Ep 3. Beyond the Burkini in France

In "States of Undress" season 2 episode 3, titled "Beyond the Burkini in France," host Hailey Gates travels to France to explore the controversial ban on the burkini, a full-body swimsuit worn by some Muslim women. The ban created a nationwide debate about religious freedom and cultural tolerance, leading to protests and legal battles.

Gates meets with Aheda Zanetti, the Australian designer who created the burkini, to discuss the origins of the garment and its significance for Muslim women who want to participate in sports or swim in public without compromising their religious beliefs. Zanetti explains that the burkini was inspired by her own experiences as a Muslim woman who loved to surf but was uncomfortable wearing a wetsuit that exposed too much skin.

Gates also talks to Muslim women in France who have been affected by the burkini ban, including a mother who was ordered to remove her burkini on a crowded beach, and a group of women who organize private swimming sessions to avoid harassment and discrimination. They share their personal stories of prejudice and intolerance, and explain how the ban has made them feel like second-class citizens.

To understand the historical and cultural context of the burkini ban, Gates visits a museum exhibit on the history of French fashion and meets with a fashion historian who explains how clothing has been used as a way to express identity and resist oppression throughout history. She also attends a fashion show featuring modest clothing designed by Muslim women, showcasing a different perspective on fashion and style beyond Western norms.

Throughout the episode, Gates highlights the complexity of the burkini ban and its implications for religious freedom, gender equality, and cultural diversity. She asks difficult questions about the role of the state in regulating personal choices, and challenges viewers to reconsider their assumptions about what constitutes "appropriate" dress or behavior in public spaces.

"Beyond the Burkini in France" is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of a highly contentious issue, offering a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the experiences of Muslim women in France.