Dress Codes and "Rape Culture"

I read an article this morning on Buzzfeed which states, rather uses quotes to state, that dress codes are furthering "rape culture" (Read it here), and I, in my limited reach on this vast internet, must respond.

As a future (hopeful) educator and one who spent a few years in Youth Ministry, my thoughts are these few: 1) this sounds more like some (not all) girls are using this as a way to break rules because no school wants to be accused of perpetuating "rape culture." 2) There is some truth to their argument, though. Guys are not burdened with as many clothing restrictions, nor are they ever accused of "being distracting." 3) There is a flaw in the argument that goes unnoticed by many. High school is about preparing teenagers to be successful adults in the real world, and, sorry girls, but most jobs have a required dress code.

Expounding on each of these, now, let me begin with this: this is not a post on modesty. Modesty is an attitude and character trait, not a clothing restriction. I have known modest women who wear the trendy styles and immodest women who cover their bodies completely. Not to mention, that men are to be modest, also, yet this is too often meant their egos and not every facet of their lives.

Therefore, let me begin. I say that this sounds like some girls are just finding a way to break the rules because of this one reason: they are teenagers. Even the best teenagers I've been blessed to work with do this. This is what teenagers do, for good or bad. There are things that can be good from this. It means either the purpose of the rule was not communicated effectively or the rule is not a good one and needs to be rethought. Either way, it is a time for learning on both sides. In the instance of dress codes, I believe it is both.

Which leads me to point two. It is unfair to women. Dress codes tell guys that they can't have their pants sagging and no profanity or pornography on their clothing, but girls have a seemingly endless list of restrictions on their clothing. This should not be so. Women should not be subjugated in this manner simply because they have been created the way they are.

The solution, then, is found in point three. Educators must communicate more properly the reasoning, and, to me at least, "distracting the class" is not a good enough reason. In fact, I have found that comfort is conducive to learning. The rule should be (in some form): "Each student must dress in a professional manner." That should be the spirit of a dress code. One cannot wear whatever one wishes to most places of business or jobs. As a youth minister, I could not wear pajamas to the office, unless there was an event which called for it. Basketball shorts were also, at times, unacceptable. I cannot wear jeans and a T-shirt to my job at Starbucks, or I would get in trouble.

So what, then, is the solution? An effective communication of the reason behind the dress code, with the emphasis on professional training. One can be, and should strive to be, professional in whatever employment one has. Mechanic? Be professional. Teacher? Be professional. Batista? Be professional. Find comfort in professionality. Being professional, by the way, does not mean wear a suit at all times or ever. It means understanding the situation, your customers or whomever you come in contact with, and what is acceptable in these situations. In leisure time, wear whatever you want. When it is time to work, whether at school or a job, be professional.

It is not about perpetuating "rape culture." It is about cultivating mature adults. Guys, this means that you must respect a woman because she deserves respect. There are things they can wear that may catch your eye, but that does not give you any reason to treat them with anything other than respect. Men, you must also respect the spirit of these rules, too. Have a beard, have a thick beard, but keep it professional.