Taking the Plunge

Now this is far more newsworthy than Miss Universe passing out under the weight of her dress (which generations of Victorian ladies would have unmercifully scoffed at) ...

A militant Islamic group has filed a police report against Indonesia's Miss Universe candidate (not pictured above ~ CinR) accusing her of indecency, a lawyer for the organization said on Tuesday. Nadine Chandrawinata's participation in the contest and display of her body in a swimsuit there "is actually insulting for Indonesian dignity and women," Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) attorney Sugito told Reuters.

Well, I can't help but agree that the parading of women in swimsuits (or evening gowns for that matter) for prizes is degrading to all - not just Indonesian - women, but I think I'm on a different wavelength here. Indeed, I am undoubtedly missing their point. So perhaps, next year, the Indonesian contestant would prefer to don a lovely athletic garb (as seen above) which bears the Islamicist Fundamentalist Seal of Approval. This particular design "makes the statement that a Muslim woman's body is not a part of the public conversation." Looking at this ensemble, I beg to differ.

Now, this year's Miss Indonesia - should she be found guilty of looking great in a swimsuit (or at least, not looking like a smurf) - faces offences which,

...carry potential sentences ranging from two to six years in jail ... adding that the posing requirements of the competition offended the standards not just of Islam but other religions.

Well, why not? It's bad enough that she lost, but incarcerate her as well. In fact, I hope they throw away the key. That seems reasonable. Personally, I'm just a little disappointed that the sentence isn't stoning. Where are the Saudis when you need them? A good stoning goes a long way to quash those irksome concepts that, as a woman, one has control over one's sexuality, the right of self-expression, or pretty much anything else.