[Wildcat!]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

Thats the thing, you move to another country and you adapt to their way of life. Even on holiday you do. I mean, a few years ago I went to tunisia...and obviously in the tourist areas they are used to seeing people in shorts and that, but it IS classed as disrespectful for women to 'flaunt themselves' by daring to expose legs or cleavage. When we went to the markets and that, I would make sure I was dressed respectfully, regardless of the weather, I nearly passed out at one point, but its what you do...why upset people just for the sake of it...

I realize a lot of these people are born here, but surely those would have adapted already, being brought up here :/

Which Tunisia is this? From a parallel universe? Tunsia, is not a prudish country, or a fundamental muslim country. You will stick out more if you did dress conservatively! Women there dress the exact same way, as people do in the UK, probably wear even less, because its not cold over there. A few wear Hijab and stuff, but they are the exceptions. MOst of them dont.
Another big misconception, there are only a few opredominantly muslim countries, where you see all women covered up from head to toe. Obviously, those are the ones people like to identify muslims with. This fable, proves it even more.

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Wildcat!

Which Tunisia is this? From a parallel universe? Tunsia, is not a prudish country, or a fundamental muslim country. You will stick out more if you did dress conservatively! Women there dress the exact same way, as people do in the UK, probably wear even less, because its not cold over there. A few wear Hijab and stuff, but they are the exceptions. MOst of them dont.
Another big misconception, there are only a few opredominantly muslim countries, where you see all women covered up from head to toe. Obviously, those are the ones people like to identify muslims with. This fable, proves it even more.

There is no need for you to be so bloody patronising.

Tunisia may be a very liberal country, however the fact remains that 98% of the 10million population of Tunisia follow the Islamic faith(Sunni) and to that end, Westerners will afford a high level of respect, for which you appear to be ridiculing somewhat in your post (as well as trying belitte another fm). You post here suggests that it would be more than acceptable to wander around Tunisian souks wearing a bikini top - when this is not the case.

I visited Tunisa about 15 years ago, and let me tell you right now, outside of the 'more Cosmopolitan areas', I can assure you, I felt as restricted there as I did when I lived in Saudi Arabia So please.... your own opinoin doesn't speak for the experience others may have had.

[Wildcat!]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

There is no need for you to be so bloody patronising.

Tunisia may be a very liberal country, however the fact remains that 98% of the 10million population of Tunisia follow the Islamic faith(Sunni) and to that end, Westerners will afford a high level of respect, for which you appear to be ridiculing somewhat in your post (as well as trying belitte another fm). You post here suggests that it would be more than acceptable to wander around Tunisian souks wearing a bikini top - when this is not the case.

I visited Tunisa about 15 years ago, and let me tell you right now, outside of the 'more Cosmopolitan areas', I can assure you, I felt as restricted there as I did when I lived in Saudi Arabia So please.... your own opinoin doesn't speak for the experience others may have had.

OK, I guess that was a little rude. But my point is, Tunisia, is a very liberal country. But to compare it to Saudi Arabia, is really not informed is it? I go to Tunisia often, maybe every year, with a few exceptions. MY brother lives there. Its restricted, in the form of sensure, and things like that, but culturally, its completely relaxed. And I am talking from experience, not just hearsay.

But again, if that was rude, I apologize. I ust know, its not a country you go into, and think, oh I better cover up!

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Wildcat!

OK, I guess that was a little rude. But my point is, Tunisia, is a very liberal country. But to compare it to Saudi Arabia, is really not informed is it? I go to Tunisia often, maybe every year, with a few exceptions. MY brother lives there. Its restricted, in the form of sensure, and things like that, but culturally, its completely relaxed. And I am talking from experience, not just hearsay.

But again, if that was rude, I apologize. I ust know, its not a country you go into, and think, oh I better cover up!

First off, I didn't say you were not speaking from experience.

Secondly, I'd say I was far more informed that you. How many M.E. countries have you lived (not just visited - LIVED) to allow you to make sweeping generalisation? I am interested to know as it makes a very big difference to having an 'informed' opinion.

One minute you are giving it big licks saying Tunisia is very liberal, no need for women to cover up, and now since I pointed out that Tunisia is not quite as liberal all over - you now are saying "it's restricted, in the form of censure and things like that'. What pray tell, do you think the word 'censure' means and in what context precisely in respect to Tunisia?

It's very difficult to have a reasonable meaningful discussion with a person who changes their opinion or view every other post.

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Wildcat!

Which Tunisia is this? From a parallel universe? Tunsia, is not a prudish country, or a fundamental muslim country. You will stick out more if you did dress conservatively! Women there dress the exact same way, as people do in the UK, probably wear even less, because its not cold over there. A few wear Hijab and stuff, but they are the exceptions. MOst of them dont.
Another big misconception, there are only a few opredominantly muslim countries, where you see all women covered up from head to toe. Obviously, those are the ones people like to identify muslims with. This fable, proves it even more.

I was in hammamet, which was obviously a tourist area. I was advised by the holiday reps that if venturing OUT of hammamet to dress appropriately. So I did.

I never said it was a muslim country either...and no, the women did not dress the same way as we do, infact, I didnt see many women outside of the actual tourist area :/