Recently, burkinis have been banned in towns along the French Riviera due to the recent events in Europe. The ban could potentially represent a larger issue, one layered with varying degrees of racial profiling and fear.
A burkini originates from the word burka. Per Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, a burka is a long cloth that covers both the face and body. It is typically worn by traditional Muslim women in public places. It is more conservative; a burkini is slightly less conservative than a typical burka. Per the Cambridge Dicitionary, a burkini is a two-piece bathing suit that covers the whole body except the face, hands, and feet.
The recent controversy in France centers around the burkini. The bathing suit was banned in fifteen French towns located along the French Riviera, including Nice. The ban was in response to the recent terrorist attacks that have occurred around Europe, including the attacks in Paris, Brussels, and Nice. Increasing fear towards radical Muslim groups has branched out to objects that symbolize Islam. The ruling violates religious freedom as well as the freedom of movement. France's Council of State overturned the ban on burkinis, stating that burkinis do not represent a public threat and that the rule violates basic rights.
The burkini ban is a result of the growing paranoia towards Muslims in Europe. In light of the terrorist attacks, as well as the influx of refugees from Syria, restrictions have been placed, some directly targeting Muslims. Although the burkini is a harmless piece of clothing, the controversy surrounding it represents a larger issue that is developing in Europe.
