It's a Tuesday afternoon and I have a social this evening (for those of you who aren't involved in Greek life, this is when sororities and fraternities pair up and have a social event, usually themed, at some schools socials are also called "mixers") besides for the fact dressing up has never been something I enjoy doing, I find myself consistently puzzled by the themes of socials, which more often than not promote the objectification of women through overtly sexual themes. These themes can range from encouraging women to dress as "sexy teachers", "Netflix and chill", "risky business", and any other theme that connotates sex and promiscuity.
The above costume was seen at a "Netflix and Chill" social, the male's shirt reads "Are you on the Pill? Then lets Netflix and Chill, " while the shirt may at first seem like a harmless joke, the fact remains that it pointedly sexualizes women and falsifies the concept that birth control is ONLY for preventing pregnancy and not for other health-related uses.
Sororities purport to be foundations supporting the empowerment of women, yet they continue to partake in social functions with themes that clearly aim to have the women wear the least amount of clothing possible, not surprisingly at the suggestion of the partner fraternity. I'm not saying that ALL socials are like this, but more often than not, they are.
As a member of a sorority, I have definitely dressed up in a way-too-revealing costume because of the theme I was given, and because I felt pressured to impress the fraternity we were paired with. And while that might seem like a cop-out excuse, would everyone not have looked at me funny if I had shown up in a full-coverage outfit? They probably would have because modesty is frowned upon at these kinds of events.
I'm not saying that dressing sexy is wrong, I'll be the first to admit that I love a flattering outfit as much as the next girl, but dressing sexy because you feel like you have to is definitely an issue. Women should not HAVE to dress promiscuously because it's part of a theme agreed upon by frat members whose #1 goal is seeing as much body as possible. Women should dress sexy because they love their bodies and don't care who is looking.
While sororities don't physically force their members to dress a certain way because of a theme, there is definitely an unspoken expectation of sexuality. The status quo should not be that women have to dress in a sexual way in order for males to want to socialize with them.
To return to my original dilemma of this evening's social, after writing this article I've decided not to go. I do not particularly like the theme (spoiler alert: it's sexual), nor do want to sacrifice the precious hours of sleep I might lose by going out.
My opinion on socials and social themes may be unpopular, but know that it comes from a place of genuine respect, and concern. I am concerned by the fact that less clothing = more desirable. While that is a really basic summary of the issue, this all boils down to respecting the bodies of women, and seeing them as human beings rather than sexual objects. And if we're telling women to dress sexual because that's the only way they'll be acknowleged at a party, then we certainly aren't respecting them.
