Enough hijab-talk, already!

Over the last two weeks the news reports here in Norway has been filled with the discussion whether hijabs should be allowed with the police uniforms.

I understand that it is important to discuss these matters to preserve respect for minorities and let them have their say in the country and society they are an important part of.

But in this case I think we all need to take a reality check – is this really a burning matter? Was there really a pressure for allowing these hijabs with the police uniform? Taste that word for a minute. Uniform. Then go look up the definition in your dictionary and read a little on Wikipedia. The uniform of the police is supposed to be just that, a uniform expressing no form of religion, no form of social standing – it’s supposed to express authority and order. With religion being the core of so many conflicts in the world today, do we really think that introducing hijab, viking helmet (or whatever else people would like to wear) would help increase the respect for the police and make their job easier?

This morning there is an article about  how muslilm police women should not apprehend men. Seriously? What kind of police force do you expect to end up with?

911: “911. What’s the emergency?”

Caller: “There’s two guys raping a girl in the alley behind the cinema – you have to come quickly!”

911: “You say they are men? Sorry, we only have a minority patrol available – we will not be able to assist you.” *Click*

Oh, boy it won’t be long before the monkeys will be the rulers of this planet – and I often wonder if it would not be a better place.

The police have a uniform – it represents the law and order and the authority of the police. If you’re from a background where you absolutely cannot go without your hijab, well then you should probably realize that the poilice is not the job for you! I would not apply for the job as a nurse and demand to wear a speedo.

Now get over it. The police uniform is the way it is for a reason. Can we please move on to more pressing issues? Like what impact the new alcohol laws will have on an economy already in crisis, or whether the broadcasting license is something we want stuffed up our asses anymore? What about the old people living a crappy life in the old folks home? Do you really think they care whether the police wear a hijab, when they don’t have enough nurses to take care of them (By the way, it could probably be an idea to discuss that speedo to solve this…)? What about discussing the salary of the police instead of whether they should wear this or that head piece – I would be seriously upset if I were police. Perhaps it would be time with a new justice minister who is able to focus on the important, burning matters…

Update, Feb 20th: I doubt they read my blog, but the whole hijab-circus is coming to an end now – the suggestion was withdrawn this morning (article in norwegian).