Islamic Swim-suites vs. Thongs

From Cairo started a discussion about swim-suites, religion, conservatism and liberty. I found some interesting facts; for example I did not know that strong under currents take heavy clothed ladies in Alexandria every summer. Here is my two cents in the discussion:

I agree it is up to each and one how to dress; it is a matter of course, then we can always have personal opinions about taste. Sometimes we wish that people had a sense for where they are. A thong at a hotel, ok, it is your right although it is ugly. A bikini on sundeck of a cruise ship mooring in central Aswan? Absolutely not. But on any given day, you'll see hundreds of almost naked bodies, in the middle of the city. (Edit: Beach wear is beach wear; the point is manners, not morals).

It makes me uncomfortable when women feel they have to dress more conservatively because of peer pressure. A normal swimsuit does not reveal much and if you are so offended by a leg or an arm, think also about what gives you the right to force your opinions on others. The consequence is that many women - just look at Alex today - are wearing jeans and other heavy materials. (Edit: there are conservative swimsuits but for economic reasons I suppose they do not have these). It is unpleasant, uncomfortable and seriously a risk to their health. Hotels ban this because of hygiene, but also because they are caring for their less modest guests. Any hotel manager can tell you how afraid they are of being invaded by scores of covered ladies.

I'm also bothered by [segregated beaches]. Beach time is family time and children should have a good day out with both parents. Swimming pool hours for one sex only, fine, you're there to exercise. Last but not least, I have always found that it is the most conservative of the gentlemen who are most interested in viewing the ladies so I don't think that is the problem really.

I first mentioned the subject here, this post also links to a discussion about a legal case concerning segregated hours in the community swimming pool; Muslims only vs. everybody. My take: after normal opening hours the council should be free to lease the facilities to any organization, financed privately or with council grant's doesn't matter. Anyone is of course also free to start private swimming pools, just like golf clubs. But segregation based on religion during normal local hours in facilities paid by taxes? Impossible, a community is a community and should so remain; if you for reasons of belief, gender, race or whatever feel superior or are offended - learn how to live with it. It is called tolerance.