Conversation Overheard at Breakfast at the Four Seasons in Amman 

“He said I should cover up. That I was showing too much skin or something, and it was like distracting!”

An American teenager, having breakfast with her parents at the table next to ours. Her parents were looking at her – patiently or adoringly or both. I couldn’t tell. She continued…

“I should cover up? Like why don’t they cover up their eyes? I mean, I have the right to wear whatever the fuck I want.”

A moment of silence. Then her father leaned over and patted her hand. “Don’t worry, sweetie. When we get to the Côte d’Azur you can walk around topless if you like.”