Differences

What anon said. It's about choice. Mah Freedoms.

Islam does not promote the killing of innocents because of their clothing choices. Some people take it too far. When the French banned the niqaab, that was a little far over the line as well as killing anyone who does not follow Muslim ideals. Also, I'm just saying, many women in the middle east who choose to wear a niqaab or even just a hijab actually feel liberated because they're free from the judgements and speculations of men (such as on the internet).

Bottom line: Islam does not condone killing, however there are people who take beliefs too far. The ban on the niqaab in France went too far as well though. The niqaab can make a woman feel liberated.

Whereas in America, where I currently live (I'm happy with my life), many celebrities and regular women feel the need to go on diets, get anorexia, etc. I'm not trying to criticize any one culture... I'm just saying...

Example: My sister didn't want to wear the hijab until she was 18, and we live in America. She's content and happy with wearing it of her own accord..

I think the niqab was banned for security reasons. Hijab is always better.

They claimed it was security reasons, but all practitioners agreed to show their face and subject to checks like everyone else, much like they do in the middle east currently.

I don't believe that ppl can freely choose to use full muslim attire on the US - That would have horrible social outcomes, just as using a 2 pieces bikini on iran ... aren't you guys the same thing against muslim that the extremist muslim are against the capitalist cristian societies?

i was a Best Buy a couple of weeks ago, someone was wearing one while carrying a 60'' tv. the reaction from a lot of people was "huh, fancy that" (mind you i live in a rather conservative christian part of the U.S.)

Contrary to popular belief, very few are actually black, they come in many colours ranging from white, to pink, light blue and so on.
Not to mention, when we (I am referring to westerners) think of being wrapped up in a full body cloth, we think of it akin to a blanket, but really, the reason those fashions have survive din the middle east is because they regulate heat well, being cool by providing shade while not insulating too much.
Long story short, they are like full body sundresses.

very informative. the only reason i say black is that they are the ones i see around town.

Scratch that, it is colder than it is in the Middle East

well, there ya go.