Yoga pants are quite possibly the comfiest article of clothing a woman owns. They are perfect to wear in any scenario, from working out at the gym, to going out with the girls, there really are no better bottoms. But however comfortable they may be, there continues to be controversy surrounding these heaven-sent pants.
Recently, Montana representative, David Moore, introduced a bill intending to strengthen the state's indecent exposure laws. This would include tight clothing, like yoga pants.
“Yoga pants should be illegal in public anyway,” the lawmaker said.
After receiving heavy attention for his statement, Moore now claims it was a joke. Although, reporters that interviewed him did not sense any sarcasm when he first spoke.
Moore is not the only one who has negative views towards yoga pants. There are a number of schools around the country that have banned yoga pants in their dress codes. All deeming the item of clothing as being too distracting for male students.
Devils Lake High School in North Dakota, is one of the many schools to do just that. The school's officials claim this is due to yoga pants causing too many young men to “focus on something other than schoolwork" while at school.
The high school even showed female students clips from "Pretty Woman" to aid in their explanation, comparing their attire to Julia Roberts. If you forgot, Roberts plays a prostitute in the film.
Just a slight exaggeration to be comparing prostitution and yoga pants!
From government officials to education administrators, it is clear that leaders nationwide need to open their eyes, because the issues that need to be focused on are self-control and respect for women. These close-minded ideas reinforce dangerous stereotypes that objectify women.
Young women should not be taught that they need to change their appearance because they are distracting men. Women should be proud of their bodies and have the freedom of personal expression, which includes wearing yoga pants if they so choose.
Not only does this mindset have a negative impact on women, but it also sends the wrong message to young men, who are innately learning that it is okay to defile women because they can not control themselves. Thinking in this manner is extremely dangerous and could potentially be leading this generation of young men to condone sexually harassing women depending on the way dress they are dressed.
We are sadly underestimating both sexes. Women, in that they are oblivious to the promiscuous girl shaming being done, and men by assuming they have no personal restraint. And while yoga pants may be the start of the conversation, it is absolutely not where it ends. Street harassment. Rape on college campuses. Women need to stop being objectified by what they choose to wear and start being treated as true equals.
