What if a nudist / naturest wanted to compete in the Olympics naked? Do we still be tolerant of their beliefs? Where do you draw the line in 'accommodating' and then changing UNIFORMS, rules and traditions in order to be tolerant for 1 out of every 100 competitors?
Well surprise surprise! Once again the squeaky wheel gets the most oil... 10 minutes ago http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/30/oly-judo-ksa-day3-hijab-idUSL6E8IUKY820120730 Saudi woman allowed to compete in judo with hijab... Even though the IJF regulations State that no headgear can be worn. I wonder if she refuses to compete if competition times clash with the Islamic prayer times...will the Olympics committee change the rules and regulations again to accommodate with Islamic prayer schedules?
I am very curious to see what type of head covering they are allowing her to compete in. As I noted earlier I could theoretically see something that is form fitting may not get in the way of competition but not a head scarf that is normally considered a Hijab. Keep in mind that the Judo Gi isn't just a uniform to be worn for show but an integral part of Judo competition. As someone who has competed in both with Gi and Gi less grappling contest it makes a big difference. Further even wearing a loose versus a tight Gi can alter competition. In the last 7 years the IJF has greatly tightened the regulations for how the Gi fits and while it might not seem the case to non-Judoka a head scarf would potentially alter play. My guess is that the IOC leaned on the IJF somewhat for a political accommodation.
forcing people to do something (wearing a hijab) is not a culture. They should ban her. Your beliefs are your own burden, not others. If I looked like that, I would want to constantly cover my face too.
It may not be a recognized religious belief, but it is still someones belief. Shouldn't we be tolerant of everyone's beliefs! If the hajib is not a religious requirement, as keeps being stated, but it is the choice of the women, all we are doing in this instance is accommodating her choice to wear a hajib. She wants to proudly show that she is a Practicing Muslim. If someone wants to proudly show that they are a practicing nudist, why should we come against their beliefs? Are you intolerant? A bigot? Right wing fanatic? Why is it ok for one person to have the rules changed to accommodate their belief, but not ok to change it for someone else's belief...just because you don't agree with it? Isn't all about acceptance? Are you a nudistphobe? Do you suffer from Gymnophobia? Where do you draw the line? Just saying...
What would Jigoro Kano say? I wonder how many Japanese people were offended by this decision to desecrate the traditional Judogi? (Btw...Judo was my first martial art, I started when I was 8)
I believe it will look like this: I think the spirit of the Olympics is about coming together as different people to enjoy competition. In the spirit of this unity it makes sense to accommodate reasonable requests.
The sport banned headgear for a reason (I would assume). Also, a request made because of some belief in the supernatural/metaphysical would not be defined as 'reasonable'.
I think everyone is taking this too seriously. She has only participated in Judo for about 2 years. She is not even a black belt. It will be over in a flash.
Actually Kano might not care that much as he was a reformer and not a traditionalist. He wanted Judo to be as widespread as possible so he might accept it. Keep in mind I don't consider this a desecration as the Judo Gi isn't sacred. I do think it may alter competition, depending on what she does end up wearing, and I think it disrupts the consistency of the uniform but this seems to me more like a political problem with a political solution. I myself would prefer to stand by the original decision of not allowing her to compete but I am not up in arms over it. Also as Zboy noted her Olympic competition might end very quickly anyway.
In my opinion, if she wants to compete she shouldn't wear it and if she doesn't want to take off the hijab, then she shouldn't compete. Safety issues are real and shouldn't be compromised in this case.
At least saudi could have found someone in shape. It doesn't seem fair she gets to go when so many other athletes are busting their ass.
Is it even established that we are talking about a female here? Don't they have tests for that? I remember the case of that South African runner...
Real questions that no one has answered... I wonder if she refuses to compete if competition times clash with the Islamic prayer times...will the Olympics committee change the rules and regulations again to accommodate with Islamic prayer schedules ( or any other Religious worship times? Saturday for 7th day Adventist & Sundays for Christians?) The nudist question...since most everyone on this board is all for 'humans rights' and pro choice! What if a nudist / naturest wanted to compete in the Olympics naked? Do we still be tolerant of their beliefs? If the rules were changes, so as not to offend the beliefs of 1 out of 200 competitors, would we do the same for a nudist? Silly, I know...but this is where being all inclusive politically correct leads you.
