orange statement

there are an assortment of burqas in the world of different styles & colours. due to diligent attentions from western media, i am assuming there are few who have never seen the afghan chadari. (& i will not delve into a discussion about the practice of hiding the female side of the population while the men roam free to do & look at whatever they please...)



the most common shroud through which ladies here meet the world is a lovely clear-sky blue. a few white ones break the blue monopoly, but i have seen very few black - or any other colour for that matter - burqas used. then, last week, when walking in the bazaar in mazar i saw a row of darkgreen, black, & (shock!) bright orange shrouds!



what a brilliant way of revolting against the system while still complying with the cultural norm: the whole impersonalising role of the burqa where ladies are grouped into an anonymous mass could be challenged by the bright orange that would stand out like a flashing light on a dark street.

i would love to see an orange burqa walking around!