The cowl doesn’t make the monk

“The cowl doesn’t make the monk” (from medieval language cucullus non facit monachum, or in french l’habit ne fait pas le moine), means that appearance is no reliable guide to a person’s true character (source Jennifer Speake, the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs).

In France, we spend an inordinate amount of time debating whether the burqa, i.e. the type of veil that fully covers the face, should  be banned. The answer is rather easy to find: of course it should be banned, for the simple reason that it is a  public danger to have people walking around hiding their identity (and perhaps a bomb under their lose garments).  And regarding other – more discreet – types of veil, it should be up to the individual to wear what he or she likes, whatever faith it is associated with. But even though the decision process is frustratingly slow, I like the fact that it is a fair process in this hexagonal-shaped country, with consultation of all relevant groups etc. In other words, it is a democratic process.

The autoritarians leading Sudan are “judging” and punishing by 40 leashes women wearing trousers, because this constitutes an “ennoyance to public feelings”. Read Nicholas Christof’s post in the New York times on The case of Lubna Hussein, a Sudanese woman who faces a sentence of flogging if convicted of wearing trousers. Here, there are no security reasons, simply archaic attitudes from some autocratic leaders.

Let’s kiss (keep it simple stupid) and reiterate some basic principles for living (or surviving) together on this little blue (and green) planet:

#1 never mix governement and religion. The “islamic republics” are wrong on this matter and should be transformed into governments that would be neutral to all their citizens beliefs. The “Sharia Law” should be disconnected from any form of government, to remain strictly a religious guideline, limited to those “freely interested inviduals”. Also, it should revert to its peaceful and tolerant roots, without the violent, sexist and autoritarian “interpretation” by some power hungry despots. But at different degrees, many other countries – where government’s actions might be polluted by other (although less violent – at least nowadays) faith – could cleanup their act and remove the remnants of religious influence from their governing bodies.

#2 vote for “country managers” (President, Prime Minister whatever they might be called in each country) that use their brains and their common sense to propose fair laws and that do not let themselves be pressured by religious action groups.

From a more general point of view, let’s be vigilant with uniforms and dressing codes in general. While it is justified – and necessary – for members of various public services (army, police) or some private services (airlines, hospitals) to wear uniforms, where there is a clear practical need to be able to identify “who’s who”, I hope that all of you, my friends reading this post, will do your bit to get rid of the shackles of unnecessary traditions on that front, be it religious or not.

For example, if you were a banker like me, would you wear a tie? Of course not, as it reduces the flow of blood to your brain and slows your thinking power

Who cares what you wear? Come as you are!

The War on Women in Afghanistan

I read an interesting article on “Karzai’s cynical war on Afghan women” in today’s South China Morning Post, on page A11 ( “Insight”).

This was an article from Sreeram Chaulia, a researcher on international affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship in Syracuse, New York.

Sreeram’s article was first published under the title “The War on Women in Afghanistan” on the web site “Opinion Asia“.

Do read this article which highlights some of the problems with the “mullahcracy“, those dangerous “self-appointed  custodians of morality”.

Was Jesus Black, Jewish, Italian, Californian, American Indian, Irish, or a Woman?

As seen on Guy Kawasaki’s HolyKaw blog on Posterous.

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:
1. He called everyone brother
2. He liked Gospel
3. He didn’t get a fair trial

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:
1. He went into His Father’s business
2. He lived at home until he was 33
3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother was sure He was God

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:
1. He talked with His hands
2. He had wine with His meals
3. He used olive oil

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:
1. He never cut His hair
2. He walked around barefoot all the time
3. He started a new religion

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an American Indian:
1. He was at peace with nature
2. He ate a lot of fish
3. He talked about the Great Spirit

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:
1. He never got married.
2. He was always telling stories.
3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all – 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman:
1. He fed a crowd at a moment’s notice when there was virtually no food
2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn’t  get it
3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do

Evolution ;)

Evolution – By Simanca Osmani – Cagle Cartoons, Brazil * Posted 25/1/2008

Thanks to Daryl Cagle whom you can follow Twitter.

Gaza goals – suggested reading

Thomas L. Friedman wrote a “thought provoking” column in the New York times yesterday, entitled Israel’s Goals in Gaza?

The focus for Israel and Barack Obama’s team should be on creating a clear choice for Hamas for the world to see: Are you about destroying Israel or building Gaza?

Or was it more of a “provoking thought” ? I let you judge: feel free to comment.