Week 10 - What to Wear and What NOT to Wear

1. Dress Code Issues

BBC News - The Islamic veil across Europe

a. What are pros and cons of a ban on Muslim veils in public spaces?

Pros: increase public safety, more equality for women, protects cultural identity

Cons: restricts religious freedom, limits people's rights, some women are denied an education

b. Do you think that a ban on Muslim veils in public spaces will increase public safety? Why?

I don't believe that a public ban on veils will increase public safety. There is nothing dangerous about veils and if someone does wear one it doesn't automatically make them dangerous.

c. Do you think that a ban discourages women from pursuing education? Why?

I do think that a ban somewhat discourages women from pursuing education because if women were forbidden from wearing veils or burqas then it may discourage them from going to schools, especially if they are overly religious.

d. Suppose that the Muslim population is increasing in your target country.

How do you think your target country would handle this issue?

Italy would probably have a big problem handling an increase in the Muslim population. If they don't already have the veil or burqa banned, then they will definitely ban it if more Muslims arrive. The people of Italy believe that if they don't ban it now, then lots of women would be wearing it and the number of women wearing would increase.

Does the country more or less respect different cultures/religions?

Italy does somewhat respect other cultures/religions; there are significant minorities including Protestants and Jews. However, increasing immigration of Muslims has led to some anti-immigrants sentiment toward Muslims and their culture.

Is the country more conservative? Why?

Italy is a very conservative country because it is a very religious country that already has it's own rules and ways of dressing; there is even a dress code for churches.

2. What NOT to wear in Italy

• Shorts or miniskirts for women are considered tacky and may cause you to stand out since they aren't worn often by European women

• Sneakers and flip-flops are considered tacky and may make you stand out as a tourist

• Gaudy jewelry, oversized shirts with logos, baggy pants, fanny packs, and baseball hats make you stand out as a tourist, which may make people treat you differently and even target you for pickpocketing

• Revealing tops, tank tops, low-rise pants are considered inappropriate

• Uggs and sweatpants will definitely make you stand out as a tourist

What NOT to wear in churches:

• • No mini-skirts

  • No exposed midriffs

  • No short shorts

  • No exposed knees

  • No exposed shoulders

  • No tank tops