I don't like burqas very much either. If I had a choice between wearing a burqa or wearing a penis sheath, I expect I'd choose not to go to the cricket. It is about choice after all. If a person chooses to wear culturally significant dress, I like to be able to respect that choice. One problem with burqas is the Western perception that women are forced to wear them. This isn't necessarily the case.
I think we should be careful with cultural intolerance. Our own cultural choices meet with disapproval at times and we may feel resentful. Let me give an example. Here in Mullumbimby, pregnant ladies often choose to display their bellies in public. They've been doing it for as long as I've lived here and its an accepted cultural practice. About 15 years ago we had an older guest who publicly expressed disapproval. Big mistake! She promptly got a mouthful of resentment from the pregnant lady.
I think the way someone dresses is very largely a matter of personal choice. Diversity should be welcomed as a measure of our cultural tolerance. Hijabs, burqas, t shirt and thongs, what's the difference?
