Banning the Burka

At the beginning of this year the French government passed a law illegalising the wearing of a Burka in public domains. Although profoundly popular with the French general public, it has become a topic of great debate and controversy across the globe. Even further controversy beckons within France as authorities struggle (or even chose not to) enforce this new law.

Is this religious intolerance? Complete and total discrimination perhaps? Click on the links below to see what the Ninjas think. Don’t forget to add your comments and vote in the poll on the right hand side of the page.

 

Ninja 1: The Burka ban is a step in the right direction but it needs to be enforced fully

Ninja 2: The Burka ban is good idea but impossible to enforce

Ninja 3: The Burka ban backwards step for the French

Ninja 4: Muslims and the French government must reach a fair compromise on the Burka

Squatters rights or squatters wrongs?

Last week saw a considerable amount of trouble break out in Parliament Square where several people were injured and many other arrested. The reason – squatters rights.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has called for an end to squatters rights, to be replaced by a £5000 fine or even imprisonment. These proposals are gathering heavy support and look likely to go ahead in some form. Click the links below to see what the Ninjas think about these reforms and what they believe should be done about squatters.

Don’t forget to vote for who you agree with in the poll on the right hand side of this page.

Enjoy the controversy!

Ninja 1: Squatting should not be abolished

Ninja 2: Squatting should definitely be abolished

Ninja 3: Squatters need an alternative

Ninja 4: Squatters should be dealt with on a case by case basis

A License to Kill

This week the ninjas will be tackling the heavy-weight topic of THE RIGHT TO KILL.

In a year that has seen the deaths of both Bin Laden and Gadaffi, this is a topic currently in hot debate. Each ninja has a different viewpoint. Read through each using the links below and then vote for who you agree with in the poll to the right of this post.

Enjoy!

Ninja 1

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Ninja 4

Should drugs be legalised?

This week the ninjas have been discussing whether or not recreational drugs should be legalised.

With relaxed drug legislation evident in Holland and Portugal, will the same ideas work here in the UK? Each ninja has a different idea. Read through each using the links below and then vote for who you agree with in the poll to the right of this post.

 

Ninja 1

Ninja 2

Ninja 3

Ninja 4

Privacy: What do my social media profiles say about me?

Lets face it, privacy is long dead. With the invention of the internet and social media, there is almost no information that can be found on you after a fair bit of digging. The below graphic has came as quite a shock to the ninjas, who were before oblivious of the level to which potential employers screen us against our social media profiles.

So this week the ninjas are trying out a little experiment. We will be examining our profiles and what is visible for everyone to see. We ask all you readers to take a quick look at each and decide which of us you would hire if you were interviewing us for a job. Click on the links below and then vote in the poll on the right hand side of the page!

Ninja 1

Ninja 2

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Ninja 4

#ninjahireme

Ninja 1: The Burka ban is a step in the right direction but it needs to be enforced fully

Britain’s politicians may take fright at the idea, but Sarkozy’s move is both popular and right.

In 2005, a viral email began circulating claiming to show a transcript of a speech made by then Australian Prime Minister John Howard. The integrity and validity of this transcript has been hotly debated ever since and many believe the speech to have been exaggerated. Nevertheless it read:

 

‘IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture.. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.’

‘This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom’

‘We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!’

‘Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.’

‘We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.’

‘This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,

‘THE RIGHT TO LEAVE’.’

‘If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted YOU!’

Now, whether or not this was actually said in its entirety, I believe it has hit the nail directly on the head and is a viewpoint that should be applied across the globe. This is exactly why I believe in the banning of the Burka. Need I say any more?

Ninja 2: The Burka ban is good idea but impossible to enforce

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

To this, I will say yes, a thousand times yes! And I strongly believe that this sentence is valid for pretty much every situation: when you go to a foreign country, learn the language; when you choose to go and live away from home, respect the laws of the country you reside in. For the purpose of this post, I will only develop on the problem of women wearing the burkha and headscarves in France and the law that forbids it.

First of all, let me tell you that I agree with the fact that Muslim women should not wear the burkha in a secular country like France, just like I would not expect a Catholic girl to drag around an massive cross behind her. You will then understand that my motivations are not racist of any kind. France, like most secular country, allows the freedom of religion to everyone. I should hope so! Doing otherwise would just be blind intolerance and ignorance. So people are allowed to practice the religion they want, whenever they want. Yes. Just as long as it does not go against any fundamental French value, like women freedom and secularism. It is just like how France does not allow polygamy really, just respect the laws and customs! Easy. I wouldn’t expect people to adapt to me if I were to go live in a culturally different country!

Second of all and weirdly enough, to handle this issue, I don’t think that enforcing the law, or even the law itself is the best of methods. First because France might have to face nasty comments from the International Court of Law on the racist or sexist nature of the law. Ouch, we might want to avoid that. But also because I don’t think it is going to solve anything, it is just going to create more and more tensions. I would suggest (don’t get me wrong, I don’t know much about laws, governments and politics in general…) a stronger socialisation process when entering the country, to make sure that people adapt themselves to the customs. Not through force, but through education. I think it would be smoother than a law, fines and the police escorting you to the station.

Now to conclude on this point, I do understand that the law is there to make a point as it has not been enforced since it got through, but I still don’t think it is enough.

Ninja 3: The Burka ban backwards step for the French

We live in a multi-cultural world. We have allowed the migration of people, religion and culture allowing society to constantly evolve into what it is today. I believe this is a good thing, it has allowed us to develop sub cultures, groups and communities made up of different people from different backgrounds sharing ideas and beliefs.

Banning the burka is backwards thinking and France should be ashamed of themselves for allowing such a ridiculous law to be passed. France is not a country that is governed by a set religion but politics and capitalism, like many other EU countries.

I’m no expert on politics, especially European laws, leaders and past dictators making me not only a bad candidate for a pub quiz but uninterested in the topic. If I look at the situation as a whole however, I really fail to see an issue with the burka. Who is it harming? Surely a lot of time and effort has gone into creating this law but it really is insignificant on our lives. It’s time France start worrying about bigger problems like the Eurozone crisis, war, famine… the Eurovision song contest results! The list goes on.

If I think about the idea of such a ban being created in England, I would expect utter uproar from the Muslim community. My fear would be the worry that a ban would cause violence and extremism. Religion already causes so many problems for the world we live in; banning the burka shows France are ignorant towards the Muslim religion.

Respect the country, adhere to the rules, learn the language but at the end of the day, your religion is your religion.

Ninja 4: Muslims and the French government must reach a fair compromise on the Burka

Ban the Burka?
The banning of the burka is a very controversial subject, which needs to be looked at diplomatically. The burka ban in France came into play earlier this year, and prevents anyone from covering up their face in public. But is this right? Should people be penalised for following their religion and beliefs? Or should you adapt to the country you live in and will this stop the oppression of Islamic women?
Why should people be punished for practising a religion, surely this is a human right? If people are are allowed to wear as little amount of clothing as they like then why are people being punished for wearing as much clothing as they like. After all these people strongly believe in their religion and that they are providing a service to god.
But then again you also have to look at the other side of things. Why do women feel they have to cover themselves up with burkas? They can still practise their religion without going to such extremes and surely when entering a new country you should respect that countries views and beliefs. Apprentice star SAIRA KHAN states that; “Nowhere in the Koran does it state that a woman’s face and body must be covered in a layer of heavy black cloth. Instead, Muslim women should dress modestly, covering their arms and legs.” So if, as some people feel, the burka is a way of brainwashing and oppressing the Islamic women then why should this be allowed?

My feelings on the subject are as follows; if the burka is not a necessity in the Muslim religious practise then why let it cause a security risk to streets around the world. If it offends and disrespects said country then I can understand the ban but I also understand the right for people to practise whatever religious beliefs they have. I think it’s all about comprise and if a little more is given on each side then both could be happy.

Ninja 1: Squatters rights should not be abolished

Squatting in the UK does pose a massive issue. I admit that. But so far, it is an issue without a solid solution. I personally think it’s about time we showed just a little compassion to the human race.
First things first. Let’s consider exactly what circumstances would lead to someone becoming a squatter. It certainly isn’t by choice – that is just a ridiculous suggestion. We are living in a recession. People are being made redundant on a regular basis and work is hard to come by now more than ever. Slowly but surely no income leads to not being able to pay rent or mortgages. A lot of this goes under the radar, but entire families are being forced into homelessness all over the country.
So what next? Start living on the streets? What kind of a life is that for a family with young children and no other options? I will tell you what kind. It is dangerous, demoralising and just plain wrong. Squatting may not be the perfect solution, but it is undeniably better than living on the streets. Not only does it provide shelter but it allows groups of people to form communities that can support, motivate and keep each other safe.

I can see how a lot of people would be against squatters rights – based on some of the atrocious stories that have received coverage in the media in recent years. But it must be realised that these are in the minority of cases and most squatters can go completely unnoticed for long periods. So much so, in fact, that the government have found it difficult to even estimate the number of squatters currently ‘residing’ in the UK. The last figure released was in 2003 and estimated a total of 15,000 – just imagine how this has increased as the recession has taken its toll.
So what now? Imprisonment? Fines? Way to solve the situation. These propositions from the government literally make no sense. I say we allow the majority to continue living in houses and building which have long been abandoned and deal with the minority of troublemakers on a case by case basis. Can you honestly justify stripping families and established communities of shelter, safety and hope?

Ninja 2: Squatters rights definitely should be abolished

I have two things to say about this. First, since when someone or a group of people braking into unoccupied houses and living there illegally is a perfectly normal thing? And where are the limits then? Should I open my front door to anyone, should we all have a spare bed and give out spare keys of our apartments? I really don’t think so.

I obviously don’t want to look like a heartless person who doesn’t care about the world’s misery, but come on! Squatters are a problem, and still seeing homeless people in the streets in 2011 should not be acceptable. Yes. But I highly doubt that the solution is to watch them occupy one house in November, another one in December and so on, without saying anything. There should be special (or more of them) places where they could go, more transitional homes, but accepting that anyone could break into my flat when I’m on holidays and coming back only to face a family of 6 resting happily on my couch is a step too far.

Now concerning the fine and jail sentence, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me and I don’t see how this is going to stop squatters from breaking into properties. Ask someone with no income who lives in the street to give the government £5000 because they’ve been naughty: sure, that’s gonna happen!

Squatters’ rights should be abolished, or at least, measures should be enforced, because I don’t see why I should go through months of legal procedures and spend hundreds or thousands of pounds to be able to get MY house back.

It has become ridiculous, every “offender” is being protected by some sort of laws: the tenant who does not pay rent, the stalker who wants to kill you, and now the squatters who want to use your house as their own. No, I really don’t buy that.

Ninja 3: Squatters need an alternative

We’re not addressing this problem is a suitable way; authority stamping is not going to work.

Research by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University found:

“Around 78% of homeless people who squat have approached a local authority for help, but although recognised as homeless they have not been entitled to housing because they are not in priority need or are considered intentionally homeless.”

Define “priority need” and “intentionally homeless”? Who chooses to be homeless? I think that’s a terrible figure, our local authorities should be embarrassed.

It is simple, homeless people need a home and squatting doesn’t fit the bill. More needs to be done for them. I am a strong believer of people getting jobs, working and paying their way in society. If everyone did this we would be living in a perfect world. But they are not, the world is far from perfect and this scenario will never happen. Tax payers money should go into helping homeless people find suitable housing, get people off the streets and into jobs.

Furthermore, “Many squatters have significant welfare needs: 34% of homeless people who squat had been in care; 42% had physical ill health or a disability; 41% reported mental health problems”

Again I must ask myself, why aren’t these problems not being addressed? It is time we start at the root of the cause and deal with these problems then. These new squatting legalisations will only be ok if the state is doing the best it can to avoid people squatting in the first place. If 42% have physical ill health problems and 41% have mental health problems… what is being done about it?

Ken Clarke’s new laws on squatting are simply ridiculous. The fine is too steep and a prison sentence is just unnecessary. It’s a typical Tory idea where the less fortunate will suffer and the issue will only create more problems for society, has he heard of overcrowding in prisons?

I agree, squatting is a problem which should be tackled but more with a view of “how can we help these people” and less of “lets fine them or and lock them away”.
Strong viewpoint but hey! Thanks for reading, it would be great to have some feedback so don’t be shy and comment below.

Ninja 4: Squatting issues should dealt with case by case

Should squatters have rights? To me this question is definitely a complex on, that doesn’t simply have the answer of yes or no. Lets take into the consideration of why squatters squat. They are choosing to sleep in an abandoned house with no heating or electric and sometimes no furniture, which in mind my means they have no other place to stay and its either there or the street, and I know which one Id prefer.
You have to remember that these houses are usually completely abandoned and squatters normally go unnoticed for years upon years of them staying there. However its obvious that squatting is not the answer to homelessness and something needs to be done.
The coalition government is soon set to propose that changes in the law will make squatting a criminal offence and those found guilty of breaching this will be fined up to £5000 or given a year long prison sentence. But is this really going to solve the problem? These people are desperate and in need of help, is the possibility of going to jail or having a fine really going to stop them squatting in an abandoned house instead of sleeping on the street? I think not.

I understand that not every squatter is in such desperate need as others and some see squatting more as a lifestyle choice than a necessity, and for those select few this new law might potentially work, but what about the rest? Surely help is needed more than anything. And surely taking away someone’s shelter and safety should be the last resort?

The governemnt has seems to think that slapping a fine on the issue will make the problem go away. How they ever came to that conclusion I dont know. These people need support with whatever issues they might have and guidance in how to get better, a fine/imprisonment is not the answer!