August 9, 2005

ORWELL WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED

The great barmaid coverup (Kate Connolly, National Post, August 9th, 2005)

Bavarians are hot under the collar over a European Union directive that will force their barmaids to cover up, supposedly to protect them from the sun.

Brewery owners, politicians and most of the women themselves have condemned the legislation as absurd and say it will destroy a centuries-old tradition.

Bavarian barmaids typically dress in a costume known as a dirndl, a dress and apron with a tight, low-cut top whose figure-hugging effect is enhanced by a short, white blouse.

Under the EU's Optical Radiation Directive, employers of staff who work outdoors, including those in Bavaria's beer gardens, must ensure they cover up against the risk of sunburn.

Optical Radiation Directive?


Posted by Peter Burnet at August 9, 2005 8:08 AM
Comments

The ironic thing is this will be treated in the big media as just one of those funny, light features designed to fill space on the international news or lifestyle pages. There won't be any serious discussion because a rule like this is supposed to advance the course of feminism by eliminating another place where women are objectified.

But imagine if someone in the Bush administration had come down with the same edict over here. You'd hear howls about Christian fundamentalist censorship by Taliban Republicans infringing on the right of free expression.

Posted by: John at August 9, 2005 8:53 AM

Has anyone in Euro-land heard of a little invention called "sunblock"?

Posted by: Mikey at August 9, 2005 9:02 AM

I don't expect this initiative to go too far. It'll get attention for a while, but then it'll just go bust.

(sorry!)

Posted by: Mike Morley at August 9, 2005 9:03 AM

Mike:

Say it ain't so. I was looking forward to a pleasant retirement as a Eurocrat designing handsome twinsets for European women's beach volleyball teams.

Posted by: Peter B at August 9, 2005 9:26 AM

Talking of which, but apropos of nothing, I was flicking around the sports channels the other night during a break in the cricket, and happened upon an utter abhorrence ...beach volleyball for men!

Which as an exercise in missing the point can surely only be rivalled in the sports world by solo synchronised swimming.

Posted by: Brit at August 9, 2005 10:57 AM

Rumors that the proposed new custume looks like a burka were unconfirmed at press time.

Posted by: Jorge Curioso at August 9, 2005 12:19 PM

Mikey,
They would have to create workplace inspectors to ensure adequate coverage and the proper SPF. Optical Radiation Compliance and Application Specialist. Any volunteers?

Posted by: Patrick H at August 9, 2005 12:27 PM

Patrick:

Actually, a friend of mine recently discovered that conselors at children's day-camps needed special state certification to (legally) apply sunblock to children.

Posted by: Mike Earl at August 9, 2005 12:55 PM
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