Muslims at play

Why are people in the West so obsessed with Muslims having fun? Consider two recent bits of news out of Europe. Riccione, a town on Italy’s Adriatic coast, announced this week that it is setting up separate, secluded beaches for Muslim women. The beaches will be protected from public view and may even feature female lifeguards patrolling the ...

607578_muslimbeach.thumbnail5.jpg
607578_muslimbeach.thumbnail5.jpg

Why are people in the West so obsessed with Muslims having fun? Consider two recent bits of news out of Europe. Riccione, a town on Italy's Adriatic coast, announced this week that it is setting up separate, secluded beaches for Muslim women. The beaches will be protected from public view and may even feature female lifeguards patrolling the waters on jet skis to keep men out. Supporters say the beaches will allow Muslim women to shed their head scarves and robes and enjoy the sun without violating their religion. Some resort owners in Riccione are even planning advertising campaigns in the Gulf states. But if they build it, will anyone come? Not if a recent "Muslim fun day" scheduled this week at Britain's Alton Towers amusement park is any indication. The event, which was to feature gender segregated rides, halal food stands, and prayer areas, was canceled due to poor ticket sales.

Why are people in the West so obsessed with Muslims having fun? Consider two recent bits of news out of Europe. Riccione, a town on Italy’s Adriatic coast, announced this week that it is setting up separate, secluded beaches for Muslim women. The beaches will be protected from public view and may even feature female lifeguards patrolling the waters on jet skis to keep men out. Supporters say the beaches will allow Muslim women to shed their head scarves and robes and enjoy the sun without violating their religion. Some resort owners in Riccione are even planning advertising campaigns in the Gulf states. But if they build it, will anyone come? Not if a recent “Muslim fun day” scheduled this week at Britain’s Alton Towers amusement park is any indication. The event, which was to feature gender segregated rides, halal food stands, and prayer areas, was canceled due to poor ticket sales.

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