Restrictions on Muslim freedoms and Islamaphobia have become more and more prominent since ISIS has unleashed multiple terrorist attacks over the course of the last decade. The victims of these hateful crimes are not the only ones harmed by these attacks. Muslim people all over the globe are subject to hate crimes and discrimination, and now are being forced to change their clothing and names to be more “Westernized” out of fear of being targeted. The ban of ‘burkinis’ this summer in France, a modest style of swimwear primarily worn by Muslim women and Israeli women, exemplifies this fear. The fact that these women, who wear the burkinis to feel comfortable and free to enjoy themselves at the beach, were stripped of their rights to enjoy themselves simply because terrorists are are distorting the Muslim religion is confusing and frustrating. No harm is being done by wearing a burkini to the beach; it’s just like wearing a scuba suit or a normal bathing suit. This shows how not all people are free to make their own decisions. If a woman is allowed to be nude on a beach, why isn’t a woman allowed to cover up? The ban wasn’t targeting the burkini, it was targeting Muslim women. As if Muslims in today’s society aren’t facing enough problems, France had to make sure that Muslim women weren’t even allowed to go to the beach. The islamophobia seen throughout the world is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Yes, there are terrorists who are doing terrible things in the name of Islam but does that make all muslims terrorists? Of course not. The KKK were a primarily Christian organization, does that make all Christians KKK members? I didn’t think so. The solution to ensuring public safety is not discriminating against and oppressing innocent Muslims. Where has that gotten us so far?
