Thursday, March 18, 2010

There She Is...Miss Inclusiveness

FYI, this is not a parody. From the National Post:
A Yemeni-Canadian will compete in the Miss Universe Canada beauty pageant for the first time, wearing a sari over her bathing suit to avoid offence.

The press release issued by Maria Al-Masani's company about her participation contained a scant three paragraphs. In it, she refers to herself as "a documented direct descendent of Prophet Mohammed."

"Yemen is a conservative Islamic country better known for the underwear bomber," the release notes. It also quotes Ms. Al-Masani: "I grew up wearing a niqab, watching Miss Universe on TV," she says. "I love breaking stereotypes!"...
Sez the stereotype-smasher, shown in the accompanying photo decked out in traditional Yemeni garb and standing in front of a camel.

Update: Here's Maria's "company"--a P.R. company. Maria seems to be an ambitious gal who's hoping to capitalize on what appears to be a publicity stunt. More power to her. From a P.R. standpoint, though, mentioning the undies bomber in her C.V. may not have been the wisest move.

Update: It occurs to me that, sari bikini cover up or no sari bikini cover up, Maria could be in line for a fatwa.

Update: That camel had better watch it, too.

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