The Republican Party of the Future: “walden Three”
THE REPULICAN PARTY OF THE FUTURE:
“WALDEN THREE”
By Robert DePaolo
Despite Barack Obama’s impressive win, the fact that Republican presidents have won five of the last seven presidential elections seems almost miraculous. That is because the Republican philosophy virtually mitigates against political success. For example, saying that government is inherently intrusive, should be small and is not to be trusted makes running for office seem paradoxical, and ostensibly puts all Republicans at an inherent disadvantage in the political arena.
Headscarf Enigma: The Contested Terrain of Women Rights, Identity and Secularism in France
Headscarf Enigma: The Contested Terrain of Women Rights, Identity and Secularism in France
Abstract:
In this paper the idea of secularism, national-cohesion and integration and hijab (headscarf) as the signifier of Islam in predominantly a heterogeneous and a diversified society of France are to be debated. Segregation of sexes, women’s oppression and emancipation, and patriarchal notions of sexuality will come into play for an adequate understanding of the enigma of hijab. It will be demonstrated that how International political events associated with Muslims, the role of media in generating debates and shaping-up public opinion, French and Muslim history and culture, colonial past, crisis of identity and a symbolic resistance to the western culture factor in. While unpacking several aspects and characters in this grand theatre of secularism vs. headscarves, I will attempt to draw an objective and impartial analysis. Symbolic role and multiple meanings of hijab, its conspicuous presence and religiosity in a liberal atmosphere will keep recurring in, to complicate the debate. However, the right to equality, citizenship, freedom of religion and conscience, the right to education, equal access to opportunities and non-discrimination shall remain the broader framework of discussion.
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