In my opinion the intimidation or anxiety felt is nothing to with the potential for concealed weapons but more the perceived disdain, dislike, hatred, mistrust - call it what you like - that the wearer may have for a westernised individual.
Long dresses aren’t the issue. Identity is. The majority of the population is subjected to CCTV scrutiny wherever they go. Burka wearers are exempt for no justifiable reason whatsoever. All face coverings should be banned in public, pedestrian, areas.
If a child is initially alarmed,you explain and take away the fear.
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In my experience an 18-24 month old child doesn't really understand religious clothing worn by people who don't speak, but they know that Spiderman only wears his when fighting baddies.
prudie, another way of looking at is maybe the eyes behind the burka are those of a young, ill, if at all educated, woman married into this country within her extended family, who doesn't speak English and only has her kids to hang on to? Could happen
alternatively, she may be a confident, high earning lawyer who's just decided to pal up with a bit of jihad-lite in a provincial town for the rush?
I can see your point Talbot but I have tried to keep to the wearing of it and not the 'why' - if it is against their will I am agin it,by choice , then enough said.
That 'religious garb' is for most no more than the uniform of fundamentalist Islam. For the rest it's a lifetime of separation from the society imposed upon women by their controlling menfolk. What are you supporters of the burka really defending? Wake up people!