The Burkini

Young Muslim women will definitely save money on bikini wax and suntan lotion at the beach this year.That's because the burkini, the latest in swimwear for Muslim women, is making its appearance and creating quite a stir on Australia's beaches, famous for their scantily-attired females.

A hybrid of the Islamic burqa and the Western world's much-beloved bikini, the lycra, two-piece bathing suit covers its wearer from head to foot, showing only the hands, feet and face.The full-length swimsuit's designer, Lebanon-born Aheda Zanetti, told the media her lightweight creation is meant to allow Muslim women to enjoy water sports, while still remaining modestly dressed.

The burkini also differs from other Muslim swimwear for females already in existence, Zanetti said, in that it is the first two-piece suit incorporating a head covering. Up until now, Muslim women have been wearing heavy robes and dresses to the beach unsuitable for swimming. (Who says there isn't progress being made for women in the Islamic world?)

While the burkini's appearance may elicit jokes (one wag has described their wearers as ninja wannabes), one has to question whether it represents a loosening up of restrictions on Muslim women to allow them to swim, as the sale of almost ten thousand burkinis, each costing $140 to $160, attests, or is it still just another embarrassing tactic to oppress them and to further institutionalize Muslim gender apartheid.

Whatever the case, when one examines the facts of the eeny-weenie burkini story, there is nothing teensie-weensie about it.

Entire article here.