Once again, I find myself pulled into the never-ending conversation about dress codes. Sigh! The debate about whether showing elbows is appropriate, whether showing my arms, legs, back, or cleavage is culturally sensitive. Why on earth are we still having this conversation?
If you look closely, these rules are usually targeting women. They dictate what is appropriate and proper- be demure, they say, be professional, and most famously be culturally sensitive. It is always that bit that irks me- culturally sensitive. Whose culture though? “Don’t wear tight T-shirts, or pants, or skirts. Wear light shirts, and loose pants, that cover legs and elbows.” Ummm, excuse me, what is it about my elbows that you find offensive?
A lady is told that the clothes she is wearing are making men uncomfortable. Another is asked to cover up a certain area of her body to avoid men looking at her. Dress codes are often seen as harmless guidelines meant to maintain professionalism or cultural norms. In reality, however, they are tools to police women’s bodies and reinforce gender stereotypes.
There is a danger though, when we link women’s dress to their experiences of harassment. We are telling people that a person’s choice of clothing can provoke unwanted attention, and thus violence. We are saying that in case, God forbid, something happens, the survivor invited it. She asked for it. But, all we are doing is shifting the blame for inappropriate behaviour to the survivor, instead of holding perpetrators accountable. People harass people.
My worth is measured by my character, intelligence, kindness, resilience, and achievements. It is not measured by society’s judgments about what constitutes morally proper behaviour. My dress is not inappropriate, your thoughts are.
#16DaysofActivism
