the female ideal of the Western world is not the only right one...

In the last few days I've been involved in a couple of very heated discussions on the subject of the new law proposed in France that would forbid women from wearing a burqa. It's a tricky question, and I do understand those who see the burqa as problematic in a western society, but I do not agree that the solution is forbidding the use of it. Restricting people from manifesting they're own culture rarely leads to any good. There are, in my opinion, valid arguments for not using burqas, but they are definitely not religious arguments! And I have to say I'm a bit disappointed by the ethnocentric point of view and arguments that many of those I have been discussing with are voicing. A lot has been said about this, and I see no point in re-stating arguments already made, but if you want to broaden your view I suggest you read this (it's in Finnish).

On another point, I was once again today presented with a new theory by my shrink. He thinks I'm too independent and unable to show any weakness and that that is the reason I am alone. I don't make people feel needed. Maybe he's right. But then again, I can't picture myself acting all helpless just to make some guy feel strong and needed. That's pathetic from both aspects. Why do men need a woman to need them in order to feel strong? And why do women regress to helpless children to get a man? Is that equality? I'm not saying it's not, I'm asking, because this is something I have a really hard time understanding. I could go on and on about this, but it's late and I need to get some sleep. A friend from Brazil is visiting and I have the day off tomorrow (as always on Fridays). Boa noite!