I take exception to Leslie Enzian’s comment about “women wearing hijabs” in her letter

“To refugees, this island embraces you” (Nov. 29) I disagree with all cultures that oppress women.

Whether that is wearing the hijab for Muslims or covering the head and shoulders for

Jews, both in the name of modesty, because men cannot control themselves? In Ayaan

Hirsi Ali’s book “Infidel,” she talks about the world standing by as women are forced into

wearing the hijab and not being allowed to leave their home without a male relative as an

escort, or they would be beaten on the street, all in the name of religion.

We have never boycotted a country that oppresses women, a country where women are second class citizens. Yet, we boycotted South Africa because of apartheid.

The United Nations adopted an international women’s bill of rights treaty in 1979. The

United States has never ratified this treaty. In the last thirty-eight years both Democrats and

Republicans have agreed that women can remain second class citizens.

I do not agree with the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” When I was in

Rome, men felt they had a right to touch my body. I will never be excited to learn about

cultures or religions that justify oppression. While today in this country some men are

starting to lose their jobs over allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment,

not one bystander has lost his or her job, even after admitting to being aware of the predators’ actions. Somehow women’s oppression just does not seem to register as important.

And the world looks on or looks the other way – I am not sure which.

— Hilary Emmer