our nation, but policies such as this create divisiveness. Instead of creating a peaceful environment, a wrong message is sent when one group is clearly targeted. It sends the message that every Muslim is thought of as a terrorist until proven otherwise.
In cold winters of Canada, especially in Quebec, many individuals cover their faces while waiting for a bus or just walking through the streets. I am sure this will continue, despite this ruling, as it doesn’t disallow that. But if a Muslim covers their face for the same reason they would be targeted. I feel the ban is not very Canadian.
Tariq Azeem, Vancouver
Minority rules B.C.
We should thank columnist Mike Smyth for confirming that the minority absolutely rules in B.C.
His story removes all doubt that the South Asians and the taxi monopoly are way more important to the NDP than competitive progress in serving the majority of British Columbians who need better service.
It is bad that the NDP lied to us in now stalling Uber and I believe many voters who said “give the NDP a chance” are now having second thoughts.
Bill Davis, New Westminster
Human stupidity on display
People are always told to lock up their garbage and not to feed bears, yet apparently that does not apply to explorers or tour groups.
The story Sunday about the Canada C3 coastline tour shows a photo with a bunch of people crowding by a small black bear. If that bear had attacked, it would have been put down because of human stupidity. Enjoy the tour, but leave the animals alone!
Shawn Storey, Surrey
Niqab ban anger is nonsense
Kudos to Quebec for Bill 62 and shame on other provinces for condemning it. As we know, banks expect their customers to remove hats, sunglasses and face masks for public safety reasons.
Why should this policy be any different in shopping malls, supermarkets and other public places? And what does covering one’s face have to do with religion? Nonsense!
Jerzy Rudowski, Langley