Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?

As a veiled muslim woman, i would like to say that i am not degraded or oppressed. It is completely my choice to wear the veil and i love wearing it because i am doing it for the sake of my Lord who has given me much honor and respect in this society. And if we were degraded you wouldn't see us defending ourselves against those who do not even know about the wisdom of veil. Nobody can tell me that i am oppressed when i feel so proud and happy covering myself!