I have to admit that as I’ve grown older I’ve become more critical of our society and the mixed messages we give to the world and to each other. The news media, Facebook, and casual observations lead me to believe that most of the time we say the “right” thing, while actually doing the exact opposite.
I could list a dozen or more behaviors, from trivial to tragic, but the one that really concerns me this week is nudity. The way some women who claim to be role models present themselves to the world is disgusting. There isn’t a nicer word to describe some of the images I’ve seen on television this week. Yes, most of the women are in entertainment, but our children and grandchildren are mesmerized by them, so I think we have a right to ask what they are trying to say by covering less than a third of their body with fabric. And I’m not just talking about how they dress while performing…I’m talking about what they wear on award shows, talk shows, news interviews, etc.
On the one hand we tell young girls that they can be valued for their minds and skills and creativity. We tell them they can excel in science, engineering, and technology. We tell them not to tolerate sexual discrimination or harassment. We tell them they can achieve their career goals without compromising their integrity. Yet what they see on a daily basis is women relying on their sexuality to garner wealth and awards.
Mixed messages about women, their appearance, their roles, and their expectations have always existed. I can recall some discussions with my mother about women we saw on television or clothing sold in stores. However, it seems to me that there are fewer boundaries now. Decency and modesty aren’t even considerations in some situations. I shudder to think what I might see on television in the next ten years.
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