Yes, the Express are as shitty as ever

I'm going to turn away from the Mail, for one post at least, to turn to it's rival in crime the Express.

Today it treated us to this piece of crap on it's front page

Now the fact is that I have some sympathy for the idea of banning the Burkha. It is, for the most part, a symbol of patriarchal sexism of the worst kind. I worked in Peterborough for some time and found it no surprise taht the women in full on burkha's tended to be with men in totally western dress. Women in more normal head scarfs, but nevertheless clearly traditional muslim attire, tended to be with men with similarly traditional attire, there seemed a far greater sense of equality. Not very scientific I grant you but it was nevertheless the impression I got. That said I found it neither offensive nor intimidating.

So like I said, I have some sympathy with the idea. I do however disagree with it.

I am sure that many women are forced to wear the full on Burkha. I am equally sure that there are many who choose to. I may find it difficult to understand why but if that is their choice that is their choice. I see no reason why I, you or any government should legislate what anybody wears. If I wish to walk down the street in a gimp outfit so be it. If you want to wear a burkha, be my guest.

So let's get back to the Express. Why do I think it's so shit? When you read this article it makes a brief reference to sexism but the rest of it is just straight forward Islamophobia. It's nothing to do with women's lib, or freedom to choose, it's purely and simply about hitting brown people with a stick.