Brick Lane arches plan criticised by residents
London's local councils have never been known for good sense or sagacity, and yet they continually manage to surprise me with new levels of folly. Illustrating this point, Tower Hamlets council is planning to install two hijab-shaped arches at each end of Brick Lane - at a reported cost of £1.85 million.
The proposal has understandably ruffled a few feathers, not only because of the associated cost, but because of the symbol chosen to represent the area. The hijab, highly symbolic of Islam, will brand the area with a single identity, casting aside the diversity that makes the area what it is. Muslims account for more than 30% of the local population, which is, of course, relatively high, but that is little justification. Would the council think to erect two massive crosses for the area's Christian population or two yarmulkes to represent its links with the Jewish community?
Personally, I cannot identify with the symbolism, even as a Muslim woman. For many, the hijab represents modesty and freedom of choice, but we cannot ignore that it is also one of the most contentious and divisive issues of modern times - within the Muslim community as well as outside it. Its proposed role as a symbol of integration and inclusiveness is counter-intuitive at best and unfathomable at worst.
This brings us to the question of a more appropriate symbol. What would accurately represent the history of the area? What could the council use instead? Well, how about nothing? In the current economic climate, plans to spend copious amounts of money on unnecessary branding exercises should simply be abandoned.
I agree with Tracey Emin, who is reported as saying that "rubbish collections, vermin control, education and improved policing are more important".
Source: www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/feb/16/brick-lane-hijab-arches-headscarves
As a Tower Hamlets resident that lives five minutes from Brick Lane, I think the whole idea is ridic. If we're going to "brand" Brick Lane, how about its overpriced "vintage" and coffee shops?