Reference no: EM131541611

This first paper allows you to critique the sources you are using for your research paper.

You should:
-employ PRIMARY sources over secondary sources whenever possible;
-consult page 36 of your Writing Arguments book for an outline of how to complete the assignment;
Write between 3-5 pages (though closer to 5 is better);
-include a bibliography or "works cited" at the end of your assignment (this should be considered separate from the page count)
You do NOT need to provide a title page.

In your paper, you are addressing the following issue:

SHOULD THE U.S. BAN THE BUROA OR THE NIOAB?

Some background information to help you understand this issue: The burqa is an outer garment worn by some Muslim women that completely covers their body. A mesh-like material over the face allows the wearer to see. The niqab covers most of the woman's face, though there is a slit that leaves her eyes visible.

THESE ITEMS ARE NOT THE SAME, THOUGH WESTERNERS OFTEN SUBSTITUTE ONE FOR THE OTHER.

In 2010, the French government banned the burqa, the niqab and similar items that covered a person's face while in public. Supporters of the law said that national security was threatened if law enforcement couldn't clearly distinguish one person from another. They also argued that these garments degraded women, who were visiting or living in a Western nation and should be expected to follow the norms of that country.

Opponents said that a woman's right to choose how she wanted to dress in public was being violated and that the law was targeting Muslims only.

The law allows for the niqab to be worn publicly only when the person wearing it is in a private car or attending a religious service.

Fines can be given to women caught wearing the garments; and if a person forces a woman to wear either garment, a jail sentence can be handed down.

YOU ARE NOT PROVIDING ME WITH AN OPINION ESSAY; I DO NOT WANT YOU TO PRESENT AN "I BELIEVE..." PAPER. RATHER, I WANT YOU TO EXAM THE ISSUE FROM SEVERAL AREAS AND OFFER A REASONED ANSWER.

Consider primary sources that:

1. Identify America's religious freedom tradition

2. Discuss whether other nations have followed the French example

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the law

4. Address the American idea of a woman being free to express her femininity as she wishes

5. Show whether such a law discriminates against women OR Muslims