http://time.com/3892965/everydaysexism-school-dress-codes-rape-culture/
I agree 100% with this article. Obviously there are boundaries that need to be adhered to, like shorts that barely cover the crotch or extreme cleavage. But at the same time, boys need to be sent a message that if a girl shows some skin, he needs to respect her just the same and stay under control. That is not a license to abuse her in any way.
Firstly, people these days at school and work do not know what appropriate clothing is. Flip flops are something you can wear at home, at the beach but they really do not belong in other places, if you want to wear them shopping, well that is your choice.
In regards to the article:
1. "When teachers punish girls for wearing clothes deemed 'too distracting' for boys to handle, it teaches a damaging lesson, girls bodies are dangerous and harassment is inevitable."
This is the reality of the situation. Their bodies are too distracting. The proof is clearly visible, thump, thump, thump.
2. "Sexist dress codes"
Well yes there must be sexist dress codes, dress that is appropriate for gender that the clothing is covering. Cleavage is a different problem for females than for males. The only male people who want to show their chests are rock stars.
3. "Legging and yoga pants"
Yoga pants are appropriate for a yoga studio, class, lesson, they are not appropriate for anyplace else. Leggings need to be covered by a shirt that covers what Muslims call the awrah, which is that part between your navel and your knees, Muslims cover their crotches, real simple, real effective and appropriate clothing.
4. " a distraction free learning environment"
Would be nice wouldn't it, what about school uniforms, solves ALL the problems doesn't it? Everyone is dressed the same and covered.
5. One student says she was given three specific reasons for the school dress code:
“1) There are male teachers and male sixth formers [high school seniors]
2) Teachers feel uncomfortable around bras etc.
3) Don’t want the boys to target you or intimidate you”.
This sends an incredibly powerful message. It teaches our children that girls’ bodies are dangerous, powerful and sexualised, and that boys are biologically programmed to objectify and harass them. It prepares them for college life, where as many as one in five women is sexually assaulted but society will blame and question and silence them, while perpetrators are rarely disciplined.
It is a different world now, less boundaries, more demand for immediate gratification. As I said, school uniforms would solve the clothing problem. To deal with it on a cultural level will require more restraint on everybody's part. Change the I want it all and I want it right now way of thinking.
[Edited on 6/5/2015 by gina]
