Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Now She Wants to Start Wearing Her Head Scarf?

Imane Boudlal says that when she was hired, two years ago, she didn't demand the right to wear her hijab at work. Now, after proving herself, she wants to start wearing it for Ramadan this year.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/muslim-woman-sues-disney-for-not-allowing-her-to-wear-her-hijab-to-work/

Why would any employer make a fuss about this? Even if it's a Disney-related company, does anybody seriously think a head scarf necessarily clashes with Disney themes? They've forgotten Aladdin? Granted, I had someone to kiss during the boring parts of Aladdin, and as I recall there were several, but I'm almost positive I saw a lady in a black head scarf in there somewhere. If there wasn't one, there ought to have been. They should pay Ms. Boudlal more for dressing like a character in a Disney movie. Not many people could be paid to wear that kind of costume in high summer in southern California.

Not convinced? Please scroll down to the comments section, where some troll snarkily threatens to sue for the right to observe a weekly "sabbath." This has actually been a very important issue for a number of observant Jews and Christians. Most of the world's religions have declared one day of the week to be special in some way, and every day of the week has been chosen, but Judaism was the first religion to build into its doctrine the concept that one "day of rest" per week is a fundamental human right. Even in the United States some employers still try pushing key people to work seven days a week until they collapse, and our traditional majority religious groups have lobbied to defend people's human right to one day off every week.

If we enjoy one day off every week, I suggest that we respect Ms. Boudlal's right to resume wearing as much of her native costume as she feels comfortable wearing. Anyone who's bothered by her scarf would probably be bothered by her accent and manners too. Write'em off as racists, raise the lady's wages for looking like an authentic "Arabian," and pray that she's willing to go on being a Disney-themed attraction after Ramadan.

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