1. Keeping in mind that his title is intentionally exaggerated, why, according to Bowen, don't the French like headscarves?

2. What is the concept of laicite? What attitudes toward civil society, French identity, and religion are involved?

3. Why did the incident in 1989 spark such broad debate? Why did the issue emerge again in 2002-3? What does this lead you to think about the meanings associated with headscarves or veils?

4. What does this account of headscarves in France suggest about clothing and processes of signification?

5. One argument in favor of the law suggested that it would protect or liberate women. What assumptions underlie such a view? Did the law have this effect?

6. On page 232, Bowen contrasts prevailing American and French attitudes about individual choice: "If this American insistence on freedom of choice assumes the possibility of choosing, and thus sees the matter as a private one, the French emphasis on autonomy and dignity sees it as the state's obligation to take steps to create the conditions for meaningful choice. From an autonomy perspective, 'choice' appears as a naively thin concept" (232). What does he mean, and do you agree?

7. Why does Abu-Lughod find the rhetoric about saving Afghan women problematic? What does she see as the dangers of cultural relativism?

For more information, contact:  aleshkow@holycross.edu