It’s all so freaking complicated. I have so. many. feelingsandthoughts. about how and why we’all dress and its heretofore inextricableness from patriarchy. How I’d love to have as collective discussion on The Conundrum of Female Attire in Patriiarchy.
As a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, I do believe in the power of modesty, but not as our patriarchal society has defined it. Modesty does not mean shrinking back or acquiescing to the demands of men. To me, modesty means putting aside material trappings and appreciating each other as human beings. The hijab helps me do this because I can choose which part of my body I want to show, and which part I do not want to show. At the same time, my choice of wearing hijab also includes the modesty of not commenting on other people’s choices, and respecting each person‘s right to live their life as they wish. I find it disgusting society that uses modesty as a tool to oppress women. Furthermore, the concept of modesty in Islam also extends to men. Men must follow certain rules of etiquette in order to make women comfortable, such as asking before taking a seat next to a woman, being respectful if a woman does not wish to hug or shake hands, not man spreading (seriously, this is an actual Islamic etiquette rule!) and appreciating a woman’s value and worth beyond her physical appearance. If practiced properly, I believe that modesty is in fact a powerful tool to help create equality and respect between genders.
Yes to all of this! Especially the raspberry, which made me snort laugh.
hee hee. I was in a mood…
YES. So much of purity culture is about policing girls and women’s appearance and therefore our bodies. ENOUGH.
Indeed! So tiresome.
Yes. This.
It’s all so freaking complicated. I have so. many. feelingsandthoughts. about how and why we’all dress and its heretofore inextricableness from patriarchy. How I’d love to have as collective discussion on The Conundrum of Female Attire in Patriiarchy.
Hmm, that sounds like a good idea for a discussion thread I've been meaning to hold...
And I know--so complicated. I get asked about it all the time on parenting podcasts and it's so hard to give a succinct answer.
As a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, I do believe in the power of modesty, but not as our patriarchal society has defined it. Modesty does not mean shrinking back or acquiescing to the demands of men. To me, modesty means putting aside material trappings and appreciating each other as human beings. The hijab helps me do this because I can choose which part of my body I want to show, and which part I do not want to show. At the same time, my choice of wearing hijab also includes the modesty of not commenting on other people’s choices, and respecting each person‘s right to live their life as they wish. I find it disgusting society that uses modesty as a tool to oppress women. Furthermore, the concept of modesty in Islam also extends to men. Men must follow certain rules of etiquette in order to make women comfortable, such as asking before taking a seat next to a woman, being respectful if a woman does not wish to hug or shake hands, not man spreading (seriously, this is an actual Islamic etiquette rule!) and appreciating a woman’s value and worth beyond her physical appearance. If practiced properly, I believe that modesty is in fact a powerful tool to help create equality and respect between genders.