For some really interesting reading, there's a survey where Christian males weigh in on what they think is modest and immodest. Personally it raises my ire to read it, but still fascinating.
In the end, for me what really decides what I wear is my artistic and creative side and my feminist side that chooses skirt lengths! Frankly, I wouldn't be interested in falling into either of these extremes.
Clarification: I don't believe in modesty. I don't think women should only wear skirts. This was meant to inform rather than take a side.
Clarification: I don't believe in modesty. I don't think women should only wear skirts. This was meant to inform rather than take a side.
16 comments:
Hmmm, ire indeed. The second pic is a little saucy for my liking, but sometimes i wonder whether my disinclination to dress with such exuberance is die to the internalization of masculine norms of decorum...
i'll stop rambling now =)
^ Wow, if you have a problem with what she says you could just politely state your opinion.
I think that the modesty survey results are really surprising. I find it odd how many men thought any skirt over the knee was immodest.
I just read the immodesty survey, thanks for the link. It was so interesting to read (though many of the results certainly ticked off my feminist side.) I generally take the middle ground too, I wouldn't wear either of those outfits either.
^Anonymous, I feel like you didn't read what I wrote and just made a judgement call. Since I clearly don't believe women should only wear skirts or that the modesty issue should exist. I was trying to inform about a topic some people found interesting.
thats so intresting how you bring up women in christianity. in my church we have alot of women pastors and those considered bible study teachers and so forth- most of them wear pants and usually i only see the old elders in skirts. but i agree with not believing in modesty.. especially in fashion. i think sometimes its good, but fashion is all about coming foward!
my old best friend was jewish and she always had to wear skirts with leggings under, but she grew out of that pretty quick and rebelled like crazy, one of the reasons we are no longer bst friends!
Ahh yes modesty so strange the different meanings people give it. When I was younger my mother decided it would be easier for me to go to sunday school but she always let me wear pants if I wanted to. Obviously pants were not allowed so on the days I wanted to roam around outside I would wear pants, be put outside and wander off. In my case (with my family) it was obviously hurray for modesty (and my terribly sinful 8 year ol legs).
Modesty I beleive is a good thing, since I don't beleive in overexposing oneself.
BUT that doesnt mean that one cannot dress fashionably, stylishly, or even show a little skin here and there.
Religion can be interpreted many ways. I'm Muslim, and we have a more strict principle when it comes to clothing, but in the end its up to the person to decide what he/she wants to wear. There is no defined text that says "do not wear pants. or do not wear skirts" the issue is about exposing the body, and I beleive that too.
However, I dress the way I feel is appropriate for me and for the place I'm going to. In the end, we are our own best judges.
Sorry for the long comment!
"Modesty" is subjective. I can't imagine it's possible to find a "Modesty" standard that everyone could agree to wholeheartedly. Can you?
Interesting survey.
Firstly, when it comes to fashion, it is all a matter of interpretation. It is easy to understand why a girl in a teeny tiny skirt and low cut t-shirt would be seen as immodest but the other issue is the skirt only thing. It's clearly debateable. Like the comment above, whatever you wear, there will always be someone who will disagree with the choice of clothing.
On a side note- Yes, Degas painted many paintings of Jockeys at racecourses. I can definitely see the comparison in your new skirt!
i think the argument seems soley to do with the bible and while christianity is based on the teachings of the bible, it was wrote so long ago that it would be impossible to totally abide by it. i read an article about a guy who obeyed the rules for a year and it was crazy! i think it's all about male domination in society and if they don't want sexual feelings then it's not our fault, i think it's so sad they way some religions require covering everything except the eyes just so men don't get horny. it's natural, it's 2008, sex is everywhere. if you were to mould the teachings, surely it would just require you not to wear hot pants and mini skirts all the time, no cover up to the ankles. i'm with you, wear what you want, god would appreciate the beauty and creativity!
I think that skirts, and especially stockings are much more arrousing than pants, no matter the length. Pants are dude-ish.
The gradient dresses look so elegant. I really want something like it for spring... but maybe a little shorter and with a price tag my wallet can afford ;)
I think the first line in that article you linked to says it all - its an external legalistic issue and thats not what being a Christian is about. Its about having a spiritual relationship with God. Thing is lots of Christians get caught up in silly little issues like what you should or shouldn't wear when really its up to what each person feels comfortable with themselves.
I'm a Christian too... even though I didn't know that some Christians still think women shouldn't wear trousers!Funnily, I actually did find a really old book once from the seventies that was about this whole thing but I just thought it was hilarious and still do! I've never come across it in real life.
Anyway, the issue of modesty has come up once or twice but again I think its down to every person individually to decide for themselves. And of course dressing appropriately for the situation which really is a whole other issue!
Thought the survey was interesting and funny too! Is it just me or were some of the comments hilarious?!
Btw I never knew that about Amish people and buttons (your comment on my blog) I guess they don't have zippers because they are modern? I probably sound really ignorant now but how do they manage without buttons? Just little ties instead? Its kinda fascinating! I've always wondered as well can ordinary people convert to being Amish or do you have to be born into it? Not that I'm thinking of it or anything..just weirdly curious!
ooops! That last really long comment from Miriam is from me missmilki...I forgot to change accounts!
to the comment above, i'm pretty sure the Amish use hooks and eyes.
As for the entry... I think it's ridiculous. If the bible had not been written only by men it wouldn't view women in this way- by believing that it is in any way a woman's problem if men want to think about her sexually (or even a problem at all- what's the big deal?) it really just shows how the repressive nature of fundamentalist religion (NOT all religion) causes people to be obsessed with sex!
personally, i would wear both of those outfits. Although... maybe without the strange purple hat. Sometimes it's so fun to dress in a sexy or revealing way, just to explore that side of yourself!
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