Olympians in Hijab and Bikini: Roger Cohen at the Olympics

[Bobw235]

A really interesting article and a great photo. Thought some might find this worth a read.

Here's a preview:

Olympians in Hijab and Bikini


Roger Cohen AUG. 11, 2016




Photo

Doaa Elghobashy, left, of Egypt and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany compete in the women’s preliminary beach volleyball during the Olympics in Rio. CreditLucy Nicholson/ReutersSince I saw a photograph of an Egyptian and a German beach volleyball player confronting each other at the net in Rio, I have been unable to get the image out of my head. Doaa Elghobashy, aged 19, wears a hijab, long sleeves and black leggings to her ankles. Kira Walkenhorst, 25, is in a dark blue bikini. The outstretched hands of the Olympian women almost meet, the ball between them.

The photo, by Lucy Nicholson of Reuters, juxtaposes two women, two beliefs and two dress codes, brought together by sport. The world confronts less a clash of civilizations than a clash of identities, concertinaed in time and space by technology. The West’s image of Islam and the Muslim image of Western societies are often mutually incommunicable; the incomprehension incubates violence.

 

[Fern]

Ya gotta watch that sun burn.

 

[Warrigal]

Who won?

 

[Carla]

What a great shot. Two vastly different cultures.

 

[fureverywhere]

Really interesting perspective there. Especially at this time of the year, when you see too many people exposing far more than you want to see.

 

[oakapple]

It makes you think that if you can play to an equal standard wearing more clothing, why do you have to play in a bikini?The answer is that you don't, a T shirt and shorts would be just as good.So one girl is wearing too much and the other too little!

 

[Warrigal]

Is there a men's beach volley ball?
If so, what do they wear?

 

[oakapple]

Probably a pair of speedos? It's called beach volleyball which is why they wear swimwear, but obviously you can play just as well a bit covered up.

 

[Warrigal]

Apparently they don't favour speedos

 

[ossian]

I noticed that other women's teams have taken to covering up also. I think it was Brazil and some other nation who were wearing the full suit. I also noticed Brazil and China play yesterday. Brazil was wearing the full suit while the Chinese had the bikinis.