To The Teenage Girls in the Revealing Clothes:
I saw the four of you this morning in the neighborhood while I was walking my dog. All of you looked absolutely gorgeous, like you were having a wonderful time enjoying each other's company. The laughter you collectively produced was music to my ears. It was refreshing to see some genuine happiness in this world that is scarred and bruised. But it was sickening to see the manner in which a man looked at you all.
So many people nowadays are constantly telling women to "cover up." They tell us to avoid shorts, tank tops, crop tops, low-cut t-shirts, and tight dresses because the way we dress provokes men. So basically, on a hot summer day like it was when I saw you this morning, you still have to wear winter clothes to avoid the disgusting stares of men.
I am here to tell the four of you, and any other females who care to listen, that it does not matter what you wear. If a man wants to objectify you, he will do it even if you're in baggy sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt.
For example, I work at Six Flags, and the uniforms we wear are not the most fashionable things in the world. Personally, I think I look unappealing in my knee-length khaki shorts and blue polo tucked in. Actually, I think I look sort of like an oompa loompa. Even when I am not wearing the revealing clothing that society hates on, I get ogled by men who only look at my chest. Excuse me, Sir, but my eyes are up here.
To the girls I saw this morning who were just out having fun on their summer break, I am sorry for the way that man viewed you all. I apologize for the indecency of so many men in our world today. At the same time, I am so very glad that you did not notice him looking at you. I am thrilled that you continued to have a good time. Your fun should not be ruined by a man who thinks he has a right to undress you with his imagination.
I have a younger sister around your age, and two more younger than her. I hope they, like you, have the courage to wear whatever clothes they like. I also hope that the four of you went on to have a laughter-filled day, the kind of day you deserve. Tomorrow, when you wake up and get dressed, I pray that you put on clothes that make you feel beautiful and strong in the body that God gave you, and I hope you'll help your friends feel that way, too.
Lastly, I want to make sure you know this: you are not responsible for someone else's stunted view of the world. I hope you understand that there are plenty of good people in this world that do want to truly see you and know you for the wonderfully beautiful person that you are. It may take effort to find these good people, but you are 100 percent worth it.
