That burkini!

Not forgetting the "muppies", janea.

www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/07/muslim-lifestyle-expo-london-global-brands-spending-power

It seems M&S is not the only one tapping into the Muslim market.
This article describes how businesses are gradually waking up to the untapped markets of the 'gummies' (global urban Muslims), who are 'hyperdiverse, spiritual rather than religious with a capital R, and transnational', and the key subset, the 'mipsters' - Muslim hipsters aged between 16 -24 whose hallmarks are identity, fashion, friendship and education.

Well said Lilyflower.....I agree with everything in your post. Women have worked so hard over the years to get the recognition they deserve, and this is just a step back as far as I am concerned. Agree with jinglbellsfrocks too - just another greedy marketing ploy from M & S!

Synonymous - entirely agree with what you say re burkinis. M and S are on extremely dangerous ground here. Naturally, it's all to do with maximising profits.

Think I did confuse you Ana sorry, will try again. I would be interested to hear from a woman of Muslim faith . Thinking they should join because we may be able to help them ? No .

As you say, any woman who is oppressed be she Muslim,Christian , Jew, Atheist is unlikely to be trawling the net in total freedom

Pompa, I agree wholeheartedly with your post. I was just making the point that any Muslim women (or indeed any women at all) who are constricted in their lifestyle for cultural reasons would not be likely to post on here. Although I may have been confused by the wording of ab's post.

I am very confused about some of the posts, and possibly somewhat upset. Surly Muslim women (and men) are no different from anyone else and mostly live full and enjoyable lives, the only difference is that they follow Islam. I know that Muslim women surf the net looking for interesting site, the one sitting next to me yesterday was dancing across the screen of her phone like any other young person.
I'm also sure that some are oppressed as are men and women in every walk of life, but that is a small minority.
To think that a Muslim, or anyone would feel uncomfortable on this site is truly horrid.

(to ab)

Those are the women least likely to be surfing the net looking for interesting sites to visit!

Since this discussion started I have been trying to find out more about Islam. I have to say it has been most enlightening. I knew nothing and still know very little but Islam as a doctrine for life does make a lot of sense, as do most religions. Like so many religions we hear more about the fanatics than the rank and file.

pompa, I agree hear opinions, assuming they are all living a life of servitude but we may be able to save them? No

No, but I for one, would like to hear their opinions.

There are Muslim women living under oppression in the family, there are Muslim women living in happy families ,

Dear God, what next ? An advert / to all Muslim women in the UK, joint GN and we will try to save you from a life of misery .

annie I agree with you.

petra I found your post quite patronising, tbh.

Petra, if a Muslim woman was thinking of posting here your last post would stop her

Anniebach. Why would a Muslim woman be afraid to post on here? I don't know if you've noticed but there are a lot of women on this site who support Muslim women, me included. And not just by voicing my support but through my bank account.
I really wish that Muslim women would post. Then perhaps we could help more women get out of some of the awful situations they are in.
But, having written that, you probably don't think that 'awful situations' go on.

I think that as there have been some anti-islamic sentiments expressed on threads I guess if you were in a tiny monority you may not want to put yourself out there. On the other hand you might want to shout loud that you were just a normal person!

I do hope that any Muslim would not have anything to fear from us, that would be awful.

I think pompa as with any other group of people you may find different opinions, perspectives and ideas.

Also there are very may websites which will give you that range of info. if you want to study it.

It would take a brave woman to declare herself a Muslim here pompa

Do we have a Muslim on Gransnet ?, I would like to understand more about the reason for the Burka and its derivatives.

Petra, I read of the assaults and alleged assaults on New Years Eve, nothing about school children being assaulted thus forcing their change if school uniform or boys being raped in swimming pools.

I do know claims are being made by the far right and believed by anti Muslim , and anti immigrant groups .

Anniebach. Sorry, I haven't got round to doing links. Just google ' New Year's Eve sexual assaults in Cologne'
It will lead you to information that you will find shocking and upsetting.

Would you put a link on please Petra, I haven't read all you claim has happened , most strange that the majority of immigrants are Muslim and homosexuality is a an act they abhor

Yes school children have been assaulted. More than one young boy has been raped in a swimming pool. Rapes are now happening in the migrants hostels to such an extent that the Germans are having to segregate these buildings.