The original piece by Phylicia M. talked about how one day she wore her yoga pants out in public, which triggered a conversation with her husband about how she had "failed at modesty". The balance of the article outlined her so-called myths of modesty and quoted the Bible concerning how women should pay more attention to what they wear so that they don't incite lustful thoughts in men.
The follow-up satirical article by another Christian author signing herself as L.P. talked about how men cause lustful thoughts in women by wearing well-tailored suits.
Both articles have a point. The clothing projects an image whether the wearer intends it or not, and the viewer interprets that image as they will. For example, many women find men to be more sexy when they're wearing a suit because the suit conveys power and strength, which women find attractive. Or a woman wearing cut-off shorts and a tank top on a hot day might only want to be comfortable, but others see her as a slut because that's the way that type of person has often been portrayed in the media.
It's not the clothing that's the problem. A woman wearing a full-length burqa is just as much at risk of being sexually assaulted as a woman wearing a bikini. The problem is the people's attitudes and how they understand the subtle message that certain types of clothing sends.
We shouldn't have to darken our windows just because some group is afraid of the influence that certain clothing can have. We need to take control of our own thoughts and not allow ourselves to be influenced by our imaginations, the media, and other forces. If you don't like what a person is wearing, don't look at it.
Well said. Attitude is everything.
ReplyDeleteI agree we need to work on custody of our eyes, but there is a difference between revealing clothing and modest dress. A teeny tiny bikini that hides nearly nothing is going to attract attention and expose our beautiful bodies in ways they simply don't need to be exposed. I totally agree if we lived in an unfallen world like Eden we could all be naked without concern over sinful thoughts, but sadly we don't. You are totally correct though that regardless of what someone wears they should NEVER become victims of assault.
ReplyDeletehttp://brelinskyville.blogspot.com/
I have to agree with everything you said!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said. I think everyone should wear what they're comfortable with wearing. Others will think what they want regardless.
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