Many recent dress code offenses have sparked controversy in the media. Young women around the world claim the current dress codes are unreasonable and sexist.
Dress codes are not new. Dress codes are not updated with the intention of shaming women. In fact, they do the opposite by promoting modesty. So I decided to address some frequently asked questions when it comes to the dress code controversy.
Why do dress codes sexualize the human body?
If a dress code tells you to cover cleavage, it is not sexualizing women, because cleavage is already sexual. Why? Because female breasts are sexual. That is a biological fact, not a societal norm. Women develop breasts during puberty to show sexual maturity and attract men.
What is so sexy about collar bones and thighs?
You can argue that because they are not sexual per se, they shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to the dress code. Some guidelines defend the collar bones slope and draw attention to the chest. Dresses revealing too much leg lead eyes up. You may not agree with these defenses, but they justify the rules.
Why is it my problem the guys can’t control their thoughts?
I understand the issue that women’s dress codes should not be formed around the man’s brain. But what makes clothes sexy is often what makes clothes (or lack of clothing) sexy in the eyes of the opposite sex.
Knowing that exhibiting a certain part of the body may inhibit sexual thoughts in a guy is your problem for a couple of reasons. It determines how men look at you and it shows others how you want them to look at you. If you wear tight pants that show off your butt, you’re going to get attention for that. Furthermore, everyone is going to assume that you want attention for that. Whether or not a woman wants that attention is up to her.
However, in certain environments where sexual attention is discouraged (like at school or the office), dress codes are necessary for ensuring that space remains professional.
Why don’t men have as extensive dress code regulations?
1. The fashion industry is far more restricted in the men’s department.
2. Men don’t break dress code regulations nearly as frequently as women.
Women are given more fashion options, women tend to wear shorter skirts and shorts and smaller tops. It only makes sense that women have a more extensive dress code because there are more ways to break it.
Shouldn’t women have the freedom to express themselves with what they wear?
Absolutely. And they do. In the workplace and at school, there are standards for dress. Women still have freedom to express themselves under certain regulations in learning and working environments. Outside of the office and outside of school, women can wear pretty much anything they want. Enforcing teenage girls to cover their midriff during school does not take away her ability to express who she is.
At the end of the day, you don’t have to agree with the rules. Just don’t act surprised when there are consequences.
