But the only reason why these areas are "traditionally sexualised" is because society has taught people to do that, that doesn't make it right. The purpose for women to have the assets they have are to feed babies. Saying "oh, well that's just how society sees THOSE parts" isn't doing anything to stop the oversexualisation of a persons body, particularly items on a women.
But this post, and the poster and pretty much everyone else on this tread are so quick to criticise and undermine what women are wearing, but haven't once done it about men.
Who are we though to determine what items of clothing people find comfortable? Some people may prefer jeans over leggings, or jumpers over crop tops. And let me tell you, wearing a bra in heat is the most uncomfortable experience. It's not nice, at all. Oversexualising someones body is not a social norm that should be followed, it's entirely inappropriate. I agree, that people should perhaps consider that they are going to be in view of young children and should perhaps consider what they are wearing, but it's not normal to sexualise a body part because someone has it on display even the slightest bit. And it's not the fault of the person wearing the clothing, either.
Hayley, in an idealized world, you're right. However, within the realities of our current culture, what you are proposing simply isn't going to be a realistic expectation anytime soon. That isn't to say that things won't change in the future, but cultural change is slow and rarely happens in giant leaps. Social mores regarding the sexualization of particular body parts has evolved over the years and will likely continue to do so. One only has to look at the difference in acceptable clothing from the beginning of the 20th Century to today. However, you aren't going to accomplish anything by trying to high-road people in order to further your objective. The simple fact is that, for now, the vast majority of people today
do view the exposure of female upper parts (the filter won't let me use their actual name. Sigh.) and buttocks as something related to sex. There's nothing wrong with slowly and methodically moving the needle, but we exist in the present and people should not be shamed for not agreeing with what you would like to be the norm in the future.
We have seen, to our detriment, the results of people attempting to force their social, political, and religious views on others. Effective change can only take place in an environment of compromise and finding common ground. It's certainly more difficult than digging in one's heels and using outrage to try and force the opposing side into submission in order to achieve a quick and easy "win," but it ultimately causes larger rifts and stratification.
I respect your views and wholeheartedly accept that you feel strongly about them, so please take this response in the spirit in which it was written, which is from a desire for understanding and communication, even if a solution that is 100% acceptable to all viewpoints isn't possible. I would love to see a world where sexual attitudes are not a factor and, perhaps, someday we will. For now, I truly believe that the most-effective way for everyone to get along is for both sides to show some restraint. My attitudes towards women (and a
lot of things) have definitely evolved in my time on this planet and I fully expect that to continue. All I ask of my fellow human beings is that they afford others the same courtesy of being willing to compromise and understand others' points of view.
