= new reply since forum marked as read
is an Italian protest folk song from the late 19th century, originally sung by the mondina workers in protest against the harsh working conditions in the paddy fields of Northern Italy.
It is generally accepted that the song was modified and adopted as an anthem of the Italian resistance movement by the partisans who opposed nazism and fascism, and fought against the occupying forces of Nazi Germany, who were allied with the fascist and collaborationist Italian Social Republic between 1943 and 1945. However, some historians argue that there is little to no evidence that Italian partisans actually sang the song.
Anyone who tells you it’s a choice is being dishonest. The societal pressure to conform is immense, which is why you see many young women donning it in places with a large population of people from their home countries. Once they escape those clutches, they almost always opt to shed that oppressive garb.
And spare me the lecture about having to respect misogynistic practices 
I’m middle-eastern, I know women who would love nothing more than to be free of the head covering, but pressure from their families prevents it. Some have parents that are sympathetic, but are worried about what others in their community would think. The one woman I know who has defied her family/community is older and well-educated. And unmarried (not by choice.) She could marry outside of her community, but that’s not allowed either.
