Forty Eight

‘Nadine I’m just popping out to get some coffees. If anyone calls for Simon he’s in a meeting so put them through to my voicemail. Is George with you?’
‘Yeah, he’s by my feet playing with my scarf’.
‘OK. I’ll be back in five minutes’.
‘Boo George!’
I am not playing peekaboo Nadine. I have decided to conduct an experiment today if you don’t mind. I am going to wear your scarf as a veil so that I can have a better understanding of the veil issue before entering into the great national debate. I think it is very important to know what it feels like to wear one before we can make a judgement as to the wearing of them.
‘You like my scarf do you? I don’t know what you think you look like’.
It’s not a question of vanity Nadine. It is a question of identity which is very important in this day and age when we live in a multi-cultural society.
‘You’re odd you know that?’
What is wrong with that? You should be careful not to be so judgemental if you don’t mind my saying so Nadine. It is not attractive.
‘George wait here a second and watch over reception will you? I’m dying to go to the loo’.


Simon? Simon? Look at me.
‘So these figures here are the bottom line. With more investors this would change but…… it’s a simple equation’.
Simon, look at me.
‘Sorry Jeff. Just a second. Philippa?… Not there. OK carry on. I apologise. Just ignore it’.
Ignore what? Are you talking about me Simon?
‘It shouldn’t be in here’.
Yes, you are talking about me. Firstly I am not an ‘it’ Simon, actually. And secondly you cannot complain about my being in here when you leave the door open.
‘PHILIPPA! Where is she?’
She has gone to get your coffees and she cannot be in two places at once if you think about it.
‘Wretched little thing. Sorry Jeff. You were saying?’
‘Where was I?’
‘Wait. I’ll get it out of here. This is exactly what happens…… and my PA wonders why I don’t want it in my office. Right you. Get out!’
But I am doing an experiment called ‘What it feels like for a Muslim gir/’
‘Out. Now! And get this stupid thing off you. Trailing it around for someone to trip over’.
No don’t touch my veil! Don’t touch my veil! TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF MY VEIL!


Dear Mr Straw. I have recently conducted an experiment within my office which involved my wearing a veil, improvising as best I could with the materials to hand, and I have to report that this led to my being objectified as an ‘it’. Even worse, the veil was ripped off me by one of the directors of the company. Although personally I would not like a beautiful girl, like my Daffodil for example, to wear a veil because I would like to see all of her, if I could only see a part of her this would not affect my love for her. Unfortunately the situation is that I do not see her at all because she is not mine due to another example of the intolerance one can encounter amongst people. I think perhaps you should wear a veil for a day and see how you feel. It is not easy. Although it could be a benefit to be incognito sometimes. Perhaps, in your case, most of the time. Yours helpfully, George.