[Salvanas]

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

I'm sorry, I don't think I explained myself well enough in the first point. I gave the example of Muslim culture to show that there are many different stances on how women are supposed to act in the world. I come from a culture where women are expected to cover up their body - not show cleveage, not show off their curves. I know of other cultures where women are allowed to walk outside topless. I know of other cultures where women are expected to cover their faces.

We say that those teenage girls shouldn't have been dressed that way, but according to who? According to whose culture? If it was according to Muslim culture, then not only was she wrong, but I'm wrong for the way I was dressed as well. According to other cultures, there was nothing wrong with the way she was dressed. To me, this means there isn't one right way for women to dress.

So why do we expect women to dress a certain way? Why do we have such harsh reactions when we think a woman is dressed inappropriately? Why are some women raped and killed, and why do others think, "She had it coming," when it happens?

Because honestly, I've been seeing men topless and in their underwear for all 20 years of my life now, and I have yet to see someone call a man a slut for it.

Cultures are reference points, not guidelines.

We all have our own cultures, and our own opinions on such things. For some people, it's okay to walk around topless, and full nudity. For others, like me, it's not right.

It's a lack of self respect. And if you lack self-respect, how can you have any respect for others?

As for the sexism point. It's how the world works. Sometimes, women have the upper hand, sometimes men do. Men are called players, when they sleep around a lot. Women are called sluts.

It's the mind set of people. There are many prejudices against men too.