Spring Break
Less clothing, less respect, more attention
Andrew Stewart
State Hornet
I am sure you are familiar with the clothes I am referring to, since it seems impossible not to see them everywhere while walking from class to class. Women seem to be wearing less and less; whether it is a short miniskirt or a revealing top, nothing seems to be the right size anymore.
Emily Latham, a senior nursing student, realizes that women have the freedom to wear whatever they want, but feels too many women show off their bodies inappropriately.
"I disapprove of women who flaunt their bodies to get attention from men," Latham said. "But if they want to look ridiculous, it is their own fault."
For some reason, women are surprised at the fact that the men they date only were after their bodies and sex, like a material object to be won. Can you blame the men? Was this not what you were advertising to them by wearing that outfit? By no means do these outfits justify the immature and inappropriate conduct some men engage in to conquer and degrade women.
By wearing these revealing outfits, you send a clear message to the men: I am a body; do to me what you will. This may be offensive to some of you, but sadly, many men are not interested in a relationship, a girlfriend or a person to grow old with: they are looking for sex. A woman wearing next-to-nothing is offering this to those kinds of men. Since the woman is half naked already, the men figure it won't be too hard to get her completely naked.
Women want someone to care for them, give them attention and love them. An easy way to get this kind of consideration by men is to show off a nice body. Women that wear these revealing outfits are quite stunning, but I don't think I would ever consider dating any of them. I find myself appalled by what women are wearing and am very grateful for finding an incredible girlfriend who understands the importance of modesty.
Those good guys that are so hard to find aren't looking for bikini contest winners, because goods guys should be the ones trying to respect women and their bodies. In a world where those amazing guys are so hard to find, women lose hope and decide that their standards might be too high, so they settle for less - and that's exactly what they get, less.
My heart goes out to women who use a miniskirt and cleavage to attract men; they will gain the men's attention, but few of those men will treat them with the respect they truly deserve. The most admirable traits you will ever find in a woman are hidden beneath the surface: those things that are in her heart. If a revealing outfit is not the best method for attracting guys, then what is?
Modesty, integrity, kindness, solid faith, a sense of humor, a smile, intelligence and compassion are some qualities that truly impress me. I think women need to learn to respect themselves and be confident enough to know that who she is as a person is always more valuable than degrading herself by wearing immodest clothing.
Ashley Potts, a junior majoring in social work, disapproves of what women are wearing today.
"Dressing modestly shows more respect for yourself because it shows more confidence about who you are on the inside, rather than relying on your body for the attention of others," Potts said.
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Andrew Stewart can be reached at opinion@statehornet.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 12
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/21/05 @ 9:35 AM PST
While I waited for the bus on Wednesday, I picked-up a State Hornet and was saddened by what I read on the Forum page; first by the quality of Andrew Stewart's journalistic practice, then by the naivete of those interviewed for their man-on-the-street opinions and finally by Rebecca Adler's article. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/21/05 @ 12:25 PM PST
As a woman, I don't give a damn if you respect me or not. Respect is not given it's earned, and I have respect for myself which is enough for me. If women were to dress modestly just for your respect, then they are conforming to your ideas. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/21/05 @ 6:12 PM PST
As much as I dont agree with the style this article was written in, I must say, he is absolutely correct.
First, let me say that a woman NEVER deserves to be sexually assaulted. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/21/05 @ 8:11 PM PST
Thank you for writing such an honest, albeit biased, article. While many women would like to believe that men could and would "evolve" if only they were properly socialized and sensitized, the truth is you can't socialize someone out of their hormones. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/21/05 @ 8:47 PM PST
of course the guy who wrote about Greeks being "freaks" is the one who wrote this equally as lame editorial.
Mary
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/22/05 @ 6:29 AM PST
I have to say that I do think Andrew is a complete idiot that has no idea what true editorial and opinion writing is. Writing a bunch of crap that just pops in your head is what you do in a journal, writing researched, well thought-out arguments is what editorial journalism should be. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/22/05 @ 2:25 PM PST
(Living in a community is all about conforming. There are definitely things that should not be 'conformed' to (such as racism and sexism), but things like dress codes, morals, language, etc- these are all things that define culture. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/22/05 @ 8:03 PM PST
This is just the same old story that has been spouted since women started wearing clothes. It's sickening and should be put a stop to, especially on a campus of higher education. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/24/05 @ 3:38 PM PST
Wow, Julie- that was a stupid comment. I doubt ANY community creates moral codes based on President Bush's ideas. Exactly the opposite- people chose Bush based on THEIR morals. (Continued…)
anonymous1146
anonymous1146
posted 4/25/05 @ 3:44 PM PST
Yeah, the bush comment was dumb. The point is you can't push moral values on anyone unless of course it's done by force then the person is no longer conforming but just a slave. (Continued…)
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