A persons Religion is like their home. When looking at it from the outside, we can only imagine what it looks like on the inside. Unless we are invited in or take the time to visit, this is only speculation or conjecture. Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, today I would like to discuss with you my previous ethnographic study, and my investigations of perceptions of the community of Maryborough, as to the Islamic religion, specifically in relation to the wearing of the traditional Burqa. In this study I wish to identify theories and perceptions of the General Maryborough population regarding this particularly controversial issue, and compare these perceptions to the realities exist within the Religion, as outline by their sacred text.
The Burqa, a sacred piece of clothing to the Islamic faith, is worn by women for many deep and spiritual reasons, including to shield one face in public as an act of modesty, or even to display a certain religious devotion to their God, Allah. These particular practices are fairly common in nations that are predominantly Islamic, unfortunately many of which are extremist eastern nations such as Afghanistan, whereby the Burqa is enforced by harsh religious policies legislated by those of higher dictating powers of Authority. This can lead to confusion when this particular practice is introduced into a typical western society, and conflict between belief can occur.
In this study we are focusing on the population of Maryborough which I will use as a sample that will give me insight into the Western Worlds perception of the Islamic Burqa. Throughout this particular investigation, the data and analysis of which I both have collected and performed have all been made upon the basis of a single hypothesis. This hypothesis may be seen as the essence of my particular investigation, acting as a statement of which I have attempted to prove