So France has banned the Bhurka . I don't really know how I feel about this, in medieval England certain clothing could only be worn by certain classes of people, certain cloth could not be worn by the common people even if they could afford it . When I first read this I thought" how ridiculous" and really the banning of the Bhurka is the same , one group of people telling another group of people how to dress . When you look at fashion it becomes even more ridiculous because over time what was not acceptable to one society has become the height of fashion for another look at hot pants ( if you have to), in the 30s even men wore long shorts but in the 60s they were perfectly acceptable . But of course there is another reason , which is the one that causes doubt , the Bhurka is a mask , and in western society a mask carries with it connotations of secrecy subversion and even violence . It is inbred in us very young, even in comic books most villains wear a mask ( although so do most super heroes) . and part of me feels the mask gives a signal that the individual concerned is not even going to accept or even consider western views whilst in a western country. Odd isn't it how covering the face causes more controversy than covering the genitalia . Perhaps it shouldn't be banned but the individual concerned should be made aware of their accountability if they continue to wear it . I cannot go into a bank or post office if I wear a crash helmet . or surprisingly enough one convenience shop, if I am wearing my hooded jacket ( I'm 65 by the way) so I suggest the same applies to the wearers .
I have just been watching an advertisement for Great Ormond Street Hospital an appeal for funds sandwiched between an RSPCA advertisement and a accident compensation advertisement . It strikes me that as a country we are a bit weird when a hospital which is world renowned,and deals with children has to appeal for funds. (When banks could probably fill the appeal with the bonuses it gives to top staff , who far from being as dedicated and successful as GOS, have managed to mastermind one of the biggest cock ups in history ). I wonder if they have to pay for the advertisement ?
As you can see above the cat takes a dim view of the whole affair.