TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Burkini

I have been following the burkini (the garb worn by French muslim women on beaches) controversy in France and wondered if anyone has spotted a burkini on any of the beaches in St. Martin.

I, as well, have read the controversy and action by police in Nice. I somewhat agree that people at the beach "may" become fearful, angry, when seeing this. I know I should have an open mind but when I see a woman at the grocery store in full mufti (sp?) I find myself thinking, "wonder if her husband's a bomber or sleeper cell."

I guess my fear comes from witnessing an event at a local bakery here. Woman fully covered walked into the bakery with a girl of 10 or 12 holding her hand. A man came from behind the counter, slapped the woman across the face, said something to her then put a towel over the child's head. I never stepped into that bakery again. It has since gone out of business

I love Dutch politician Geert Wilders.

I saw two twenty-something girls on the beach wearing hijabs (head scarf) and long leggings and tunics when we were there in May. I think it was at Mullet Bay. I thought they looked quite comfortable, and their presence didn't scare me or make me wonder if they or their families were plotting something. Then again I live in a quite diverse area, and am used to seeing immigrants in clothing that's different than what I wear.

From what I know about France, they have had a secular tradition for over 100 years in which any public display of religion, including Christianity, is forbidden. In addition, many in France suspect that women will be forced to wear the burkini against their will as a means of advancing Islam. In addition, in light of the recent acts of terrorism in Paris and Nice many are suspicious of people of the Islamic faith who are covered from head to toe in public places. It is not an easy decision and I understand both sides of the argument.

I understand the interest in this topic, in light of recent events, but this can go down a slippery slope to political discussion in a hurry..

you mean like this Carol: " I find myself thinking, "wonder if her husband's a bomber or sleeper cell."

this is where fear and bigotry begin.

I found myself thinking...why is it important what someone wears on the beach if it's appropriate for them?

Exactly.

With all due respect, Chuck, the context is entirely missing. Many Muslim women in France are forced by husbands, family, etc. to cover from head to foot. They have no choice in the matter. Who ordinarily goes to a beach fully clothed? You go to the beach to uncover yourself. After the recent spate of terrorism attacks many people in France are suspicious of anyone covered completely in public places.

Deep thought. Welcoming open mindedness is great and freedom to wear whatever or nothing is great until the open minded tolerant majority balance shifts and the new close minded majority makes their way mandatory. Demographics and birthrates of all cultures are worth watching to see how things might unfold this century.

OK, I think that this has nowhere to go but down.