Jedi Hoodies???

Here is the problem benefit of the laws protecting religions in this country; you can get away with just about anything. Take Jobcentre Plus apologising to a hoodie who believes himself to be a Jedi, after they rather insensitively asked him to remove his hood.

As a fan of Star Wars, I must say the reason for the apology seems somewhat bizarre. Nowhere in any of the movies or in the Expanded Universe is the wearing of a hood proscribed as being demanded by observance of the Force. In fact most Jedi's seem to wear it only when attempting to appear inconspicuous. And female Jedi's seem eager to wear far less than a hood. Thus I would argue there is no scriptural basis for demanding to be allowed to wear a hood in a job centre. However... that's the beauty of a religion. You can make up the rules as you go along. And surely this is where our protections overstep the mark. When one must apologise for upsetting the sensibilities of someone who is either lying or totally deluded (and completely misunderstanding the meaning of being a Jedi *prepares to smite the blasphemer*) then you know you live in a mad, mad world.

Let's get this clear: if you believe in the Force, sky fairies, Flying Spaghetti Monsters or alien creators all power to you. Religious belief, like sexual orientation, is totally a private matter. Write a blog, hand out leaflets on the street or give all your money to L. Ron Hubbard's estate. But don't expect others to bow down before your whims and wishes to be treated differently to any one else doing exactly the same thing as you. Everyone should be treated the same despite whatever they "believe" makes them need to carry knives into schools or wear inappropriate jewellery to work. I don't believe that because I'm gay I should be given more rights than anyone else. So why would I believe that because you are Muslim you should be allowed extra breaks for prayers than I get?? Or that you should be allowed to wear a hoodie in a place where covering your head is not allowed for security reasons just because you believe you are one with the Force?

*sigh* Equal rights seems to mean, more often than not, extra rights for some. At least Tesco's had the right idea... and a better understanding of Jedi:

"We would ask Jedis to remove hoods. Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Luke Skywalker all went hoodless without going to the Dark Side."

Too true.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist