 "Photo: Jorge Montalvo")
Summer doesn't have to mean skimpy. We all know it's hot, but the clothes - or lack thereof - worn around this time of year leave little to the imagination. It seems like I can't walk anywhere in town without seeing a half-clothed woman shamelessly flaunting her attributes for the entire world to see. Not only does this have potential for personal safety concerns, but it also leads to poor first impressions.
Those who frequent situations with alcohol should carefully consider how their clothes strike the people around them. Even though women should be safe no matter what, showing too much skin when around men who are more prone to elevated emotions and lowered inhibitions can lead to dangerous situations.
Even those who seem perfectly trustworthy have the capacity to make incredibly stupid decisions under the influence. There is no acceptable reason for men to act like animals, but showing too much skin in these situations can heighten the inherent dangers.
By dressing to attract attention, remember this includes unwanted attention. Sexual assault, stalking and harassment are not issues to be tossed around lightly, but in this context, they are of utmost importance. Nobody wants to be in a situation that could endanger them even slightly; dressing a little more modestly in that environment can be a preventative measure.
Immodest dress also does not portray an image of dignity or self-respect. "It looks like they're just rebelling or trying to be cool," said Dane Molire, a senior biomedical science major. "It makes them seem like they're immature."
Women shouldn't have to worry about impressing men, especially at the expense of their self-respect and safety. Guys who do think that a women should dress down to show off are not worth the trouble anyway. A man who is impressed by the very thing that revealing clothes accentuate will most likely be shallow and disrespectful.
The way you dress also sets an example for the younger girls, who can be more impressionable and care more about being cool. Daisy Dukes and a revealing half of a top are creepy and inappropriate on younger girls.
"I wish it wasn't the style to be immodest," said Amanda Boudreaux, a senior meteorology major. "When you go to the pool, if you're covered, you aren't following the ‘cool' trend."
According to the Bible, Christianity is a religion that emphasizes modest clothing. As the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:9, "women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control." The direct consequence of immodesty is to arouse illicit desires in men. More importantly, revealing clothes do not reflect the image of one who respects her body. God has called his children to a life of purity and holiness that extends beyond a once a week service. Christianity, however, is not the only religion that supports modesty, and even those with no religious affiliation can benefit from covering up.
Yes, it's hot, but please dress in a way that shows dignity and class rather than skin. Dressing modestly is not only safer, but it reflects true character and self-respect, along with respect for others.
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2.) If you admit that a male should be able to walk into the world shirtless, you are setting up a huge double standard and perpetuating narcissism in patriarchy. In most subjects, testosterone does not cause aggression unless it's increased about by four times the regular amount. Males do not have the excuse of saying "I'm a guy, so I'm just programmed to do it." Educate people that unwanted advances are, indeed, unwanted--no matter what the intended subject/victim is wearing.
3.) Why do you even feel the need to quote the Bible? If anything, this lessens the quality of your argument. Those who consider themselves die-hard Christian typically where "modest" clothing. When trying to be persuasive, you should not cater to an audience that already sides with you. Please note, that I am not, by any means, saying that those not Christian are scantily clad individuals.
Are you aware the Bible is 2,000 year old, multiply translated, work of fiction and mythology right? As in, it's not true, it's not law and if you're in college and haven't figured out how to create your own value systems, rather then relying on 2,000 year old stories, no one will ever be able to help you.
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