Religious wear & symbols

I just wanted to briefly mention about religious wear as this was another thought that trailed on from the lecture on 'being too religious.' I sat there in class thinking... no wander people who believe in and follow their religion would be seen as being too religious due to their strict beliefs in religious wear.

You see a man in a turban and long beard, what do you think? So you see a woman in a veil that's altogether another story. What about a Muslim male with a beard... terrorist?! It may sound funny but a lot of us are aware of such opinions. Are these symbols and religious wear really intimidating? Or is it just people scared of commitment of others to their religion.

If the veil, worn by Muslims, is an issue then so should be the cross worn by Christians? If the cross is an issue so should be the kirpan (knife worn by Sikhs) see link for more information on the Kirpan and Hijaab. Religious where is and should be acceptable in my opinion, it is who you are.

http://www.sikhs.org/art12.htm
http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Veil.html.