Iran to ban neckties as “Westoxifixation”


Theocracies. You gotta love 'em.

With the necktie making a bold and colourful comeback in the Islamic Republic of Iran, a senior official is calling for a ban on importing the gentleman’s accessory, which conservatives still regard as a symbol of western decadence…

Asghar Hamidi’s views on the dress code are not taken lightly: he doubles as the head of a state plan for the “development of culture, chastity and the veil”…

Hardliners have finally embraced sexual equality – by cracking down on men as well as women. Hundreds of men have been sent to “guidance classes” on how to behave in society. Among other things, this means not sporting elaborate western-style haircuts, using hair gel, plucking one’s eyebrows or wearing sleeveless shirts…

The scale of the sweep against sartorial immodesty has worried some senior regime officials. They are concerned it could provoke a backlash at a time when Iran is under external pressure over its nuclear programme and Mr Ahmadinejad faces domestic discontent over spiralling food and housing costs. Some parliamentary deputies have demanded to know why the police should spend time arresting young people for dressing immodestly instead of devoting themselves to fighting drug addiction and serious crime.

Theocracies. You gotta love ‘em!

Thanks, K B

Posted: Tue - May 27, 2008 at 05:53 AM          

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