In the way I cover the bits of my body which are sexual features (well usually a lot more besides!) I am sort of comfortable with women covering parts of their bodies which may be considered sexual, either out of religious observation or cultural reasons etc, so for many cultures ie certain Jewish groups and certain Muslim groups the hair is sexualised and hence covered in the presence of non family males. I know plenty of women who cover their hair who are proud, independent and certainly in no way oppressed. However I can't help but feel the act of covering ones face is an act of shame and covering of ones individuality, women are reduced to grey or black blurs and hidden away. It makes me uncomfortable and I cannot believe anyone with freedom of choice would choose to cover their entire face. For me the burkha is a method of control in that it means that it is harder (not impossible) for women to become a recognisable public figures.