I am writing in response to Lolla Mohammed NurâÄôs April 18 column “Veiling doesnâÄôt mean oppression” in which she asserts that the veil is a choice of a free society by interviewing two students who “choose” to wear the veil.

The veil is not a political tool, but rather it epitomizes intolerance and social inequality prevalent in Islamic culture.

The only reason the veil exists in the first place is due to the fact that some men in these societies objectify women in such a way that if they see any flesh at all they will not be able to control their innate animalistic tendencies.

Therefore, a form of “modesty” was created to hide the latent, uncontrollable nature of people advocating the veil.

It is not uncommon to see women in Saudi Arabia (or any other Arab country) wearing fully covered black veils in over 100 degree weather in the summer, while their male counterparts walk around in white T-shirts and shorts.

Not only is it a culturally demeaning practice for women, but it also puts anyone interacting with a woman wearing the veil at a serious disadvantage. Language encompasses body motions and facial expressions as well as spoken words. When having any form of discussion with a person hiding behind a wall of oppression, there is no opportunity for free speech or open dialogue.

I, for one, applaud FranceâÄôs decision to ban the full niqba and hope the rest of the civilized world follows suit.

Steven Babinski

University student