Femininity is beautiful. The female body works wonders that embodies enormous strength and vigor. For the fact that we bleed for 3-5 days every month and are still able to go about our daily activities is enough proof.
Ordinarily, modesty is the quality or state of being unassuming in the estimation of one’s abilities which is synonymous to humility, lack of pretension and vanity. From this definition, we can deduce that modesty is for all persons regardless of gender. To understand the essence of this post, let’s look at a widely accepted definition of this term.
According to Wikipedia, “Modesty, sometimes known as demureness, is a mode of dress and deportment which intends to avoid the encouraging of sexual attraction in others. The word “modesty” comes from the Latin word modestus which means “keeping within measure”. Standards of modesty are culturally context dependent and vary widely. In this use, it may be considered inappropriate or immodest to reveal certain parts of the body.
In some societies, modesty may involve women covering their bodies completely and not talking to men who are not immediate family members; in others, a fairly revealing but one-piece bathing costume is considered modest while other women wear bikinis.”
From a tender age, girls are taught to speak, dress and behave a certain way. We grow up being conscious of our bodies and have to be modest which is a good thing in itself. Modesty is a virtue and should be practiced by both men and women but why is it more about women? I mean, “Modesty” is a female name. In doubt? Click here. Why does modesty seem like a burden? To be responsible for someone else’s actions is a burden or isn’t it?
Society and Modesty
A society cannot exist without rules and regulations because when followed, rules provide a stable environment resulting in peace and order. But why is it that despite women being modest over the years, the rate of rape, sexual molestation and abuse continues to skyrocket? Amidst modesty, most male rappers tend to sing about the female body using derogatory and vulgar words while claiming ownership at the same time- the objectification of women in pop culture.
In some societies, it is wrong for a woman to show her midriff but acceptable for a man to walk around without a shirt. Does this mean that a woman cannot be aroused by merely looking at a man’s chest? Why is it okay for a man to show his underwear in public but a taboo when a woman does the same? Why does another person’s sense of morality and decency have to be dependent on the actions and inactions of a particular gender? Why are these things the way they are? Is it nature’s design?
Women go through so much in the society. When a couple can’t conceive a child, the first suspect is the woman. Society is quick to label her barren. A woman has a child out of wedlock and we label her a “baby mama”. A single woman at 40 has lived a promiscuous life in her younger years but a single man at 40 is mature and taking his time to choose a “good” wife. Why?
Sometimes, I wonder if gender equality in its entirety is even feasible. But what I strongly believe is possible and attainable is MUTUAL RESPECT- basic human consideration. There will always be friction when rules and regulations are made to be obeyed by a specific gender, group or race.
We’re all human; modesty for all.
See you in October. 💛
Sometimes I feel it is the way because women are the vulnerable ones and maybe most times women are supposed to be responsible, so we are supposed to be our best at all times. I might be wrong though
It all depends on what you can define as your own modesty because I have come to understand that it’s not about your appearance again it’s just about rules being forced down on us ladies. I don’t even care anymore plus it only takes grace. Thank you boo
True words. It only takes grace. Thank you so much.