The great debate over Islamic dress is not only happening in France and the UK, but also in Islamic countries. The war against cultural imperialism seems to start with outward appearances. I mean one of the great symbols of globalization is American bluejeans, and the imams know this. Heck, jeans were worn by rebellious youth in the Soviet Bloc during the late 80’s, and look what happened to those countries, right? It’s that old equation: marijuana leads to heroin, bluejeans lead to “Liberté, Egalité, Franternité”, iPods lead to iMacs, etc etc unto eternity. So how do Islamic governments fight the war against cultural imperialism?

Many countries have laws against certain types of clothing, but most regular folk can usually find ways of “interpreting” the law just the right way so they can wear clothes they like. There is no 7th century Koranic term for “bluejeans” right?

Media campaigns are another way. ComingAnarchy reader Grendel sent in this picture of a billboard in Aceh “encouraging” passers-by to mind the Islamic dress code. I found the image on Wikipedia where a translation is given for the words at the bottom:

Following the leading Islam principles according to article 13, paragraph 1, every Muslim has to wear Islamic clothing. Whosoever does not follow these accepted Islamic customs will be punished with Tazir crime.

Apparently the text on the left side says “wrong clothing” and the right says “correct clothing.” A Tazir crime usually warrants corporal punishment, which brings us to the third way: force. This usually entails having “moral police” roam the streets measuring hemlines and beard-lengths. Recently in Iran barbers have been warned about giving men Western hairstyles. But Iran has been having difficulties enforcing the hijab. Rather than trying to use blunt force, the police have been trying to “educate” women as to why they should wear Islamic dress by holding their own fashion exhibition.

Are these countries fighting a losing battle? Mark Twain once said “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” I would only add that people forced to be covered up also lose their voice, but only until they decide to regain it. Then expect a big impact on society.

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