Boris Johnson's Latest 'Gaff'

I have heard that the US servicemen call them MBO’s. Moving ,black objects.

I knew I shouldnt have strayed on this. That comment is so offensive.

scary and demeaning? You are way out of line. Who do you think you are?

There has been a spike in hate crime against Muslim women, so your stupid meddling is fueling that.

It's scary AND demeaning. I took the bull by horns today when I saw a lady in one, looked her in the eyes and said pleasantly "you would be SO pretty if you stopped wearing that." I'm going to continue every time I see one, not insulting them but encouraging them out of it. No, I'm sure it won't have slightest effect but I have to say what I think!!!

Don’t know about children lemon, I find the full burka with the net bit in the slit really quite scary. Very unsettling to say the least. I suppose that’s why, when they are around, I avoid them. Look the other way and pretend they’re not there. I don’t know how to react and, as someone who starts conversations with strangers at bus stops, it goes against my nature.

I should think children find them quite frightening.

No - London.

Sorry Lucky but I just don’t believe that - not burqas in a nursery - where was it? Afghanistan?

I see exactly where she’s coming from oldwoman

I know someone who moved their child from a nursery where there were too many staff in burkas. She felt that the child was missing out on important human communication.

“I wouldn’t want my four year old looked after by somebody wearing a burka. I wouldn’t want my elderly mum looked after by somebody wearing a burka. They need to be able to show their face. I wouldn’t mind if they worked in records in the hospital.”
Emily Thornberry. Question Time 2013.

I don't recall any outcry when she said this.

Day6 - dbDB77

Well exactly!

Yes, Day6 - well said - although I do wonder about the wisdom of our complete acceptance and encouragement of "multiculturalism" even when it conflicted with our values - I'm thinking mainly of the attitudes of some cultures to women - when cultures clashed the rights of women were sacrificed in the name of multicultural sensitivity - and hence Rotherham, Rochdale etc etc etc.
Like you I'm no fan of Donald & Boris but it is amusing to see that when they state the "bleeding obvious" a furore erupts from the chattering classes - such as when Donald said it was time for Germany to pull their weight and pay their fair share into NATO and not expect the US to carry the major load - shock, horror - he'd actually voiced what a lot of people had been thinking.
Similarly with Boris and the burqa - and it's ridiculous to call his comments racist - they've been endorsed by leading Imams who support him.

Well said, Day6 ! I don't regard myself as racist- DIL is Filipino, we have great Indian friends. BUT I absolutely think we need limits on immigration; and need to call out ethnic minorities whose actions don't fit our society.

"Johnson (and Trump too for that matter) have made it easier for people to be openly racist."

If you are racist, you are racist. You need no excuse. Most people are not racist and it is NOT racist to question weather face-covering is acceptable in British society.

I don't like Trump or Johnson, but they are both outspoken and controversial. They are most certainly NOT politically aware or correct. What they have been able to do is open discussion about things which concern people. They cut the crap and go straight to the heart of the matter, whether they tread on toes or not and whether you agree with them or not.

Some might say it's quite refreshing to be able to broach subjects which other politicians swerve, or sweep under the carpet.

It concerned the French so much they banned that form of dress and there is a huge Muslim population in France. As others have mentioned, face covering is a topic of conversation that has already been had (and been acted on) in many enlightened European countries.

We don't need far left anything-goes liberalism or far right intolerance: what we do need is the ability to be able to speak up about problems which face a tolerant and multicultural society like ours without fear of being branded racist or bigoted.

Boris is a buffoon but I am of the opinion that we do need politicians who are unafraid to confront and give voice to issues which if left to fester become ugly and cause resentment. That's not the way to build a fair society.

Talking is always a good way forward imo, and topics which are fairly controversial, (like people walking amongst us in a head-to-toe disguise, which is not a religious requirement) should not be ignored.

Definitely trousers - those white hairless legs in the picture are a sight not to behold!

JRM’s turnout is immaculate. Boris needs a good brush and an honest tailor who makes him properly fitting trousers. Remembering to actually fasten them would also be a good idea.

Generally I think TM dresses very well although she is looking understandably tired lately.

Can I point out that many of those who are saying it was "rude" to make a comment about those wearing the burqua do not complain when someone makes comments about what Theresa May, Boris Johnson or Jacob Rees-Mogg wear (and in some cases even what JRMs children wear). Following the logic that Johnsons comments could lead to attacks on women wearing a veil could also be applied to the comments about Rees-Mogg leading to the attack on his home.

I have said before I have no objection to the chador, if a woman chooses to wear it. In our society we "read" people by their facial expressions - the veil prevents this and also is a barrier to integration.

It's not even rude. If I comment (as so many do) that fat women in boob tubes look a sight, that tattoos look chavvy etc, then there's no outcry. Actually the burqa debate is much MORE OK than the former as it's not just haranguing people's taste but has issues of security and female disempowerment (SOME are wearing it because they're made to.) But we live in a 2 tiered society- the sacrosant groups who we criticise at our peril (LBGT! muslim! disabled!) v those who are fair game (take the mickey all you want out of the pope, the queen, Boris ("stuck-up white toff - deserves all he gets!"). Democracy means we can state the facts - however unpalatable-about ANYONE (and they can absolutely respond in kind!)

It was not I who said it was racist, and I don’t think it was. But it was gratuitously offensive and pejorative, and that is enough.

Sigh

Yes, winterwhite, it is very rude.
But it is not racist.

Indeed annie.

And speaking about it is not being racist Hm999

PS Many of the niqab wearing women are British

I don't think it's the nationality of the person wearing the burka or niqab that's causing the furore. It's the garment itself which so many are unhappy to see.

If a comment about women in burkas or niqabs looking like letter-boxes or bank robbers had been made in public by, say, a head teacher or police commissioner they would undoubtedly have faced disciplinary action. That’s the double standard that I dislike.
It was a very rude thing to write. That fact should stand on its own and Boris Johnson is rightly being held to account over it.