In early December, Ayesha Curry, wife of NBA player Stephen Curry, posted on her Twitter page comments about women's fashion choices. The hype may have cooled down, but the topic of women's bodies stands strong. For decades, there have been endless discussions, arguments, even debates about what is "appropriate" for women. What we "ought" to do to earn respect in our very judgmental society. Mrs. Curry's opinion resonated as favorable for many, but others received her comments has snooty or elitist. Many supporters of her views have failed to understand why those who disagree became utterly offended.
On December 5th, Curry took to Twitter stating, "Everyone's into barely wearing clothes these days huh? Not my style. I like to keep the good stuff covered up for the one who matters," followed by several tearful, laughing emojis. A few minutes later, she added to her distaste of barely there fashion with, "Just looking at the latest fashion trends. I'll take classy over trendy any day of the week." Nothing intrinsically wrong with her tweets; in fact, many black bloggers and journals have written articles in support of Curry's views. An article, "We need more Ayesha Currys and less Amber Roses" is just one of the many positive responses to the post. However, some proponents do not understand how Curry's tweets indirectly cut through feminist rhetoric.
Most people who consider themselves a feminist would agree that fashion or a woman's lifestyle should not be something anyone but herself can comment about. Even if she or he has the purest of intentions, their words have a way of taking on intentions of their own, and feminists believe opinions of others are irrelevant to the choices women are free to make. There are three reasons feminists bit back at Ayesha Curry's comments.
1. Classy can be trendy.
[...] "I'll take classy over trendy any day." The statement insinuates that all trends are classless, deeming trendy women as provocative. What about the blazer trend, or the chunky sweater trend that millions of women are following, covering their bodies? Is this classless? Classy and trendy are ultimately terms that have subjective meanings. As a woman, you address your meaning according to your preference.
2. Is everyone "in to barely wearing clothes?"
Again, the meanings here are subjective. Is a crop top considered bare? What about distressed jeans? Phrasing the statement as a rhetorical question ostensibly reeks of grandeur. Holding yourself to a self-developed high standard is great. But again, a feministic approach does not assign standards. And if an outfit is "bare," perhaps there is someone "who matters" that will appreciate it. Or no one at all. It's about what you want.
3. Who Cares?
Perhaps this question contradicts my reason for writing this piece, but really, who cares about preferences, or what is bare and what is covered? The feminist ideals suggest that what matters to women--and to anyone--is what you want most in life, and aligning your image and relationships accordingly. If becoming a wife and mother is a life choice, then moving toward conservatism can be "proper." But if that lifestyle does not suit a woman--and it's certainly fine if it does not--the women who are a part of the aforementioned group (married with children) cannot preordain what is acceptable fashion and what is not. It's an individual issue.
It's unfortunate that individuals who counter Mrs. Curry's views are being called whores, sluts, ratchet, etc. The real reason behind the hype of these Tweets is simply due to her status; she is a famous NBA player's wife. But this "debate" was around long before Twitter, blogs, or Ayesha Curry; and a feministic approach would be to consider all sides to any statement and propel our minds toward inclusive thinking.