Symbol of oppression

I THOUGHT Steven King’s column on the subject of the hijab (February 10) was a very reasoned and well structured piece that treated the subject with respect.

I too consider the hijab to be a symbol of male oppression of women. I do not agree with the notion it is religious and consider it to be a cultural fossil. It is taken from the days when Arabic people lived only in desert areas and where protecting the face and eyes was just commonsense.

But, like Steven King, I support the right of women to wear the hijab if they so wish so long as it does not affect people working in security or similar situations.

John Mulligan

River Valley Rise

Swords

Co Dublin