This catholic mother has a good point that when girls where skin tight leggings with short shirts people can not help but stare and feel disrespected. I agree that women wearing tight leggings and short shirts with the intention of impressing is wrong and disrespectful but I also believe that leggings can be okay with the right intention. I know when I want to have a cozy movie day on the couch I throw on leggings, warm socks, and an over sized sweatshirt. Therefore, I believe this issue of leggings can relate to the class discussion we had today. People must know when the right time to wear them is and what to wear them with. Leggings and a crop top out in public is obviously not the best choice, however, leggings and a sweatshirt or t shirt to a relaxed occasion should be okay. Its also controversial whether or not leggings should be worn to church. For example, the cheerleaders attended mass several times before leaving to go to competitions and they have leggings as part as their travel wear requirements. Some girls wore jeans and brought their leggings for the bus but yet continued to talk the whole mass and be disrespectful. From that situation, I believe it is the intention of the person wearing the leggings. I think most of us can agree as well that if a stunning model is wearing leggings, it’s the biggest deal in the world but some other people wearing the same thing may not be disrespectful, which bring me to the point of is it really the leggings bothering some people or is it the looks of others wearing them? Just a point to throw out there. Overall, I agree with most points of the mother that girls wearing leggings at inappropriate times with inappropriate intentions is wrong, but I truly believe if a man can walk outside with his shirt off in the summer than a girl can wear leggings. People complain about short shorts as well, so girls wear leggings that cover all of their skin, but those are also judged and seen as disrespectful. I think in certain situations, women should not wear leggings and should have to wear jeans, but I think with the right intentions a girl should be able to wear leggings without being judged behind their back. The Bible states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. As Catholics we are taught to love others and not judge or talk about each other in a disrespectful manner. I believe we should know when and when not to wear leggings and I believe if a mother has a problem with it she should address it to the young ladies in a nice way or simply pray for them without going online and ranting about it.
Emily, I agree with your blog 100%. You got to the point and the points that you provided are very relevant. With the right intentions, anyone should be able to wear leggings without the fear of judgement from others. I especially like your inclusion of the quote about the speck of sawdust and the plank in the eye in relation to judgment. I’m glad you wrote exactly what you thought and did not beat around the bush. I’m looking toward to what others have to say about your thoughts on this subject as well. Great job, Em!
Emily, I really enjoyed your blog this weekend, and I think it’s very obvious we have similar views and opinions on this. I especially liked when you spoke about the cheerleading situation, because it really gave an insight on a real life situation. Great job Em!
I just LOVE how you brought judgement into your argument because I think it is a way that people try to make girls feel guilty for wearing leggings. You did an awesome job providing examples and giving it the edge it needed.
I agree with the points you made in your blog. I liked how you brought a direct bible quote in to incorporate religion into your arguement. It works well considering the mother is writing based off religious beliefs.
As a female, or any teenager for that matter, it is easy to get caught up in new fashion trends because one wants to fit in with his or her friends, or for the simple fact that they just like the style of clothing, hairstyle, or whatever it may be. Some of these trends, though, may be controversial to some extent, depending on the appropriateness and amount of respect given, for example, when worn. Leggings have proven to be one of these controversies, as there have been articles written about the inappropriateness of the clothing item. Maryann White, a Catholic mother of four boys titled “The Legging Problem,” and carried her argument by saying leggings are an unforgiving garment that show way too much of a woman’s body. But, when they are worn in an appropriate place and time, they can be a clothing item that is worn with no issue. Let’s say it is a rainy, spring Saturday and one is lounging around the house cleaning, doing homework, and other chores, while dressed in jeans and a blouse or sweater. That would be seen as uncomfortable and quite odd to some. But, if that same person is doing the same thing the next weekend in leggings and a sweatshirt, it would honestly be quite normal, and something that happens quite often for myself even. In that situation, yes leggings would be appropriate. Even a quick trip to Walmart or pick up something at the pharmacy would be an okay time for a girl to wear leggings. Now, in the situations that were just mentioned, if the leggings are pulled wayyyy up and made high waisted and aren’t supposed to be high waisted, and show all things that are supposed to be covered, they are seen as inappropriate, which in its right shows true. Another inappropriate event to wear leggings to, especially in the incorrect way, is to Church. In the article mentioned above, MaryAnn speaks of women she had seen in Mass that were in tight fitting leggings and crop tops. Now, I don’t know what they were thinking when wearing crop tops, but they definitely thought wrong. Levels of respectfulness also come into play in situations like this, kind of like the photo we talked about in class Friday. The family we studied was dressed in bright, Easter egg colors, possibly trying to fit a cliché, or create a new one. Their outfits may have fit one level of appropriateness, but missed another. If the girls, or anyone in this case, that wears leggings acts respectful, morally correct, and follows the way God guides them, attention would most likely be drawn away from the outfit, and directed toward their demeanor. Leggings have quickly become a large fashion in today’s society. It’s inevitable, someone somewhere is going to wear them. I even wear them, but reading this article definitely was an eye opener on watching my own actions when I do wear them. But, when worn correctly and respectfully, there may not be anything wrong with them. It may be hard, but thinking before you judge someone, or watching how they act could really be a game changer when deciding whether to befriend them or not. Just like any other clothing item, they are appropriate when worn how they are meant to be worn.
As a teenage girl, I am guilty of owning many pairs of leggings ranging from various prints to just solid black. I personally know that such clothing can be extremely tight fitting or cheaply made and because of this, it is important to know what brands are good and what are not. It is suggested to be aware of how a piece of clothing fits before wearing it— similar to how a man would not wear a tie that is too short or too long. In addition to that, one must also know the proper time and occasion to wear leggings because they can be acceptable in certain situations. Lastly, it all boils down to the intent of the person wearing the leggings.
Obviously, all clothes are made to fit in different ways. A sun dress is loose; a button up shirt is snug; ladies’ swim suits are form-fitting; socks are compressed; and yes, leggings are tight. However, that does not make them immodest. In relevance, many other garments i.e. dress pants, jeans, swim wear etc. can be tight as well. All of these can be just as revealing, if not more revealing than leggings. Although, some pairs seem to have a sheer tint which them cause to reveal much more than the user intended, but this is just a company error. The consumer should not be blamed for the poor quality of their clothes unless they willingly acknowledge that they want it to be that way. Correspondingly, no one ever complains about the tightness of a woman’s jeans, but the second they are caught wearing leggings everyone goes up in ablaze.
Ms. Maryann White wrote an article titled, “The legging problem,” in which she bashed the popular clothing item in every shape and form. She had many, many good points especially about the time she was at Mass with her family and a group of young women had tight leggings on during this time of praise and worship. This is where the idea of when and wear it is an okay time to wear such fitting material. One should use better judgment and think twice before wearing leggings to Church, but the same dress code should not apply if you are sitting in the comfort of your own home or working out at the gym.
Even my most die-hard Catholic friends have worn leggings on multiple occasions, and I can almost one hundred percent assure that they have never once wore them so that people would admire their figure. As a woman, I know that most girls do not want to be idolized for such traits and do not want to be gawked at for wearing a pair of leggings. Many do it because they are a staple piece that are comfortable and can go with anything, not for the common misconception that they just want attention.
Yay for leggings! As long as the pants are not see through, are worn at an appropriate time, and the intentions are right, then there should not be a problem. Women still have the right to choose what they prefer to wear, and that cannot be stripped away.
Maddie, I like how you began your final paragraph with “Yay for leggings!” You did a great job backing up your points by using Ms. Maryann White’s article. Well done!
I like your points, Maddie! I especially liked how you compared leggings to other clothing that can be really similar! One thing that I think you could do to have made this better would be to elaborate on the places in which leggings are appropriate to wear! Overall though, this was great!
Leggings have undoubtedly swept the world of women’s clothing. They are worn as athletic wear, leisurely, and for almost anything and everything else. Where should the line be drawn, though? Maryann White wrote in a letter to the editor of “The Observer” her views on leggings, focusing on a time when she and her family (which included four sons) were attending Mass and sat behind girls that were wearing tight leggings that could be seen through, each with short tops on. Obviously, this is a situation in which leggings are inappropriate, and situations like these give leggings a bad rap. However, in my opinion they are not all that bad. Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating the appropriateness of leggings is the intent. Leggings should be opaque, and fit for one’s body type. Additionally, it is probably considered going overboard if one wears a tight-fitting top paired with the already tight enough leggings. The place that the leggings are being worn is to be taken into consideration as well. This, however, is pretty black and white: leggings should never be worn as formal wear. In summation, I think it is appropriate for leggings to be worn in informal situations as long as they fit properly, are opaque, and worn with a loose shirt that goes at least as far as the hips. Maryann White has some good points, noting that just because leggings are comfortable does not make them appropriate. She stated that being nude is also comfortable, but out of respect for others we dress more modestly. However, if this is true, leggings are not the only piece of clothing that should be considered inappropriate. Most skinny jeans are just as revealing as some leggings, and business pants are only getting tighter. If we can say that leggings are inappropriate for formal settings such as church and work, then many pairs of jeans and dress pants are too. Therefore, instead of placing such hate on leggings, the concern should be directed toward all tight, improperly fitting, or see-through pants. For example, our school dress code bans leggings and many other types of pants on dress down days, leaving the only option to be jeans. This rule is effective in prohibiting most types of inappropriate pants, but leaves the only option to be jeans, which keep getting tighter and stretchier as trends change as well. Leggings have gotten a pretty bad reputation in the eyes of many, but those same people are often the ones that swap leggings for skinny jeans, tight business pants and bathing suits. It is true that leggings can allow one to reveal too much, which makes it important for them to be made from thick fabric and fit properly, like all other clothes. However, when it comes down to it, they can be similar to other articles of clothing, which is where the attention should be directed.
Bailey, I really enjoyed reading your blog and think we share similar views on the situation. I especially liked how you brought into consideration how women's' clothing in general is just getting tighter and we should focus that instead of just singling out leggings. Overall, great job!
Although they are very comfortable, leggings are one of the more controversial articles of clothing owned by women. In a Letter to the Editor, Maryann White voices her concerns about the growing trend of leggings. While White’s points are valid, I believe they are only partially true. That being said, the appropriateness of leggings varies in the circumstances in which they are worn. The point I agree with most in White’s essay is that leggings should not be worn to Mass. Hearing my mother rant in the car time after time about some girl who wore leggings way too tight to Mass, makes me understand exactly where White is coming from. Simply put, if the leggings are distracting my mother that much, they are undoubtedly distracting others as well. However, leggings can tasteful for Mass if they are worn with something else, such as a tunic-type top that extends longer than a normal t-shirt would. Mass is a time when people should be paying attention to the parts of the Mass and to Jesus, or at least attempting to do this. In a situation like this, even a nice pair of jeans would be a better alternative to leggings. However, it is up to the woman to really think through her outfit choice before she leaves the house. Many jobs also have some sort of dress code and that dress code also prohibits leggings. For example, at the library we are not allowed to wear leggings, or even jeans, during our shifts. This rule is put into place to protect the women form objectification, and more importantly, unwanted advances, which is more of a problem than one might think for a library. However, leggings would be permissible for other jobs, such as waitressing in a very casual establishment or a labor-intensive job that would be uncomfortable in jeans. As stated before, it just comes down to the circumstance in which the leggings are worn. Leggings are a personal favorite of mine, and I do believe that they can be worn tastefully in other situations where the clothes a girl is wearing doesn’t matter that much. For example, if a girl is just planning to take a lazy day and lounge around the house, run some quick errands to places like Walmart or the bank, engage in some type of exercise, or spend a day catching up on homework, leggings would be perfectly acceptable and preferred because of the higher level of comfort they provide in comparison to a pair of jeans. Overall, I think Maryann White was applying inappropriately wearing leggings to only one circumstance- Mass. I agree with White on this issue, but her argument fails to consider the appropriate ways for women to stay comfortable by wearing leggings. It all comes down to the situation in which leggings are worn, whether they are appropriate or not.
I really like how you touched on the fact that there are acceptable ways to wear leggings at Mass while remaining respectful. That is something I really believe in and think more people should understand.
Sophie your opinion and mine mix at some points and oppose at others. While we can both agree that it is inappropriate to wear leggings to mass, we don't see eye to eye when it comes to the purpose of White's essay. I personally see her paper as one written under a false pretense of protecting women meanwhile in all actuality she just has a deep distaste for leggings. That's just my opinion though. Honestly what it boils down to is that you have the free will to wear whatever you wish to wear, but just please wear what is respectable and practical wherever you might be going.
This argument for a guy is very awkward, especially coming from a guy with two sisters. I regularly hear arguments between my dad and sisters that go something like "Take those freaking things off" "Why?" "Because your drawing too much attention to yourself", which usually ends with my sisters walking away pretending not to hear him ramble on. I'm not going to lie, they are a very revealing and compromising piece of attire that does draw a lot of attention from guys. Every guy is guilty of look at a girls butt when she is wearing leggings, every guy. If a guy has said that they never have, they are lying. Yet is also relies on guys as well, as the mom is in article is playing up her sons as if they are perfect, thinking it is the girls fault. I personally feel like it is mutually faulty on both sides. Sure, I bet girls are comfortable in these pants, but are they just doing it because they are comfortable, or are they wearing them for other purposes, like attracting guys and getting attention. Yet guys are also at fault here. If you see a girl wearing yoga pants, you don't have to freaking stare like it's they eight wonder of the world. And don't you the excuse "I can't help it", that's a line of bullshit. You can help it, you just don't have enough self-discipline to look away, and for the entire time at that. It not that hard, and also you are just feeding your emotions as well. As for the Leia example she used, I don't agree with that comparison at all. I am currently watching that scene on the Star Wars marathon on TBS for May the 4th, and Leia was forced to wear that slave outfit. Yet girls aren't forced to wear leggings? Yet how does Leia's slave outfit relate at all to the fashion trends of today? Girls aren't forced to wear leggings by the fashion industry either, and her point here doesn't make any sense to me. Yet it's wierd how she's trying to make girls stop wearing leggings when as well she is trying to say the fashion industry shouldn't force anything upon these girls. I feel like this is a case of "I saw something that made me angry and triggered, so I'm going to find a blog online I can write it about, without making my side seem guilty or wrong, in any way, shape, or form". She seems to be making a mountain out of a molehill as well. Those girls were in church, weren't they? That's better than most kids of my generation. To me, people should be allowed to wear what they want, and it they wear leggings, except "attention" from guys and guys, have a little self control. Both sides can improve and, more importantly, people SHOULD be improving on self-control and what they wear. That's my personal opinion, which I feel like we're not gonna see a lot on this blog from guys because they feel like their gonna be attacked by girls or other guys because they say their opinion. Don't be a jerk, or a social justice warrior, or get triggered because you don't agree with what a person says, respect their opinions.
Gerg, you killed it. I absolutely loved reading this. Obviously coming from a guy, you personally do not have much experience wearing leggings, but since you do have sisters, you do have an idea of the conflicts that leggings cause. You brought up a very important aspect of self-control from both genders and I agree that that aspect should be improved upon. I definitely got a kick out of this. Great job Gergy! I can’t wait to see what the other guys have to say in relation to your thoughts!
Gergy, there's obviously a clear parallel between our train of thought. I certainly agree with you that the blame shouldn't be put entirely on the girls because as you pointed out it's partially men's fault as well. I honestly don't think these girls were trying to get attention from anyone but rather were wearing them for comfort and the author just blew it out of proportion. After all, who goes to church to hook up with a person? I just feel that her whole paper was written under false pretenses to make her argument seem reasonable meanwhile it's just her being more oppressive towards her own sex because she disliked a form of clothing.
Gerg, it was really interesting reading this blog from a guys perspective. I think you made some great points, especially talking about the self control aspect from a guy and girls side. Great job this week!
As I am sitting here lounging around the house typing this blog, I am willing to admit that I am wearing a cozy pair of leggings and the usual oversized sweatshirt — my usual attire for a typical weekend afternoon. I am open to admitting that I am a believer in wearing leggings as long it is under the right circumstances. Unlike Maryann White, the author of “The Legging Problem,” I do not find an issue with wearing leggings to do basic tasks such as shopping, running errands, doing homework, and I often find myself wearing a pair at a causal baseball game. What I can agree with about the controversial aspect of the argument is the intention of the girl that is choosing to wear the leggings. I disagree with Maryann White’s argument of victimizing her sons and other men for not being able to look away from a girl wearing leggings. While I can not speak for every girl, I know that myself and most other women do not wear leggings as a way to attract other men. I certainly do not wear leggings in order to “show off” a certain area, but rather as an article of comfort because I happen to find jeans extremely uncomfortable. My mother had surgery a few years ago and seriously struggles with wearing jeans, so she found comfort in leggings which are very unrestrictive for her. Oftentimes, girls wear skinny jeans and shorts that are tighter and far more revealing than a pair of leggings, but are somehow still considered more acceptable to most people. It just comes back to the intention of the girl wearing them. In some circumstances, I understand that wearing leggings to Mass should be unacceptable. I can agree with Maryann White’s point that the girls who wore leggings and crop tops to the Basilica was outrageous and frankly I do not understand why they would think it would be okay. I think their intentions were in the wrong place and they certainly should have rethought their decision to wear such an outfit. However, I do not think that that means wearing leggings at Mass is always unacceptable. If you are reading this, I want to take a look at Emily Constable’s blog for this week and read the example about when we wear leggings before competitions. I respect the girls that choose not to wear leggings to Mass because they prefer jeans, but when they proceeded to misbehave and act disrespectful I believe that their decision is outweighed. I believe that attentiveness and acting respectful during Mass is just as important as what you decide to wear. I stand by my belief that leggings are acceptable as long as it is under the right circumstance. Remaining respectful of others is important, but others should respect women who choose to wear leggings that cover all of their legs, even though they are form-fitting.
The personal touch you added to this argument makes it much more effective. I like how you added that it all matters on the situation and the intent of the wearer. Nice work!
As a man, I can not relate to the comfortability of leggings or provide personal anecdotes about them, however, I can form an opinion on them and so can everyone else. Maryann White submitted a letter to the editors of the observer regarding a wide spread "issue" that is the latest fashion trend, leggings. Her letter entails a personal anecdote of a group of women wearing "snug-fitting leggings" and "short-waisted tops" to church followed by her opinion on why leggings are an issue towards teaching her boys to respect women. But whilst reading her letter, I could not help but find ironic claims and inconsistencies in her philosophy towards clothing, which very quickly dissolves her argument. First of all, I'm going to put it out there that no matter what, everyone deserves a certain degree of respect whether they are male or female. But, White's claim that "fashion" forces these women to wear this clothing item is flat out false. Fashion is not a person holding these women at gunpoint demanding they wear the leggings or die, these women are freely choosing to put on a pair of leggings. "Fashion" is not dictated by one person or a few people, it is dictated by humanity and their hormonal and biological responses to certain clothing items, which is why leggings, swim suits, and other revealing items of clothing exist. When someone chooses to wear a clothing item it is a matter of flattering their body whilst maintaining personal comfort. Take for example joggers pants, although they are slightly baggy they provide a little bit of structure to men, thus flattering them, while being comfortable enough to run in because it is a pain to run in jeans. It is the woman's choice using her free will to wear the flattering and comfortable leggings over jeans and White has no right to dictate otherwise. By referencing Princess Leia and Jabba the Hutt she provides a good example of a woman being forced to wear sex slave like clothing, but it isn't applicable to her argument. Because the woman has the right and makes the decision to wear leggings, it serves as mere filler to her paper to make stupid references to and to outrage people about, which she even addresses in her claim that "Leggings are hardly slave girl outfits." But by referencing Leia she adds a degree of irony to her paper, that is she says that women should not be forced to wear leggings while at the same time trying to dictate what women wear. Isn't it funny? But lets continue her philosophy with swim suits, specifically bikinis. While we're removing leggings let's get rid of bikinis for the more modest Burkina, wouldn't that be great? Oh wait, a top matched with jeans that is form fitting, here let's replace that with oversized clothes. Ya know while we're at it, let's just replace it all with Niqābs, Boshiyas, and Chadors. Now we're at the point where you're just covered head to toe in cloth the same way Muslim women are, among one of the most oppressed groups in the world. What I'm trying to get to with this straw man is that her philosophy is ignorant and she has no place dictating what women can and can't wear. What her whole paper boils down to is her complaining because the leggings offended her, but she makes her paper out to be for the betterment of women while at the same time oppressing them. Ironic is it not? I do agree with her points that a woman should be viewed as a person, but the rest of the paper she's just filling it with false pretenses so it doesn't seem as bad as her letter truly is. If she was complaining that women shouldn't wear leggings to church out of respect I would agree with her because as we discussed in class there is proper attire for every place and leggings would not be considered proper attire for church, but this letter is about something entirely different. Just respect one another and don't look at others for their body and you will be fine.
Oh boy Logan, you came through this week. You clearly saw the holes in her argument and poked them out one by one. Your argument was excellent. Great job!
Logan, this blog was awesome. I really enjoyed reading this from your point of view, because it opened up points that I hadn’t even thought of. You pointed out her flaws well, but at the same time said where she was in the right. Great job!
Look, people can wear or not wear leggings, as they see fit. But please, ladies, dress how you want. If you want to wear pants, wear pants. If you want to wear leggings, wear them! If you are not comfortable wearing leggings, don’t. If you want to wear skirts every day or dress up in Halloween costumes, go for it! The fact of the matter is the intention. People should be smart enough by now to know whether or not to wear specific items of clothing to specific occasions. Just as you should probably NOT wear white to a wedding, it is probably not a grand idea to wear a crop top and leggings to church. Although, just because someone is wearing leggings in a church does not mean that their intentions are in the wrong place either (See Emily Constsble’s post for more specific details on the cheerleading incident during mass). In relation to the article posted by the Catholic mother, Maryann White, she was only able to argue that her poor, poor sons were the victims of girls wearing leggings. Give me a break, lady. She questioned the younger generation of females by asking, “Could you think of the mothers of sons the next time you go shopping and consider choosing jeans instead?” Well, maybe I would consider it if she was not blatantly blaming girls for her sons’ lack of self-control. It is time to put an end to policing women’s clothing and, instead, raise the expectations of self-control. Now, I’m not pointing fingers at just males and saying that all guys are pigs. Rather, both females and males should be smart enough to decide whether or not a garment of clothing is acceptable and, in the event of sight of an interesting outfit, how to deal with something that one might not consider to be ‘conservative’. It is grossly unfair to tell girls that they are responsible for the thoughts of the boys around them—but that is the message they get when people tell them their clothes are a "distraction." Also, there is still the fight of the erroneous idea that women and girls “ask” to be raped by the way they dress. While there's a place for discussing clothing as an element of how people present themselves to the world, as soon as people put blame on women because boys and men cannot control themselves, the world is on the wrong path. In relation to the rape/sexual subject, obviously sexual thoughts might arise if someone sees someone else wearing something that flatters their body. But, people have the ability to shift their gaze. People are capable of choosing how they view someone. Everyone has the ability to manage their thoughts and exercise self-control, and the only person responsible for what is happening inside their head is themselves. It is long past time people start raising society's expectations of self-control instead of focusing on women's evolving clothing trends. Overall, I disagree with Maryann White’s argument on leggings. If she is such a profound Catholic mother, why is she passing judgement on others? Jesus tells everyone to look at their own sin before judging someone else. The Bible tells people that they are to confront others sin with truth and love in respect. As it states in Matthew 7:1-5, a perfect Bible passage for this topic, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Leggings are not going away any time soon, so people are going to have to learn to deal with it.
Dom, your blog was fantastic! I felt like I was all emotionally fired up at the end of it! I loved how you didn’t beat around the bush and just straight up came right out with your points. It was certainly super powerful, and I could feel your pathos behind it. I also liked how you brought up the point that women shouldn’t be made to feel responsible for the content of some guy’s thoughts. Great job!
Oh hell yes, Dom! (Pardon my French) This is your best best blog yet! This may sound odd, but I can hear your voice so well in this piece, it sounds like you. It was so sharp and powerful. I loved the little bit of snark especially, “Give my a break lady.” Amazing job! I loved it!
I loved this blog. No doubt my favorite one on here. Women aren’t objects and the clothing we wear does NOT change that. Look away or move seats if you feel uncomfortable. But more than that, learn to grow up and learn not everything is about sex (especially during church). Keep it up I loved it.
Like most people in the comments section of this article, I do not care at all about leggings and who wears them. It does not matter to me. I, like most of the guys I know, have been raised to not stare. Literally, that's all you have to do. It’s not that hard. Apparently this mother does not understand this. Instead of helping her boys understand the situation and think about in a productive manner, she is doing the opposite by pointing out all of the small details. This is entirely counterproductive and simply idiotic. I will also agree with other commenters that raising her children is not the job of other women, especially if she finds it so hard to teach them not to stare. This is a borderline satire piece as there is no logical reason for her argument other than the apparent curse of eyesight which God has bestowed on her boys. People aren’t stupid, they know what is right and wrong and if she has taught her boys like she says, they’ll have no problem respecting women.
Okay Bruce: Is this really your blog? To start it is only 181 words. That is not even close to the minimum. I thought it was just a comment on Dom’s blog. I was honestly surprised. Second, I am a bit bothered. Sure, let a girl wear what she wants, that is fine I like to wear what I like, but what does this mindset contribute to the bigger problem? Let women wear whatever they want? Just teach boys not to stare? Really? That is all it takes? I tried not to talk about the specific decency of leggings in my blog simply because that just was not my argument or point, but I will do it here. We ALL need to practice virtue. It is important. For men, this means self-control, and for women that means modesty. It is how we show respect to one another and how we protect one another. There are contexts in which leggings are appropriate and even tasteful, and I also like to wear them, but that does not mean they are all right all the time. I am also rather frustrated with the vilification of the White sons in your and many others’ blogs. She literally says her sons did not mention it, that they must not have looked because they saw it as a courtesy not to. I don’t approve of Maryann White’s approach and I don’t even agree with half of the things she said, but that is does not mean she is totally wrong, that there was no truth in her statement whatsoever. I would love to give you some constructive feedback, but honestly, you didn’t give any of us much to work with.
Well first off, I wasn't aware there was a minimum word count. I thought it was appropriate for this blog because it seems relatively relaxed and we all seem to be on mostly the same page. Second, I agree wholeheartedly with your statement with practicing virtue. I thought this was a given. I may have written too much from my point of view or that of a guys, but I can't really do much else on a topic that is so irrelevant to me. And it may be a fault in my character to you, but I am far more willing to accommodate for others than I am to try and change them. But that being said, again, I agree with you, there is a time and place for everything. Furthermore, I don't believe I was trying to vilify her sons, I was trying to do the opposite. Her war on leggings is obviously a waste of effort in the name of her sons because they already know what to do! And again, I agree, she was not totally wrong. Her core belief, modesty, is a sound belief. I am simply saying that her energy was misdirected. I am glad that you want to give me feedback but attacking it based on the number of words and its location in the feed are inefficient. If anything, you have shown me that I need to not assume so much of others.
I whole heartedly agree with you Bruce. It seems a bit stupid to write an article on something no one will listen to or care about in the end. I can’t understand why people have to make such a big deal over leggings. Just don’t look at my butt!
Okay, okay. I see where you’re at Bruce! I love how you mentioned that it’s a completely satire argument. As Grace pointed out, this was a bit short. I know we mentioned at the beginning of the year that the minimum is around 300-350 words but perhaps you forgot. Although this was short, it was not crappy. Every sentence I read was packed with information about your view on the argument— no b.s.. I liked it!
I actually really enjoyed your blog Bruce. I agree women and men should just be able to live their lives because temptation is everywhere anyways. We should respect people and not worry so much. Love is what got us here and is what will take is to the end of time. Great job seriously.
Leggings, they are comfortable, fashionable, and liberating, right? Well, apparently, not for everyone. Maryann White, a Catholic mother of four sons, wrote a letter to the editor of The Observer about her opinion on what she calls the “leggings problem.” What followed was a firestorm. The conversation it has triggered, through responses, comments, and blogs like our own, has seriously recontextualized it. It has sparked conversation and debate and, most obviously, outrage. All of this has made me seriously think about what was being said. Yes, the letter is quite clearly about leggings, but...is it? I mean, is it really? Because I would argue that this blog, through discussion, is no longer just a question of a Catholic mom’s distaste for a fashion staple—it is a question of women’s liberation and female empowerment. Who is to say that a woman cannot chose to dress how she would like? That was a big part of the outrage, right? Maryann White was telling women what they should and should not wear, right? But, really, who decides what a woman gets to wear? Well, simply, she does. Complexly, society and industry do. A woman absolutely chooses what to put on her individual body, but that does not mean she is not influenced in that decision. The fashion and related industries are powerful. They have a woman’s whole lifetime to condition her to purchase their products and their message. Through advertising and societal expectations, the industry has created this cycle where women place their value in these things. No, fashion is not a dictator telling women what they can and cannot wear, but to ignore the very real pressure put upon women to perform a very manufactured femininity in order to succeed and be valued is ignorant. The saddest part is that women play right into the hands of this industry run by powerful, careerist men. They have spent so long fighting “the man” they have convinced themselves that the way to do it is to be more of a woman—or at least the kind of woman they have been sold. So now, we have the new age issue of the industry convincing women to sexualize themselves and weaponize their femininity. Women now believe liberation to be the choice to wear the things that lead to their own objectification and commodification. Women know that the way to get ahead is to be attractive and appealing. And so her femininity becomes a weapon, not against “the man” or “the system”, but against other women. I am not saying wearing leggings is inherently bad; I myself wear leggings. But it is honestly disheartening to see all these fellow women fall into the hands of the thing we denounce, that is being controlled. I am conflicted—as we all should be—about my role in this. It is frustrating to be a woman that genuinely wants what is best for women. And I know that that is, really, what Maryann White wants too, even if her approach and perspective were somewhat unsavory.
I think this blog does a really good job summarizing the big issue with consumerist feminism which, I think, needs to be better understood: https://thefinancialdiet.com/psa-girl-power-consumerism-isnt-feminism/
I believe I agree with most of your argument. And I respect your leveling it up to a feminist issue, although I disagree with that. I don't think every conflict relating to women needs to be a feminist issue. I agree with equal rights, but what I typically see from feminists is anything but. Your use of rhetorical questions is apparent and you definitely developed a full argument over this blog. You did good even where we disagree.
Grace this isn't bad and I agree with many of your points but I agree with Chris that this article might have been just about women wearing leggings but it goes both ways. Men look women wear and vise versa. It is a problem but people need to worry less and live more. God created us to live, love, and learn but I truly think people don't live because they are to worried about stuff that frankly won't matter in a day.
Okay, so maybe I did not represent my stance very well. My point is not about men and not about constraining people from living their lives. I am talking about societal pressure and the influence of consumer culture on women’s lives. Like I put in my original post, the link gives great insight and context for what I was trying to convey. I was not talking about feminism at all, or at least not any kind concerned with the differences between men and women. Because this issue has very little to do with men at all. I don’t think this is something men will likely relate to. I am talking about how we as women are playing right into the hands of an industry and still conforming to what THEY want. I honestly just don’t see how that could ever be liberating at all.
Modern fashion and society sees no problem with girls wear skin tight pants, leggings . Like any type of clothing there is a time and place. For example, the situation at mass, described by Maryann White, is the wrong place for leggings. Leggings can be worn for comfort, dress, or for a workout. The correct time and place has not been established for this type of clothing. The clothing has the potential of being revealing, but if worn properly, the clothing can be worn with no issue. However, the main question is, “Is it the girls job to wear clothes that do not entice men or for men to just turn the other way?” Leggings wide use creates the issue. Girls were the same style of pants to the gym that they wear to get dressed up. Imagine that guys wore the same shorts to the gym and wear the same pair to be considered dressed up. Leggings have no specific place where they should be worn. If a place is given to this type of clothing situations like Maryann’s mass incident might not happen or be looked at as okay. Maryann probably views leggings as gym or relaxing attire, so when she say them in mass was upset. The other main concern about leggings is their revealing potential. Leggings are not naturally revealing, any more than skinny jeans which Maryann seemed okay with, but can be revealing if the the wearer wants. So, this issue then falls on the girls who wear them. It should be their issue to make sure that they are wearing the clothes as they were designed. It is the girls choice to show their body, and in the end if they find it not revealing then they can wear them. It is up to the wearer to wear leggings properly. When worn properly at the right time and place, leggings can be a great choice. The issues is that the correct place has not been decided for them. Leggings can be seen worn lounging at home, in the gym, or at mass. Most people only see them as being worn in one place, so when worn outside of the designated area many become upset. Like any other type of clothing the wear must keep in mind modesty. Nothing is wrong with legging. Some people just have a hard time leaving behind old ways and moving on to new ways
Jacob, you did an awesome job on your blog this week. You went against the grain and did not just state that “It’s a women’s choice.” Blah! You did a great job tying modesty into it. I also liked your main question of, “Is it the girls job to wear clothes that do not entice men or for men to just turn the other way?” that was very crucial to add. I think you did an excellent job!
Jake, this was very well thought out. I didn’t think of all the different perspectives associated with wearing leggings. The quoted question you have at the end of the first paragraph ties everything together and makes it work. Great work!
This piece actually got a chuckle out of me. Maryann White’s view seemed rather ironic and not something that she should try to push on others. She talked about girls having a need to dress modestly, and for guys to not look. That isn’t a wrong view but that appeared to just be sexist. She mentioned that not all guys will look this is true, and in general it is wrong to assume that they all do. But what I noticed was that she went on about guys’ attentions, meanwhile, she is the one bringing all this focus onto the topic. It seems as though she is the one that is focusing on the girls’ leggings more than anyone else.
I will say that I see there to be 3 main classes of which dress needs to be thought about. The first is lounge or exercise, in which by all means, where leggings, that is their purpose. The second is in public, where I see it as being up to the individual and what they choose to wear. And the third is the actual high class, such as a trip to the white house, where I reckon leggings are a bit under dressed.
White seems to view Church as the highest class in which leggings are inappropriate. I wouldn’t, this is a matter of opinion. But the church is built on principles of individuality and loving your neighbor, forgiveness, acceptance, etc. I don’t think it matters that those people wore leggings to church. I think the important part is how others perceive those who do. White looks to have taken it as a personal attack on her Catholic beliefs and felt the need to tell others. But I don’t think most people would care nearly as much as her. People can where whatever they choose, and it is up to those around them to respect that, whatever their choice may be.
The end of her argument asks people to choose jeans instead of leggings. I don’t think this would solve anything. If people wanted to look wrongly at girls, they’ll probably do it whether they’re wearing leggings or not. It comes down to the individual to control themselves and respect others, not to the wearers to change their outfits. White also closes in saying that “you have every right to wear them” and yet she is trying to argue with that throughout the letter. It seems to me that she is trying to use her catholic identity to justify her message instead of using better arguments. Overall she seems to view the whole debacle as the women’s fault, which just isn’t true.
In a letter to a general audience, Maryann White wrote about a problem she saw with fashion. It was the emergence of leggings. Although they are popular and can be seen being worn by women on almost any occasion, leggings, according to White, are an “unforgiving garment.” Even though her opinion towards this new trend is harsh, leggings are generally accepted by society for reasons understood by many. Although they have been around for centuries, leggings, also commonly called spandex or tights, have only been around in their modern form since the year 1959. After DuPont created the very first lycra tights in that year, the revolutionary piece of fashion was established and is here to stay. In her letter, White portrays leggings as exposing and unforgiving. She even goes as far as to compare them to the slave outfit worn by Princess Leia in Star Wars. She argues that they are too revealing and are essentially unchaste. Although Maryann White only saw the negative side of this fashion style, there are certainly many more benefits that leggings have to offer. For one thing, leggings are comfortable and are an acceptable piece of clothing to wear on almost any occasion. They fit perfectly into the athleisure style popular today. Leggings should not only be accepted because they are popular, but because they offer important health benefits as well. In the running community, according to a French study performed by Bringard, Perrey, and Bulluye, “wearing compression tights enhanced overall circulation to the legs and therefore decreased energy expenditure at prolonged speeds.” Although White portrays leggings as “unforgiving,” they are much more than that. They are a revolutionary piece of clothing. Maryann White’s opinion should certainly be respected, but it is not her call to say what women are or are not to wear. Leggings are often “snug-fitting” like she said, but that does not mean that every male who sees a woman wearing them is going to be a creep and stare. People are people, and that is a simple concept that should be understood by all. Leggings, because of their benefits and widespread acceptance, should be allowed to be worn without criticism from others. Although Maryann White does not agree with them, there are countless other faithful who do. Leggings have been worn and accepted for years, and that will not change anytime in the near future.
You did really well on this. I agree with your points, even the ones relating to the author herself. You showed that you did research to back your claims and this is big, especially in tackling a catholic mother's view that seemed to be based on that alone. You just did really well this week. Nice job.
Maryann White, a concerned Catholic mother, gives her beliefs on the most popular clothing of modern times, leggings. From a catholic viewpoint and even an average teenage girl viewpoint, the article has some good points but also some I disagree with. First of all, I agree that leggings and a crop top are not church attire and the young women who wore them have some thinking to do. Although, I do believe leggings can be worn to church, with a modest sweater that maybe flows over the butt to more or less hide it. In addition to this, I know I can be lazy and wear whatever is on my bedroom floor to church. Probably leggings and a nice shirt I already wore to work that week. It may not cover up my butt, but I have never given a second thought about it. Isn’t church a safe place? Somewhere I can go to worship without judgement and being objectified? I feel as though if you can not control your racing desire to look at my butt in church while sitting behind me, then move. Get up and walk away to a new pew. Your article on leggings is not going to make me stop wearing them and it sure as heck won’t stop any other girl. The mindset here needs to be changed. Yes, she is doing the right things in raising her sons to not look at my butt, yet she also needs to understand that the whole world is not going to change because of her belief. There are many other problems to worry about in this world, and more than likely, I (and thousands of other women) can solve them while wearing a nice comfy pair of leggings.
The concerned Catholic mother who wrote the letter tells her opinion on girl’s wearing leggings. The mother, having four boys, is concerned that the simple article of clothing is a huge distraction for boys. The mother then attempts to place blame on the girls themselves for revealing so much of themselves. I completely disagree with the stance the author of the letter takes. While I agree church may be an inappropriate setting for such attire, there is no shame in being comfortable with what is being worn. I’m sure no girls have the intention of “showing themselves off” but rather just to be comfortable. What is so sinful about that? Besides that point, human beings possess the ability to choose what they focus on. Instead of allowing such a terrible distraction, boys simply have the option of turning their attention elsewhere, which is the right thing to do. The stance the mother takes likely comes from the fact of her being a mother of four boys. While it is ok to worry about your children, their is no need to blame the entire other gender for a problem that can be prevented by a moral upbringing. Overall, every person should be free of criticism when choosing what they wear. Leggings likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so there is no blame in wearing what you want as long as the intention is in the right place.
I really liked your blog this week, Isaac! I like how you mentioned that her attitude towards leggings is most likely directed by the fact that she is a mother of four boys. Coming from a boy, it is nice to see that you’re supporting the girls on this one and for all the right reasons. Yay, good work!
Sexual desires are apart of human nature. Every living human being has had and has them. I personally think this mother's rant on women's clothing is going through the minds of many concerned parents but everyone keeps it to themselves. No parent (like this mother) wants to see their child take advantage or be taken advantage of. In today's society it is sometimes hard to do, so all you can do is to teach your kids the manners of not to stare and to treat a lady like she is the best thing that has ever happened to you. You make her your friend first and don't worry about all the other adult stuff(sex). On the topic of the leggings and women's clothing in general does not matter always on the intent of the woman wearing the clothes but also on people looking at them. The clothes are revealing but that is just the way it is. If people taught their kids to not objectify and drool over women's bodies, clothing producers would stop trying to push the limits. Men sometimes just stare and let their minds go into places they do not belong. It takes respect for themselves and for women to stop and know they need to look through at a woman's heart before they even look at their bodies. Parents have a tougher job these days of making sure their kids make the right choices and treat all people right because one day when we are all old and saggy, people don't want to be looking at us in yoga pants. So what the mother and the world needs to worry about is things that actually matter like the real love that comes through jokes, personality, and what's on the inside. Yes, women shouldn't let their bodies out there for everyone to see and should try to dress as trendy yet as modestly as possibly(as should men). Men and women wear tight clothes during track because they are comfortable and more arrow dynamic. I wear these clothes and would probably never wear anything different and I don't wear it so people can stare at me and either does anyone else on the team make or female. Like I said earlier sexual desires and temptation will be there so just do you and live your life. God loves us all and when we praise him and follow his words He will reward us. Relationships are about faith and love of the other person, a person you can grow old with when the leggings fade away.
Although your blog was a bit blunt, I think it worked for you under these circumstances. I especially liked how you included the idea of repect and dignity.
“Talk less, smile more” is a piece of alive that some people should take. Mrs. Maryann White is one of those people. Her recent tirade against leggings when viral and caused protests on the campus of Notre Dame University. Mrs. White was shocked to see that a group of female students where wearing leggings during Mass (insert gasps and the clutching of pearls here). Mrs White, decided to write a rant shaming the girls, because that a totally reasonable thing to do. Mrs. White was uncalled for and, as far as I know, no one died and made her the queen of anything. She has no right to dictate what people wear, and has absolutely no right to shame others for what they wear. First of all, It is absolutely shameful that those young women get shamed for their clothes while they were trying to concentrate on the holy Mass. These girls were in church, trying to honor and worship. God. I’ll bet their minds were not on their clothing, but on the service. I’ll also bet that her sons minds were on the service as well, instead of on the girls leggings. These girls should be lauded for getting to Mass, instead of shaming them for their clothes. Mrs. White was probably the only person ogling the girls, while she should have been minding her own darn business and been focusing on the Mass. Second of all, telling women to change their clothes so they don’t tempt men to sin is extremely problematic. Women are not in change of making sure men don’t sin. The path is not always going to clear for guys, so they have to learn how to adjust and deal with it. And most guys are doing that! The vast majority of guys treat women with respect and dignity no matter what they are wearing, which is how it should be. However, some people get the awful stereotype because of a few individuals that men are uncontrollable beasts that simply can’t control their sex drives. That stereotype harms both men and women, men for getting the idea that they can’t control their own bodies, and women that what they’re wearing is the reason that they are assaulted and disrespected. Mrs. Whites essay buys into this essay by saying that “These are not just my sons — they’re the fathers and brothers of your friends, the male students in your classes, the men of every variety who visit campus. I’m fretting both because of unsavory guys who are looking at you creepily and nice guys who are doing everything to avoid looking at you. For the Catholic mothers who want to find a blanket to lovingly cover your nakedness and protect you — and to find scarves to tie over the eyes of their sons to protect them from you!” Mrs. Whites main argument is based on both misinformation and a harmful stereotype, which should discredit her immediately. Third of all, it is nobody’s business what you chose to wear to Mass or otherwise. It is a free country, and the last I checked, their are no laws that limit how a person may chose to dress. We are blessed to have those freedoms. Mrs. White has absolutely no authority to tell these women how to dress an no authority to shame them. How would she like it someone bashed what she wore? Not very much I would think. Mrs White is not the fashion police, nor should she pretend to be. Smart people know when to “talk less and smile more”. Mrs White is not one of those people. Instead of minding her darn business and paying attention to the Mass, she wrote a rant that is based on misinformation and stereotype. Since she’s so good at giving lectures, maybe she should listen to a few for a change.
Julie, you were very passionate about this topic and it made your blog make you sound extremely confident and driven. I loved it, every aspect of it. However, I may be a little biased seeing that I agreed with your side of the argument. With that in mind although I think it worked for you in this blog, I’d caution you on letting your emotions inspire your argument. Great job on this blog you had a lot of evidence to back your argument.
Fashion is important in society because it has the potential to bring different people together to celebrate their own individuality. Who’s to say what clothing items are appropriate and what items are “crossing the line”? It seems as through Maryann White, the catholic mother, feels as if she is entitled to do so. Mrs. White took it upon herself to deem leggings an inappropriate fashion trend. Not only this, she continues further to say that leggings look as though they are “painted on.” In addition, Mrs. White describes leggings as an “unavoidable” piece of garment that young men get distracted by. Leggings are hardly a lewd fashion trend. Mrs. White uses only one main source of evidence, that being one evening when she attended Mass at the Basilica with her family, when she witnessed a group of young women, all wearing leggings. She also makes a point to include the fact that the leggings were snug on these women and their tops were short-waisted. By the end of her rant Mrs. White was able to indirectly humiliate these women. Because of the fact that this was Mrs. Whites only source of evidence, I would testify that I too have witnesses strangers who wore unflattering clothing. However, like Mrs. White said, “women should be viewed first as people — and all people should be considered with respect.” This hypocritical statement contradicts Mrs. Whites entire argument. By shaming the girls, she is making hasty and unnecessary arguments that go against treating every human with dignity and respect. Furthermore, leggings are a fashion trend and only that. If some people in society chose to sexualize a simple clothing item, that is the fault of their own doing. Only because a few particular women may have been wearing the leggings in what Mrs. White thought was in an inappropriate manner, the argument can be made that any piece of clothing can be worn this way. In fact, in many instances a pair of leggings with a nice sweater can serve as a very sensible outfit.
I can’t relate to this situation all that well, however I don’t view this as a big deal. If a girl wants to wear leggings so be it! A girl wearing them is no concern to me. Its their life and they can do what they want. If they wear leggings they shouldn’t be ridiculed for doing so. However I do believe there is certain settings where they are inappropriate, such as the Catholic mother said, in church. I don’t agree with the stance the mother takes. I believe that she should not be worrying with what girls are wearing. Her claim on fashion making the girls wear them is just horrible it actually made me laugh. I understand that it can be a “distraction” all guys have been there and understand where I am coming from however, the mother should be worrying more about how to raise her boys and to teach them not to stare and be respectful. Parents place the blame on the girls for being distracting but yet don’t teach there kids how to respect girls. Girls shouldn’t have to worry about the way they dress every time they leave the house. Its all about what you feel comfortable in. You do you!
Dan! I laughed reading this because I would’ve guessed that this was your blog without even seeing your name! It was really good, you expressed your raw and utter opinion! Good job.
Dan I like how you kept this short and to the point. I really like your argument and also think that mass or other formal events are not the place to wear leggings.
Leggings. The style of pants that clearly bring up much controversy. Just like anything else, we all have different point of views, allowing us to agree or disagree. With this situation, I personally disagree with her point she is trying to prove, yet I agree with one statement that she makes. That is, leggings should not be worn in church. Leggings have a time and a place. Church is neither the time nor the place. Everything else she has to say I must disagree with. Leggings are a very stylish trend. According to Vogue, leggings are supposed to be a somewhat loose pair of pants. They are to be worn with a shirt that goes below the hips. In fact, it was said “do not wear leggings like jeans, they are different”. This is a very good statement to go by, but a few girls fail to abide by this. This is why the outlook of leggings is not as good as before. Leggings are and will always be a trend from here on out. However, they need to be worn correctly. Women need to wear leggings with the proper shirt to make them look appropriate. That being said, the Catholic mom does not like the look of the leggings, calling them “naked”. However, if the female in the Basilica was wearing leggings with a long dressy shirt, covering her behind, the mother would not have thought twice about it. Therefore, females, wear leggings correctly to make a better reputation for the trending style. Personally I believe I have no right to say who can and cannot wear something. However, you yourself know your style, knowing exactly what you look good in and or what you should never wear again. I never wear any form of strapless dresses, shorts, etc. Why? They are not made for my body type. I believe this comes in with leggings. If leggings are not made for your body type then simply do not wear them. Some of the modest outfits are the cutest ones yet! Finally, I would like to say that I personally love leggings. They are very comfortable. They are easy to move around in and look cute with certain outfits. Like before, there is a time and a place. Church is not the time or the place. Yet, maybe a lazy Sunday afternoon a pair a leggings and a oversized sweatshirt may be the best fit.
Lauryn, I agree with your statement on if they wore long shirts the mom wouldn't have complained about it as much. I feel like we were on the same wavelength but didn't say it the same. Nice job
I agree that Mass probably isn’t the place for leggings. I also agree that there is nothing wrong with wearing them to stay comfy at your house. If they are comfortable and you like them, wear them!
Lauryn, I really enjoy this blog. Your point about body types absolutely stood out to me. One of the many important factors to look at when wearing leggings! Good job.
Welp, I just typed this whole blog out and sent it in... and somehow it’s just completely gone. So a little frustration may be used to my advantage here in round two of my blog. I’d like to start out by providing my stance as clearly and as quickly as possibly before I discuss Maryann White’s article. To begin, I completely agree that leggings call for plenty of attention in areas that should not need direct attention. That being said, I do believe that women should feel free to dress as they please. It is their body and they should choose how they portray it. However, it needs to be said that there is a time and a place for everything. Obviously it is not very good etiquette to wear leggings and a small shirt to Mass or a wedding/proper event. The same can be said for guys. You see guys all the time in the gym or weight room wearing tight sleeveless shirts to lift in. There’s nothing wrong about that. It’s a completely different story if a dude were to wear that same outfit to Mass or some other proper event. This isn’t exactly the same extent as leggings because leggings are tighter around more “private” parts, but I hope you are picking up what I’m putting down. Anyways, it’s time to discuss the article by Mrs. White. First off, I completely agree with her that leggings shouldn’t be worn in Mass and that they are a little too tight in general. However, there are many flaws (in my opinion) with her article/argument. In fact, I actually cringed at times throughout the article. For example, she mentions that her poor boys have to struggle through the hour of Mass without looking at these girls in their leggings sitting in front of them. Seriously? She acts as if the eyes of her boys are being stapled directly to the butts of the girls in front of them. There is no magnetic force pushing their heads to look at the girls private areas. If these boys are as morally sound as the mother talks them up to be, they shouldn’t have a problem concentrating on the priest rather than the girls. Don’t get me wrong here, as an 18 year old kid myself, it can be hard sometimes to not peak or glance. However, it’s not impossible. As Dom said in her blog, give me a break lady! Mrs. White sounds like one of those soccer moms who goes crazy on the coach for not playing her daughter enough in the 4 y/o youth soccer game at the park. What I mean is that there is definitely an issue in this topic, but it’s nothing to start a riot over. I don’t mean to be rude to Mrs. White in this response, and I don’t believe I am. I just simply believe that her article isn’t very valid. In conclusion, girls should be allowed to dress as they please to an extent as long as the situation is appropriate. Maybe it isn’t appropriate to wear leggings in Mass, but at least they are actually Mass. Sheesh! Tough argument for a guy that doesn’t really need to be stressing on this topic. Although, it was pretty fun.
Opinions, opinions, opinions, every person in society today has to have an opinion on everything. A large majority of the time these opinions are directed towards teenagers. What music they are listening to, the movies they are interested in, and specifically what they are wearing. Now, not only is this unfair, but it is tired. Teenagers, sorry boys, but specifically girls are judged for everything they put onto their bodies. At this age, girls are trying to fit in, while trying to find themselves, and in most cases, trying to still be respected and look nice. With that being said, I think there are many trends that can be deemed inappropriate, for instance a crop top, skimpy swimming suits, short shorts, or skirts, tight dresses, etc., but leggings? Some leggings may definitely not be the most appropriate based on how they are worn by the girl, or how worn out they are, but there are much worse. Leggings are not acceptable by default by any means, I just believe it is not a completely outrageous trend. Should leggings be worn in Church or to a nice dinner or gathering, probably not, but that goes back to what we have discussed in class, is it appropriate? Teenage girls definitely tend to get caught up in trends and need to take a step back to reflect and ask themselves, “do I look respectable?” “Am I trying to get inappropriate attention?” The sad part is in many cases, a girl may not care, but any clothing item can be abused, and I do not believe every girl should suffer falling under the stereotype of not respecting themselves or the people around them. That being said, many boys also do need to respect girls. This, I think is similar to girls trying to fit into a trend. Teenage boys, and all their friends think it is fun and interesting to “check out” girls, but it is really just disrespectful. Telling a girl she looks nice or pretty to her face is kind, but unheard of. How hard is that? As I stated earlier teenagers are constantly judged and told they are wrong for everything, but just being respectful and not laughing and staring girls up and down would just benefit both boys and girls greatly. The concept of mutual respect is explained in a strange way in the article, “The legging problem.” As it describes these women wearing tight leggings and short shirts to mass can draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Now, I am sure her perfect Catholic boys did not take a glimpse, but in this case, a girl dressed like this can improve on being appropriate for the right situation. But, these girls are not horrible, risqué girls, as this mother is making them seem. They are not exposing themselves and bringing great shame upon themselves. They are pants, not alway the most ideal pants, but um, girls do in fact have butts, this is not a secret. These butts are also identifiable in jeans for instance. The key to everything, is a far less opinionated society, which allows people some space to breathe without every decision they make being wrong or judged. As I sit here in my leggings I feel much more covered and reserved than many other articles of clothing.
I understand how a mother of four boys can be unseasy about the situation, but placing 100 percent of the blame on the girls who are wearing the leggings is ridiculous. I personally think that women should be allowed to wear what they please, as long as they're not doing so with the only intent being to impress others with their figure. Coming from guy, I've never worn plain leggings in public, but I have on certain occasions. Whether it be under my football pants, basketball shorts, under my snowpants for snowboarding, or at a track meet, I will admit that they are not uncomfortable, even though they may be made from a different material then typical women's leggings. In fact, I have never heard any complaints about leggings being uncomfortable from anyone. The mother who wrote this article seems as if she is looking at it from the view of comfort. She is low-key placing girls and women who wear leggings under the label of "sluts" and that's only because she's scared of catching her own boys looking. She asked mothers of girls to think about the mothers of boys who have no self control when buying pants for their daughters. Reading some of the girls' blogs, they have made some good argument s on when they should and shouldn't wear leggings. Whether it be at their own house to be comfortable, or traveling, or just when hanging out with friends. White's argument that late fashion trends are forcing these girls to wear leggings is wrong. As Logan stated in his blog, "Fashion is not a person holding these girls at gunpoint demanding they wear leggings or die." Again, women should be allowed to wear what they please, as long as they're not doing it with the wrong intent. Second of all, Maryann stated that she and her family went to mass at a basilica and a group of girls wearing leggings sat in front of them. As I can recall, besides a megachurch which is a term of the Protestant faith, a basilica is typically the largest Catholic church. If she didn't like her family sitting behind these girls wearing leggings, she probably could have moved. If my mom would have written this article I would have been actually embarrassed. I don't believe women should be held to certain standards as to which clothes they are and are not allowed to wear. If you feel comfortable wearing leggings, then I say to do so by all means!
Although I have no experience with leggings, I’m going to try to say my part. First and foremost, I do agree that wearing leggings and a crop top to Mass is a bit inappropriate; however, it goes the same for guys who wear shorts and a cutoff or no sleeve shirts. It is not that hard to put on a pair of jeans and a nice shirt to go to Mass. Although, that is the only point I agree with White on this subject. Shaming women about wearing what they want and attempting to praise your own sons about how “innocent” they are is utter bs. White trying to put the blame on the girls for the unwanted attention is completely wrong. It’s similar to blaming a woman for getting raped because “her clothes were revealing and she looked liked she wanted it.” No! You can’t go blaming the woman because she has every right to wear what she wants, and leggings aren’t even a bad clothing choice. Instead, how about we teach men and boys to respect woman how they should be respected and keep those dirty thoughts tucked way way way back in the head. Also, comparing leggings to nakedness is idiotic. Wake up call, clothes can be comfortable lady, not just being naked. There’s a big difference between wearing leggings that cover everything than just walking around town with absolutely nothing on. Also, why doesn’t White just stay in her lane. I bet she wore clothes much more revealing in her teenage and young adult years than leggings that maybe run a little tight. This lady reminds me of the stereotypical mother who has that short haircut and always wants to talk to the manager at a restaurant. She just seems so judgmental of everyone except herself and her “little angels.” Leggings are a beautiful thing and women should be allowed to wear what they want without being blamed for horny teenage boys staring.
Note: I tried to post this last night and it kept disappearing. So here I am posting it this morning. Note 2: Sike! It wasn’t posting so I’m trying this morning before prayers and announcements.
This catholic mother has a good point that when girls where skin tight leggings with short shirts people can not help but stare and feel disrespected. I agree that women wearing tight leggings and short shirts with the intention of impressing is wrong and disrespectful but I also believe that leggings can be okay with the right intention. I know when I want to have a cozy movie day on the couch I throw on leggings, warm socks, and an over sized sweatshirt. Therefore, I believe this issue of leggings can relate to the class discussion we had today. People must know when the right time to wear them is and what to wear them with. Leggings and a crop top out in public is obviously not the best choice, however, leggings and a sweatshirt or t shirt to a relaxed occasion should be okay. Its also controversial whether or not leggings should be worn to church. For example, the cheerleaders attended mass several times before leaving to go to competitions and they have leggings as part as their travel wear requirements. Some girls wore jeans and brought their leggings for the bus but yet continued to talk the whole mass and be disrespectful. From that situation, I believe it is the intention of the person wearing the leggings. I think most of us can agree as well that if a stunning model is wearing leggings, it’s the biggest deal in the world but some other people wearing the same thing may not be disrespectful, which bring me to the point of is it really the leggings bothering some people or is it the looks of others wearing them? Just a point to throw out there. Overall, I agree with most points of the mother that girls wearing leggings at inappropriate times with inappropriate intentions is wrong, but I truly believe if a man can walk outside with his shirt off in the summer than a girl can wear leggings. People complain about short shorts as well, so girls wear leggings that cover all of their skin, but those are also judged and seen as disrespectful. I think in certain situations, women should not wear leggings and should have to wear jeans, but I think with the right intentions a girl should be able to wear leggings without being judged behind their back. The Bible states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. As Catholics we are taught to love others and not judge or talk about each other in a disrespectful manner. I believe we should know when and when not to wear leggings and I believe if a mother has a problem with it she should address it to the young ladies in a nice way or simply pray for them without going online and ranting about it.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I agree with your blog 100%. You got to the point and the points that you provided are very relevant. With the right intentions, anyone should be able to wear leggings without the fear of judgement from others. I especially like your inclusion of the quote about the speck of sawdust and the plank in the eye in relation to judgment. I’m glad you wrote exactly what you thought and did not beat around the bush. I’m looking toward to what others have to say about your thoughts on this subject as well. Great job, Em!
DeleteEmily, I really enjoyed your blog this weekend, and I think it’s very obvious we have similar views and opinions on this. I especially liked when you spoke about the cheerleading situation, because it really gave an insight on a real life situation. Great job Em!
DeleteI just LOVE how you brought judgement into your argument because I think it is a way that people try to make girls feel guilty for wearing leggings. You did an awesome job providing examples and giving it the edge it needed.
DeleteI agree with the points you made in your blog. I liked how you brought a direct bible quote in to incorporate religion into your arguement. It works well considering the mother is writing based off religious beliefs.
DeleteAs a female, or any teenager for that matter, it is easy to get caught up in new fashion trends because one wants to fit in with his or her friends, or for the simple fact that they just like the style of clothing, hairstyle, or whatever it may be. Some of these trends, though, may be controversial to some extent, depending on the appropriateness and amount of respect given, for example, when worn. Leggings have proven to be one of these controversies, as there have been articles written about the inappropriateness of the clothing item.
ReplyDeleteMaryann White, a Catholic mother of four boys titled “The Legging Problem,” and carried her argument by saying leggings are an unforgiving garment that show way too much of a woman’s body. But, when they are worn in an appropriate place and time, they can be a clothing item that is worn with no issue.
Let’s say it is a rainy, spring Saturday and one is lounging around the house cleaning, doing homework, and other chores, while dressed in jeans and a blouse or sweater. That would be seen as uncomfortable and quite odd to some. But, if that same person is doing the same thing the next weekend in leggings and a sweatshirt, it would honestly be quite normal, and something that happens quite often for myself even. In that situation, yes leggings would be appropriate. Even a quick trip to Walmart or pick up something at the pharmacy would be an okay time for a girl to wear leggings. Now, in the situations that were just mentioned, if the leggings are pulled wayyyy up and made high waisted and aren’t supposed to be high waisted, and show all things that are supposed to be covered, they are seen as inappropriate, which in its right shows true. Another inappropriate event to wear leggings to, especially in the incorrect way, is to Church. In the article mentioned above, MaryAnn speaks of women she had seen in Mass that were in tight fitting leggings and crop tops. Now, I don’t know what they were thinking when wearing crop tops, but they definitely thought wrong. Levels of respectfulness also come into play in situations like this, kind of like the photo we talked about in class Friday. The family we studied was dressed in bright, Easter egg colors, possibly trying to fit a cliché, or create a new one. Their outfits may have fit one level of appropriateness, but missed another. If the girls, or anyone in this case, that wears leggings acts respectful, morally correct, and follows the way God guides them, attention would most likely be drawn away from the outfit, and directed toward their demeanor.
Leggings have quickly become a large fashion in today’s society. It’s inevitable, someone somewhere is going to wear them. I even wear them, but reading this article definitely was an eye opener on watching my own actions when I do wear them. But, when worn correctly and respectfully, there may not be anything wrong with them. It may be hard, but thinking before you judge someone, or watching how they act could really be a game changer when deciding whether to befriend them or not. Just like any other clothing item, they are appropriate when worn how they are meant to be worn.
Ellie, I really enjoyed your blog this week! I could not agree more with your points. I like how you mentioned leggings as a fashion trend! Well done!
DeleteEllie, I like how you referred back to the article frequently throughout your argument; it gave it a really good foundation!
DeleteAs a teenage girl, I am guilty of owning many pairs of leggings ranging from various prints to just solid black. I personally know that such clothing can be extremely tight fitting or cheaply made and because of this, it is important to know what brands are good and what are not. It is suggested to be aware of how a piece of clothing fits before wearing it— similar to how a man would not wear a tie that is too short or too long. In addition to that, one must also know the proper time and occasion to wear leggings because they can be acceptable in certain situations. Lastly, it all boils down to the intent of the person wearing the leggings.
ReplyDeleteObviously, all clothes are made to fit in different ways. A sun dress is loose; a button up shirt is snug; ladies’ swim suits are form-fitting; socks are compressed; and yes, leggings are tight. However, that does not make them immodest. In relevance, many other garments i.e. dress pants, jeans, swim wear etc. can be tight as well. All of these can be just as revealing, if not more revealing than leggings. Although, some pairs seem to have a sheer tint which them cause to reveal much more than the user intended, but this is just a company error. The consumer should not be blamed for the poor quality of their clothes unless they willingly acknowledge that they want it to be that way. Correspondingly, no one ever complains about the tightness of a woman’s jeans, but the second they are caught wearing leggings everyone goes up in ablaze.
Ms. Maryann White wrote an article titled, “The legging problem,” in which she bashed the popular clothing item in every shape and form. She had many, many good points especially about the time she was at Mass with her family and a group of young women had tight leggings on during this time of praise and worship. This is where the idea of when and wear it is an okay time to wear such fitting material. One should use better judgment and think twice before wearing leggings to Church, but the same dress code should not apply if you are sitting in the comfort of your own home or working out at the gym.
Even my most die-hard Catholic friends have worn leggings on multiple occasions, and I can almost one hundred percent assure that they have never once wore them so that people would admire their figure. As a woman, I know that most girls do not want to be idolized for such traits and do not want to be gawked at for wearing a pair of leggings. Many do it because they are a staple piece that are comfortable and can go with anything, not for the common misconception that they just want attention.
Yay for leggings! As long as the pants are not see through, are worn at an appropriate time, and the intentions are right, then there should not be a problem. Women still have the right to choose what they prefer to wear, and that cannot be stripped away.
Very good points Maddie, especially about the types and applications of clothing.
DeleteMaddie, I like how you began your final paragraph with “Yay for leggings!” You did a great job backing up your points by using Ms. Maryann White’s article. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI like your points, Maddie! I especially liked how you compared leggings to other clothing that can be really similar! One thing that I think you could do to have made this better would be to elaborate on the places in which leggings are appropriate to wear! Overall though, this was great!
ReplyDeleteLeggings have undoubtedly swept the world of women’s clothing. They are worn as athletic wear, leisurely, and for almost anything and everything else. Where should the line be drawn, though? Maryann White wrote in a letter to the editor of “The Observer” her views on leggings, focusing on a time when she and her family (which included four sons) were attending Mass and sat behind girls that were wearing tight leggings that could be seen through, each with short tops on. Obviously, this is a situation in which leggings are inappropriate, and situations like these give leggings a bad rap. However, in my opinion they are not all that bad.
ReplyDeleteObviously, the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating the appropriateness of leggings is the intent. Leggings should be opaque, and fit for one’s body type. Additionally, it is probably considered going overboard if one wears a tight-fitting top paired with the already tight enough leggings. The place that the leggings are being worn is to be taken into consideration as well. This, however, is pretty black and white: leggings should never be worn as formal wear. In summation, I think it is appropriate for leggings to be worn in informal situations as long as they fit properly, are opaque, and worn with a loose shirt that goes at least as far as the hips.
Maryann White has some good points, noting that just because leggings are comfortable does not make them appropriate. She stated that being nude is also comfortable, but out of respect for others we dress more modestly. However, if this is true, leggings are not the only piece of clothing that should be considered inappropriate. Most skinny jeans are just as revealing as some leggings, and business pants are only getting tighter. If we can say that leggings are inappropriate for formal settings such as church and work, then many pairs of jeans and dress pants are too.
Therefore, instead of placing such hate on leggings, the concern should be directed toward all tight, improperly fitting, or see-through pants. For example, our school dress code bans leggings and many other types of pants on dress down days, leaving the only option to be jeans. This rule is effective in prohibiting most types of inappropriate pants, but leaves the only option to be jeans, which keep getting tighter and stretchier as trends change as well.
Leggings have gotten a pretty bad reputation in the eyes of many, but those same people are often the ones that swap leggings for skinny jeans, tight business pants and bathing suits. It is true that leggings can allow one to reveal too much, which makes it important for them to be made from thick fabric and fit properly, like all other clothes. However, when it comes down to it, they can be similar to other articles of clothing, which is where the attention should be directed.
Bailey, I really enjoyed reading your blog and think we share similar views on the situation. I especially liked how you brought into consideration how women's' clothing in general is just getting tighter and we should focus that instead of just singling out leggings. Overall, great job!
DeleteAlthough they are very comfortable, leggings are one of the more controversial articles of clothing owned by women. In a Letter to the Editor, Maryann White voices her concerns about the growing trend of leggings. While White’s points are valid, I believe they are only partially true. That being said, the appropriateness of leggings varies in the circumstances in which they are worn.
ReplyDeleteThe point I agree with most in White’s essay is that leggings should not be worn to Mass. Hearing my mother rant in the car time after time about some girl who wore leggings way too tight to Mass, makes me understand exactly where White is coming from. Simply put, if the leggings are distracting my mother that much, they are undoubtedly distracting others as well. However, leggings can tasteful for Mass if they are worn with something else, such as a tunic-type top that extends longer than a normal t-shirt would. Mass is a time when people should be paying attention to the parts of the Mass and to Jesus, or at least attempting to do this. In a situation like this, even a nice pair of jeans would be a better alternative to leggings. However, it is up to the woman to really think through her outfit choice before she leaves the house.
Many jobs also have some sort of dress code and that dress code also prohibits leggings. For example, at the library we are not allowed to wear leggings, or even jeans, during our shifts. This rule is put into place to protect the women form objectification, and more importantly, unwanted advances, which is more of a problem than one might think for a library. However, leggings would be permissible for other jobs, such as waitressing in a very casual establishment or a labor-intensive job that would be uncomfortable in jeans. As stated before, it just comes down to the circumstance in which the leggings are worn.
Leggings are a personal favorite of mine, and I do believe that they can be worn tastefully in other situations where the clothes a girl is wearing doesn’t matter that much. For example, if a girl is just planning to take a lazy day and lounge around the house, run some quick errands to places like Walmart or the bank, engage in some type of exercise, or spend a day catching up on homework, leggings would be perfectly acceptable and preferred because of the higher level of comfort they provide in comparison to a pair of jeans.
Overall, I think Maryann White was applying inappropriately wearing leggings to only one circumstance- Mass. I agree with White on this issue, but her argument fails to consider the appropriate ways for women to stay comfortable by wearing leggings. It all comes down to the situation in which leggings are worn, whether they are appropriate or not.
I really like how you touched on the fact that there are acceptable ways to wear leggings at Mass while remaining respectful. That is something I really believe in and think more people should understand.
DeleteSophie your opinion and mine mix at some points and oppose at others. While we can both agree that it is inappropriate to wear leggings to mass, we don't see eye to eye when it comes to the purpose of White's essay. I personally see her paper as one written under a false pretense of protecting women meanwhile in all actuality she just has a deep distaste for leggings. That's just my opinion though. Honestly what it boils down to is that you have the free will to wear whatever you wish to wear, but just please wear what is respectable and practical wherever you might be going.
DeleteYou make great points Sophie. Your comment about advances in the library is ever so slightly unsettling...
DeleteThis argument for a guy is very awkward, especially coming from a guy with two sisters. I regularly hear arguments between my dad and sisters that go something like "Take those freaking things off" "Why?" "Because your drawing too much attention to yourself", which usually ends with my sisters walking away pretending not to hear him ramble on. I'm not going to lie, they are a very revealing and compromising piece of attire that does draw a lot of attention from guys. Every guy is guilty of look at a girls butt when she is wearing leggings, every guy. If a guy has said that they never have, they are lying. Yet is also relies on guys as well, as the mom is in article is playing up her sons as if they are perfect, thinking it is the girls fault. I personally feel like it is mutually faulty on both sides. Sure, I bet girls are comfortable in these pants, but are they just doing it because they are comfortable, or are they wearing them for other purposes, like attracting guys and getting attention. Yet guys are also at fault here. If you see a girl wearing yoga pants, you don't have to freaking stare like it's they eight wonder of the world. And don't you the excuse "I can't help it", that's a line of bullshit. You can help it, you just don't have enough self-discipline to look away, and for the entire time at that. It not that hard, and also you are just feeding your emotions as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Leia example she used, I don't agree with that comparison at all. I am currently watching that scene on the Star Wars marathon on TBS for May the 4th, and Leia was forced to wear that slave outfit. Yet girls aren't forced to wear leggings? Yet how does Leia's slave outfit relate at all to the fashion trends of today? Girls aren't forced to wear leggings by the fashion industry either, and her point here doesn't make any sense to me. Yet it's wierd how she's trying to make girls stop wearing leggings when as well she is trying to say the fashion industry shouldn't force anything upon these girls. I feel like this is a case of "I saw something that made me angry and triggered, so I'm going to find a blog online I can write it about, without making my side seem guilty or wrong, in any way, shape, or form". She seems to be making a mountain out of a molehill as well. Those girls were in church, weren't they? That's better than most kids of my generation. To me, people should be allowed to wear what they want, and it they wear leggings, except "attention" from guys and guys, have a little self control. Both sides can improve and, more importantly, people SHOULD be improving on self-control and what they wear. That's my personal opinion, which I feel like we're not gonna see a lot on this blog from guys because they feel like their gonna be attacked by girls or other guys because they say their opinion. Don't be a jerk, or a social justice warrior, or get triggered because you don't agree with what a person says, respect their opinions.
Gerg, you killed it. I absolutely loved reading this. Obviously coming from a guy, you personally do not have much experience wearing leggings, but since you do have sisters, you do have an idea of the conflicts that leggings cause. You brought up a very important aspect of self-control from both genders and I agree that that aspect should be improved upon. I definitely got a kick out of this. Great job Gergy! I can’t wait to see what the other guys have to say in relation to your thoughts!
DeleteGergy, there's obviously a clear parallel between our train of thought. I certainly agree with you that the blame shouldn't be put entirely on the girls because as you pointed out it's partially men's fault as well. I honestly don't think these girls were trying to get attention from anyone but rather were wearing them for comfort and the author just blew it out of proportion. After all, who goes to church to hook up with a person? I just feel that her whole paper was written under false pretenses to make her argument seem reasonable meanwhile it's just her being more oppressive towards her own sex because she disliked a form of clothing.
DeleteLeeroy, I didn't have any problems with this blog at all and I like how you said what's on your mind without sugar coating it. Way to go❤
DeleteStephen
I love the emotion behind it Gergyus! So much passion is behind this opinion, I love it.
DeleteGerg, it was really interesting reading this blog from a guys perspective. I think you made some great points, especially talking about the self control aspect from a guy and girls side. Great job this week!
ReplyDeleteAs I am sitting here lounging around the house typing this blog, I am willing to admit that I am wearing a cozy pair of leggings and the usual oversized sweatshirt — my usual attire for a typical weekend afternoon. I am open to admitting that I am a believer in wearing leggings as long it is under the right circumstances. Unlike Maryann White, the author of “The Legging Problem,” I do not find an issue with wearing leggings to do basic tasks such as shopping, running errands, doing homework, and I often find myself wearing a pair at a causal baseball game. What I can agree with about the controversial aspect of the argument is the intention of the girl that is choosing to wear the leggings. I disagree with Maryann White’s argument of victimizing her sons and other men for not being able to look away from a girl wearing leggings. While I can not speak for every girl, I know that myself and most other women do not wear leggings as a way to attract other men. I certainly do not wear leggings in order to “show off” a certain area, but rather as an article of comfort because I happen to find jeans extremely uncomfortable. My mother had surgery a few years ago and seriously struggles with wearing jeans, so she found comfort in leggings which are very unrestrictive for her.
ReplyDeleteOftentimes, girls wear skinny jeans and shorts that are tighter and far more revealing than a pair of leggings, but are somehow still considered more acceptable to most people. It just comes back to the intention of the girl wearing them. In some circumstances, I understand that wearing leggings to Mass should be unacceptable. I can agree with Maryann White’s point that the girls who wore leggings and crop tops to the Basilica was outrageous and frankly I do not understand why they would think it would be okay. I think their intentions were in the wrong place and they certainly should have rethought their decision to wear such an outfit. However, I do not think that that means wearing leggings at Mass is always unacceptable. If you are reading this, I want to take a look at Emily Constable’s blog for this week and read the example about when we wear leggings before competitions. I respect the girls that choose not to wear leggings to Mass because they prefer jeans, but when they proceeded to misbehave and act disrespectful I believe that their decision is outweighed. I believe that attentiveness and acting respectful during Mass is just as important as what you decide to wear.
I stand by my belief that leggings are acceptable as long as it is under the right circumstance. Remaining respectful of others is important, but others should respect women who choose to wear leggings that cover all of their legs, even though they are form-fitting.
The personal touch you added to this argument makes it much more effective. I like how you added that it all matters on the situation and the intent of the wearer. Nice work!
DeleteAs a man, I can not relate to the comfortability of leggings or provide personal anecdotes about them, however, I can form an opinion on them and so can everyone else. Maryann White submitted a letter to the editors of the observer regarding a wide spread "issue" that is the latest fashion trend, leggings. Her letter entails a personal anecdote of a group of women wearing "snug-fitting leggings" and "short-waisted tops" to church followed by her opinion on why leggings are an issue towards teaching her boys to respect women. But whilst reading her letter, I could not help but find ironic claims and inconsistencies in her philosophy towards clothing, which very quickly dissolves her argument.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I'm going to put it out there that no matter what, everyone deserves a certain degree of respect whether they are male or female. But, White's claim that "fashion" forces these women to wear this clothing item is flat out false. Fashion is not a person holding these women at gunpoint demanding they wear the leggings or die, these women are freely choosing to put on a pair of leggings. "Fashion" is not dictated by one person or a few people, it is dictated by humanity and their hormonal and biological responses to certain clothing items, which is why leggings, swim suits, and other revealing items of clothing exist. When someone chooses to wear a clothing item it is a matter of flattering their body whilst maintaining personal comfort. Take for example joggers pants, although they are slightly baggy they provide a little bit of structure to men, thus flattering them, while being comfortable enough to run in because it is a pain to run in jeans. It is the woman's choice using her free will to wear the flattering and comfortable leggings over jeans and White has no right to dictate otherwise.
By referencing Princess Leia and Jabba the Hutt she provides a good example of a woman being forced to wear sex slave like clothing, but it isn't applicable to her argument. Because the woman has the right and makes the decision to wear leggings, it serves as mere filler to her paper to make stupid references to and to outrage people about, which she even addresses in her claim that "Leggings are hardly slave girl outfits." But by referencing Leia she adds a degree of irony to her paper, that is she says that women should not be forced to wear leggings while at the same time trying to dictate what women wear. Isn't it funny? But lets continue her philosophy with swim suits, specifically bikinis. While we're removing leggings let's get rid of bikinis for the more modest Burkina, wouldn't that be great? Oh wait, a top matched with jeans that is form fitting, here let's replace that with oversized clothes. Ya know while we're at it, let's just replace it all with Niqābs, Boshiyas, and Chadors. Now we're at the point where you're just covered head to toe in cloth the same way Muslim women are, among one of the most oppressed groups in the world. What I'm trying to get to with this straw man is that her philosophy is ignorant and she has no place dictating what women can and can't wear.
What her whole paper boils down to is her complaining because the leggings offended her, but she makes her paper out to be for the betterment of women while at the same time oppressing them. Ironic is it not? I do agree with her points that a woman should be viewed as a person, but the rest of the paper she's just filling it with false pretenses so it doesn't seem as bad as her letter truly is. If she was complaining that women shouldn't wear leggings to church out of respect I would agree with her because as we discussed in class there is proper attire for every place and leggings would not be considered proper attire for church, but this letter is about something entirely different. Just respect one another and don't look at others for their body and you will be fine.
Oh boy Logan, you came through this week. You clearly saw the holes in her argument and poked them out one by one. Your argument was excellent. Great job!
DeleteLogan, this blog was awesome. I really enjoyed reading this from your point of view, because it opened up points that I hadn’t even thought of. You pointed out her flaws well, but at the same time said where she was in the right. Great job!
ReplyDeleteLook, people can wear or not wear leggings, as they see fit. But please, ladies, dress how you want. If you want to wear pants, wear pants. If you want to wear leggings, wear them! If you are not comfortable wearing leggings, don’t. If you want to wear skirts every day or dress up in Halloween costumes, go for it! The fact of the matter is the intention. People should be smart enough by now to know whether or not to wear specific items of clothing to specific occasions. Just as you should probably NOT wear white to a wedding, it is probably not a grand idea to wear a crop top and leggings to church. Although, just because someone is wearing leggings in a church does not mean that their intentions are in the wrong place either (See Emily Constsble’s post for more specific details on the cheerleading incident during mass). In relation to the article posted by the Catholic mother, Maryann White, she was only able to argue that her poor, poor sons were the victims of girls wearing leggings. Give me a break, lady. She questioned the younger generation of females by asking, “Could you think of the mothers of sons the next time you go shopping and consider choosing jeans instead?” Well, maybe I would consider it if she was not blatantly blaming girls for her sons’ lack of self-control. It is time to put an end to policing women’s clothing and, instead, raise the expectations of self-control. Now, I’m not pointing fingers at just males and saying that all guys are pigs. Rather, both females and males should be smart enough to decide whether or not a garment of clothing is acceptable and, in the event of sight of an interesting outfit, how to deal with something that one might not consider to be ‘conservative’. It is grossly unfair to tell girls that they are responsible for the thoughts of the boys around them—but that is the message they get when people tell them their clothes are a "distraction." Also, there is still the fight of the erroneous idea that women and girls “ask” to be raped by the way they dress. While there's a place for discussing clothing as an element of how people present themselves to the world, as soon as people put blame on women because boys and men cannot control themselves, the world is on the wrong path. In relation to the rape/sexual subject, obviously sexual thoughts might arise if someone sees someone else wearing something that flatters their body. But, people have the ability to shift their gaze. People are capable of choosing how they view someone. Everyone has the ability to manage their thoughts and exercise self-control, and the only person responsible for what is happening inside their head is themselves. It is long past time people start raising society's expectations of self-control instead of focusing on women's evolving clothing trends. Overall, I disagree with Maryann White’s argument on leggings. If she is such a profound Catholic mother, why is she passing judgement on others? Jesus tells everyone to look at their own sin before judging someone else. The Bible tells people that they are to confront others sin with truth and love in respect. As it states in Matthew 7:1-5, a perfect Bible passage for this topic, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Leggings are not going away any time soon, so people are going to have to learn to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteDom, your blog was fantastic! I felt like I was all emotionally fired up at the end of it! I loved how you didn’t beat around the bush and just straight up came right out with your points. It was certainly super powerful, and I could feel your pathos behind it. I also liked how you brought up the point that women shouldn’t be made to feel responsible for the content of some guy’s thoughts. Great job!
DeleteOh hell yes, Dom! (Pardon my French) This is your best best blog yet! This may sound odd, but I can hear your voice so well in this piece, it sounds like you. It was so sharp and powerful. I loved the little bit of snark especially, “Give my a break lady.” Amazing job! I loved it!
DeleteI loved this blog. No doubt my favorite one on here. Women aren’t objects and the clothing we wear does NOT change that. Look away or move seats if you feel uncomfortable. But more than that, learn to grow up and learn not everything is about sex (especially during church). Keep it up I loved it.
DeleteI am using my blog exemption this week.
ReplyDeleteLike most people in the comments section of this article, I do not care at all about leggings and who wears them. It does not matter to me. I, like most of the guys I know, have been raised to not stare. Literally, that's all you have to do. It’s not that hard. Apparently this mother does not understand this. Instead of helping her boys understand the situation and think about in a productive manner, she is doing the opposite by pointing out all of the small details. This is entirely counterproductive and simply idiotic. I will also agree with other commenters that raising her children is not the job of other women, especially if she finds it so hard to teach them not to stare. This is a borderline satire piece as there is no logical reason for her argument other than the apparent curse of eyesight which God has bestowed on her boys. People aren’t stupid, they know what is right and wrong and if she has taught her boys like she says, they’ll have no problem respecting women.
ReplyDeleteOkay Bruce: Is this really your blog? To start it is only 181 words. That is not even close to the minimum. I thought it was just a comment on Dom’s blog. I was honestly surprised. Second, I am a bit bothered. Sure, let a girl wear what she wants, that is fine I like to wear what I like, but what does this mindset contribute to the bigger problem? Let women wear whatever they want? Just teach boys not to stare? Really? That is all it takes? I tried not to talk about the specific decency of leggings in my blog simply because that just was not my argument or point, but I will do it here. We ALL need to practice virtue. It is important. For men, this means self-control, and for women that means modesty. It is how we show respect to one another and how we protect one another. There are contexts in which leggings are appropriate and even tasteful, and I also like to wear them, but that does not mean they are all right all the time. I am also rather frustrated with the vilification of the White sons in your and many others’ blogs. She literally says her sons did not mention it, that they must not have looked because they saw it as a courtesy not to. I don’t approve of Maryann White’s approach and I don’t even agree with half of the things she said, but that is does not mean she is totally wrong, that there was no truth in her statement whatsoever. I would love to give you some constructive feedback, but honestly, you didn’t give any of us much to work with.
DeleteWell first off, I wasn't aware there was a minimum word count. I thought it was appropriate for this blog because it seems relatively relaxed and we all seem to be on mostly the same page. Second, I agree wholeheartedly with your statement with practicing virtue. I thought this was a given. I may have written too much from my point of view or that of a guys, but I can't really do much else on a topic that is so irrelevant to me. And it may be a fault in my character to you, but I am far more willing to accommodate for others than I am to try and change them. But that being said, again, I agree with you, there is a time and place for everything. Furthermore, I don't believe I was trying to vilify her sons, I was trying to do the opposite. Her war on leggings is obviously a waste of effort in the name of her sons because they already know what to do! And again, I agree, she was not totally wrong. Her core belief, modesty, is a sound belief. I am simply saying that her energy was misdirected. I am glad that you want to give me feedback but attacking it based on the number of words and its location in the feed are inefficient. If anything, you have shown me that I need to not assume so much of others.
DeleteI whole heartedly agree with you Bruce. It seems a bit stupid to write an article on something no one will listen to or care about in the end. I can’t understand why people have to make such a big deal over leggings. Just don’t look at my butt!
DeleteOkay, okay. I see where you’re at Bruce! I love how you mentioned that it’s a completely satire argument. As Grace pointed out, this was a bit short. I know we mentioned at the beginning of the year that the minimum is around 300-350 words but perhaps you forgot. Although this was short, it was not crappy. Every sentence I read was packed with information about your view on the argument— no b.s.. I liked it!
DeleteYeah I definitely forgot about the word count but I hope the meaning was enough to justify it. Thank you for the feedback Maddie!
DeleteI actually really enjoyed your blog Bruce. I agree women and men should just be able to live their lives because temptation is everywhere anyways. We should respect people and not worry so much. Love is what got us here and is what will take is to the end of time. Great job seriously.
DeleteThat was Ben^
DeleteLeggings, they are comfortable, fashionable, and liberating, right? Well, apparently, not for everyone. Maryann White, a Catholic mother of four sons, wrote a letter to the editor of The Observer about her opinion on what she calls the “leggings problem.” What followed was a firestorm. The conversation it has triggered, through responses, comments, and blogs like our own, has seriously recontextualized it. It has sparked conversation and debate and, most obviously, outrage. All of this has made me seriously think about what was being said. Yes, the letter is quite clearly about leggings, but...is it? I mean, is it really? Because I would argue that this blog, through discussion, is no longer just a question of a Catholic mom’s distaste for a fashion staple—it is a question of women’s liberation and female empowerment.
ReplyDeleteWho is to say that a woman cannot chose to dress how she would like? That was a big part of the outrage, right? Maryann White was telling women what they should and should not wear, right? But, really, who decides what a woman gets to wear? Well, simply, she does. Complexly, society and industry do. A woman absolutely chooses what to put on her individual body, but that does not mean she is not influenced in that decision. The fashion and related industries are powerful. They have a woman’s whole lifetime to condition her to purchase their products and their message. Through advertising and societal expectations, the industry has created this cycle where women place their value in these things. No, fashion is not a dictator telling women what they can and cannot wear, but to ignore the very real pressure put upon women to perform a very manufactured femininity in order to succeed and be valued is ignorant.
The saddest part is that women play right into the hands of this industry run by powerful, careerist men. They have spent so long fighting “the man” they have convinced themselves that the way to do it is to be more of a woman—or at least the kind of woman they have been sold. So now, we have the new age issue of the industry convincing women to sexualize themselves and weaponize their femininity. Women now believe liberation to be the choice to wear the things that lead to their own objectification and commodification. Women know that the way to get ahead is to be attractive and appealing. And so her femininity becomes a weapon, not against “the man” or “the system”, but against other women.
I am not saying wearing leggings is inherently bad; I myself wear leggings. But it is honestly disheartening to see all these fellow women fall into the hands of the thing we denounce, that is being controlled. I am conflicted—as we all should be—about my role in this. It is frustrating to be a woman that genuinely wants what is best for women. And I know that that is, really, what Maryann White wants too, even if her approach and perspective were somewhat unsavory.
I think this blog does a really good job summarizing the big issue with consumerist feminism which, I think, needs to be better understood: https://thefinancialdiet.com/psa-girl-power-consumerism-isnt-feminism/
I believe I agree with most of your argument. And I respect your leveling it up to a feminist issue, although I disagree with that. I don't think every conflict relating to women needs to be a feminist issue. I agree with equal rights, but what I typically see from feminists is anything but. Your use of rhetorical questions is apparent and you definitely developed a full argument over this blog. You did good even where we disagree.
DeleteGrace this isn't bad and I agree with many of your points but I agree with Chris that this article might have been just about women wearing leggings but it goes both ways. Men look women wear and vise versa. It is a problem but people need to worry less and live more. God created us to live, love, and learn but I truly think people don't live because they are to worried about stuff that frankly won't matter in a day.
DeleteThis is Ben.
Okay, so maybe I did not represent my stance very well. My point is not about men and not about constraining people from living their lives. I am talking about societal pressure and the influence of consumer culture on women’s lives. Like I put in my original post, the link gives great insight and context for what I was trying to convey. I was not talking about feminism at all, or at least not any kind concerned with the differences between men and women. Because this issue has very little to do with men at all. I don’t think this is something men will likely relate to. I am talking about how we as women are playing right into the hands of an industry and still conforming to what THEY want. I honestly just don’t see how that could ever be liberating at all.
DeleteModern fashion and society sees no problem with girls wear skin tight pants, leggings . Like any type of clothing there is a time and place. For example, the situation at mass, described by Maryann White, is the wrong place for leggings. Leggings can be worn for comfort, dress, or for a workout. The correct time and place has not been established for this type of clothing. The clothing has the potential of being revealing, but if worn properly, the clothing can be worn with no issue. However, the main question is, “Is it the girls job to wear clothes that do not entice men or for men to just turn the other way?”
ReplyDeleteLeggings wide use creates the issue. Girls were the same style of pants to the gym that they wear to get dressed up. Imagine that guys wore the same shorts to the gym and wear the same pair to be considered dressed up. Leggings have no specific place where they should be worn. If a place is given to this type of clothing situations like Maryann’s mass incident might not happen or be looked at as okay. Maryann probably views leggings as gym or relaxing attire, so when she say them in mass was upset.
The other main concern about leggings is their revealing potential. Leggings are not naturally revealing, any more than skinny jeans which Maryann seemed okay with, but can be revealing if the the wearer wants. So, this issue then falls on the girls who wear them. It should be their issue to make sure that they are wearing the clothes as they were designed. It is the girls choice to show their body, and in the end if they find it not revealing then they can wear them. It is up to the wearer to wear leggings properly.
When worn properly at the right time and place, leggings can be a great choice. The issues is that the correct place has not been decided for them. Leggings can be seen worn lounging at home, in the gym, or at mass. Most people only see them as being worn in one place, so when worn outside of the designated area many become upset. Like any other type of clothing the wear must keep in mind modesty. Nothing is wrong with legging. Some people just have a hard time leaving behind old ways and moving on to new ways
Jacob, you did an awesome job on your blog this week. You went against the grain and did not just state that “It’s a women’s choice.” Blah! You did a great job tying modesty into it. I also liked your main question of, “Is it the girls job to wear clothes that do not entice men or for men to just turn the other way?” that was very crucial to add. I think you did an excellent job!
DeleteJake, this was very well thought out. I didn’t think of all the different perspectives associated with wearing leggings. The quoted question you have at the end of the first paragraph ties everything together and makes it work. Great work!
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DeleteYour blog was very well written, I liked how you explained the acceptable settings for this issue since they aren’t well established.
DeleteThis piece actually got a chuckle out of me. Maryann White’s view seemed rather ironic and not something that she should try to push on others. She talked about girls having a need to dress modestly, and for guys to not look. That isn’t a wrong view but that appeared to just be sexist. She mentioned that not all guys will look this is true, and in general it is wrong to assume that they all do. But what I noticed was that she went on about guys’ attentions, meanwhile, she is the one bringing all this focus onto the topic. It seems as though she is the one that is focusing on the girls’ leggings more than anyone else.
ReplyDeleteI will say that I see there to be 3 main classes of which dress needs to be thought about. The first is lounge or exercise, in which by all means, where leggings, that is their purpose. The second is in public, where I see it as being up to the individual and what they choose to wear. And the third is the actual high class, such as a trip to the white house, where I reckon leggings are a bit under dressed.
White seems to view Church as the highest class in which leggings are inappropriate. I wouldn’t, this is a matter of opinion. But the church is built on principles of individuality and loving your neighbor, forgiveness, acceptance, etc. I don’t think it matters that those people wore leggings to church. I think the important part is how others perceive those who do. White looks to have taken it as a personal attack on her Catholic beliefs and felt the need to tell others. But I don’t think most people would care nearly as much as her. People can where whatever they choose, and it is up to those around them to respect that, whatever their choice may be.
The end of her argument asks people to choose jeans instead of leggings. I don’t think this would solve anything. If people wanted to look wrongly at girls, they’ll probably do it whether they’re wearing leggings or not. It comes down to the individual to control themselves and respect others, not to the wearers to change their outfits. White also closes in saying that “you have every right to wear them” and yet she is trying to argue with that throughout the letter. It seems to me that she is trying to use her catholic identity to justify her message instead of using better arguments. Overall she seems to view the whole debacle as the women’s fault, which just isn’t true.
In a letter to a general audience, Maryann White wrote about a problem she saw with fashion. It was the emergence of leggings. Although they are popular and can be seen being worn by women on almost any occasion, leggings, according to White, are an “unforgiving garment.” Even though her opinion towards this new trend is harsh, leggings are generally accepted by society for reasons understood by many.
ReplyDeleteAlthough they have been around for centuries, leggings, also commonly called spandex or tights, have only been around in their modern form since the year 1959. After DuPont created the very first lycra tights in that year, the revolutionary piece of fashion was established and is here to stay.
In her letter, White portrays leggings as exposing and unforgiving. She even goes as far as to compare them to the slave outfit worn by Princess Leia in Star Wars. She argues that they are too revealing and are essentially unchaste. Although Maryann White only saw the negative side of this fashion style, there are certainly many more benefits that leggings have to offer. For one thing, leggings are comfortable and are an acceptable piece of clothing to wear on almost any occasion. They fit perfectly into the athleisure style popular today. Leggings should not only be accepted because they are popular, but because they offer important health benefits as well. In the running community, according to a French study performed by Bringard, Perrey, and Bulluye, “wearing compression tights enhanced overall circulation to the legs and therefore decreased energy expenditure at prolonged speeds.” Although White portrays leggings as “unforgiving,” they are much more than that. They are a revolutionary piece of clothing.
Maryann White’s opinion should certainly be respected, but it is not her call to say what women are or are not to wear. Leggings are often “snug-fitting” like she said, but that does not mean that every male who sees a woman wearing them is going to be a creep and stare. People are people, and that is a simple concept that should be understood by all.
Leggings, because of their benefits and widespread acceptance, should be allowed to be worn without criticism from others. Although Maryann White does not agree with them, there are countless other faithful who do. Leggings have been worn and accepted for years, and that will not change anytime in the near future.
You did really well on this. I agree with your points, even the ones relating to the author herself. You showed that you did research to back your claims and this is big, especially in tackling a catholic mother's view that seemed to be based on that alone. You just did really well this week. Nice job.
DeleteMaryann White, a concerned Catholic mother, gives her beliefs on the most popular clothing of modern times, leggings. From a catholic viewpoint and even an average teenage girl viewpoint, the article has some good points but also some I disagree with. First of all, I agree that leggings and a crop top are not church attire and the young women who wore them have some thinking to do. Although, I do believe leggings can be worn to church, with a modest sweater that maybe flows over the butt to more or less hide it. In addition to this, I know I can be lazy and wear whatever is on my bedroom floor to church. Probably leggings and a nice shirt I already wore to work that week. It may not cover up my butt, but I have never given a second thought about it. Isn’t church a safe place? Somewhere I can go to worship without judgement and being objectified? I feel as though if you can not control your racing desire to look at my butt in church while sitting behind me, then move. Get up and walk away to a new pew. Your article on leggings is not going to make me stop wearing them and it sure as heck won’t stop any other girl. The mindset here needs to be changed. Yes, she is doing the right things in raising her sons to not look at my butt, yet she also needs to understand that the whole world is not going to change because of her belief. There are many other problems to worry about in this world, and more than likely, I (and thousands of other women) can solve them while wearing a nice comfy pair of leggings.
ReplyDeleteThe concerned Catholic mother who wrote the letter tells her opinion on girl’s wearing leggings. The mother, having four boys, is concerned that the simple article of clothing is a huge distraction for boys. The mother then attempts to place blame on the girls themselves for revealing so much of themselves. I completely disagree with the stance the author of the letter takes. While I agree church may be an inappropriate setting for such attire, there is no shame in being comfortable with what is being worn. I’m sure no girls have the intention of “showing themselves off” but rather just to be comfortable. What is so sinful about that? Besides that point, human beings possess the ability to choose what they focus on. Instead of allowing such a terrible distraction, boys simply have the option of turning their attention elsewhere, which is the right thing to do. The stance the mother takes likely comes from the fact of her being a mother of four boys. While it is ok to worry about your children, their is no need to blame the entire other gender for a problem that can be prevented by a moral upbringing. Overall, every person should be free of criticism when choosing what they wear. Leggings likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so there is no blame in wearing what you want as long as the intention is in the right place.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your blog this week, Isaac! I like how you mentioned that her attitude towards leggings is most likely directed by the fact that she is a mother of four boys. Coming from a boy, it is nice to see that you’re supporting the girls on this one and for all the right reasons. Yay, good work!
DeleteI highly agree with your blog. If everyone has the intention of straight style, one should not be critiqued for wearing them.
DeleteSexual desires are apart of human nature. Every living human being has had and has them. I personally think this mother's rant on women's clothing is going through the minds of many concerned parents but everyone keeps it to themselves. No parent (like this mother) wants to see their child take advantage or be taken advantage of. In today's society it is sometimes hard to do, so all you can do is to teach your kids the manners of not to stare and to treat a lady like she is the best thing that has ever happened to you. You make her your friend first and don't worry about all the other adult stuff(sex).
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of the leggings and women's clothing in general does not matter always on the intent of the woman wearing the clothes but also on people looking at them. The clothes are revealing but that is just the way it is. If people taught their kids to not objectify and drool over women's bodies, clothing producers would stop trying to push the limits. Men sometimes just stare and let their minds go into places they do not belong. It takes respect for themselves and for women to stop and know they need to look through at a woman's heart before they even look at their bodies. Parents have a tougher job these days of making sure their kids make the right choices and treat all people right because one day when we are all old and saggy, people don't want to be looking at us in yoga pants. So what the mother and the world needs to worry about is things that actually matter like the real love that comes through jokes, personality, and what's on the inside. Yes, women shouldn't let their bodies out there for everyone to see and should try to dress as trendy yet as modestly as possibly(as should men). Men and women wear tight clothes during track because they are comfortable and more arrow dynamic. I wear these clothes and would probably never wear anything different and I don't wear it so people can stare at me and either does anyone else on the team make or female. Like I said earlier sexual desires and temptation will be there so just do you and live your life. God loves us all and when we praise him and follow his words He will reward us. Relationships are about faith and love of the other person, a person you can grow old with when the leggings fade away.
This is Ben
DeleteAlthough your blog was a bit blunt, I think it worked for you under these circumstances. I especially liked how you included the idea of repect and dignity.
Delete“Talk less, smile more” is a piece of alive that some people should take. Mrs. Maryann White is one of those people. Her recent tirade against leggings when viral and caused protests on the campus of Notre Dame University. Mrs. White was shocked to see that a group of female students where wearing leggings during Mass (insert gasps and the clutching of pearls here). Mrs White, decided to write a rant shaming the girls, because that a totally reasonable thing to do. Mrs. White was uncalled for and, as far as I know, no one died and made her the queen of anything. She has no right to dictate what people wear, and has absolutely no right to shame others for what they wear.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, It is absolutely shameful that those young women get shamed for their clothes while they were trying to concentrate on the holy Mass. These girls were in church, trying to honor and worship.
God. I’ll bet their minds were not on their clothing, but on the service. I’ll also bet that her sons minds were on the service as well, instead of on the girls leggings. These girls should be lauded for getting to Mass, instead of shaming them for their clothes. Mrs. White was probably the only person ogling the girls, while she should have been minding her own darn business and been focusing on the Mass.
Second of all, telling women to change their clothes so they don’t tempt men to sin is extremely problematic. Women are not in change of making sure men don’t sin. The path is not always going to clear for guys, so they have to learn how to adjust and deal with it. And most guys are doing that! The vast majority of guys treat women with respect and dignity no matter what they are wearing, which is how it should be. However, some people get the awful stereotype because of a few individuals that men are uncontrollable beasts that simply can’t control their sex drives. That stereotype harms both men and women, men for getting the idea that they can’t control their own bodies, and women that what they’re wearing is the reason that they are assaulted and disrespected. Mrs. Whites essay buys into this essay by saying that “These are not just my sons — they’re the fathers and brothers of your friends, the male students in your classes, the men of every variety who visit campus. I’m fretting both because of unsavory guys who are looking at you creepily and nice guys who are doing everything to avoid looking at you. For the Catholic mothers who want to find a blanket to lovingly cover your nakedness and protect you — and to find scarves to tie over the eyes of their sons to protect them from you!” Mrs. Whites main argument is based on both misinformation and a harmful stereotype, which should discredit her immediately.
Third of all, it is nobody’s business what you chose to wear to Mass or otherwise. It is a free country, and the last I checked, their are no laws that limit how a person may chose to dress.
We are blessed to have those freedoms. Mrs. White has absolutely no authority to tell these women how to dress an no authority to shame them. How would she like it someone bashed what she wore? Not very much I would think. Mrs White is not the fashion police, nor should she pretend to be.
Smart people know when to “talk less and smile more”. Mrs White is not one of those people. Instead of minding her darn business and paying attention to the Mass, she wrote a rant that is based on misinformation and stereotype. Since she’s so good at giving lectures, maybe she should listen to a few for a change.
Julie, you were very passionate about this topic and it made your blog make you sound extremely confident and driven. I loved it, every aspect of it. However, I may be a little biased seeing that I agreed with your side of the argument. With that in mind although I think it worked for you in this blog, I’d caution you on letting your emotions inspire your argument. Great job on this blog you had a lot of evidence to back your argument.
DeleteFashion is important in society because it has the potential to bring different people together to celebrate their own individuality. Who’s to say what clothing items are appropriate and what items are “crossing the line”? It seems as through Maryann White, the catholic mother, feels as if she is entitled to do so. Mrs. White took it upon herself to deem leggings an inappropriate fashion trend. Not only this, she continues further to say that leggings look as though they are “painted on.” In addition, Mrs. White describes leggings as an “unavoidable” piece of garment that young men get distracted by.
ReplyDeleteLeggings are hardly a lewd fashion trend. Mrs. White uses only one main source of evidence, that being one evening when she attended Mass at the Basilica with her family, when she witnessed a group of young women, all wearing leggings. She also makes a point to include the fact that the leggings were snug on these women and their tops were short-waisted. By the end of her rant Mrs. White was able to indirectly humiliate these women. Because of the fact that this was Mrs. Whites only source of evidence, I would testify that I too have witnesses strangers who wore unflattering clothing. However, like Mrs. White said, “women should be viewed first as people — and all people should be considered with respect.” This hypocritical statement contradicts Mrs. Whites entire argument. By shaming the girls, she is making hasty and unnecessary arguments that go against treating every human with dignity and respect.
Furthermore, leggings are a fashion trend and only that. If some people in society chose to sexualize a simple clothing item, that is the fault of their own doing. Only because a few particular women may have been wearing the leggings in what Mrs. White thought was in an inappropriate manner, the argument can be made that any piece of clothing can be worn this way. In fact, in many instances a pair of leggings with a nice sweater can serve as a very sensible outfit.
Mady, this is a very good and honest analysis of the article. Your opinion was very interesting to read! Good job.
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ReplyDeleteI can’t relate to this situation all that well, however I don’t view this as a big deal. If a girl wants to wear leggings so be it! A girl wearing them is no concern to me. Its their life and they can do what they want. If they wear leggings they shouldn’t be ridiculed for doing so. However I do believe there is certain settings where they are inappropriate, such as the Catholic mother said, in church. I don’t agree with the stance the mother takes. I believe that she should not be worrying with what girls are wearing. Her claim on fashion making the girls wear them is just horrible it actually made me laugh. I understand that it can be a “distraction” all guys have been there and understand where I am coming from however, the mother should be worrying more about how to raise her boys and to teach them not to stare and be respectful. Parents place the blame on the girls for being distracting but yet don’t teach there kids how to respect girls. Girls shouldn’t have to worry about the way they dress every time they leave the house. Its all about what you feel comfortable in. You do you!
ReplyDeleteDan, I enjoyed reading yours and seeing you perspective on leggings. I agree that they shouldn't be wore in church as well.
DeleteI believe you had very good points through but I believe you could have elaborated on it more. Otherwise, good job!
DeleteDan! I laughed reading this because I would’ve guessed that this was your blog without even seeing your name! It was really good, you expressed your raw and utter opinion! Good job.
DeleteDan I like how you kept this short and to the point. I really like your argument and also think that mass or other formal events are not the place to wear leggings.
DeleteStephen
Leggings. The style of pants that clearly bring up much controversy. Just like anything else, we all have different point of views, allowing us to agree or disagree. With this situation, I personally disagree with her point she is trying to prove, yet I agree with one statement that she makes. That is, leggings should not be worn in church. Leggings have a time and a place. Church is neither the time nor the place. Everything else she has to say I must disagree with.
ReplyDeleteLeggings are a very stylish trend. According to Vogue, leggings are supposed to be a somewhat loose pair of pants. They are to be worn with a shirt that goes below the hips. In fact, it was said “do not wear leggings like jeans, they are different”. This is a very good statement to go by, but a few girls fail to abide by this. This is why the outlook of leggings is not as good as before. Leggings are and will always be a trend from here on out. However, they need to be worn correctly. Women need to wear leggings with the proper shirt to make them look appropriate. That being said, the Catholic mom does not like the look of the leggings, calling them “naked”. However, if the female in the Basilica was wearing leggings with a long dressy shirt, covering her behind, the mother would not have thought twice about it. Therefore, females, wear leggings correctly to make a better reputation for the trending style.
Personally I believe I have no right to say who can and cannot wear something. However, you yourself know your style, knowing exactly what you look good in and or what you should never wear again. I never wear any form of strapless dresses, shorts, etc. Why? They are not made for my body type. I believe this comes in with leggings. If leggings are not made for your body type then simply do not wear them. Some of the modest outfits are the cutest ones yet!
Finally, I would like to say that I personally love leggings. They are very comfortable. They are easy to move around in and look cute with certain outfits. Like before, there is a time and a place. Church is not the time or the place. Yet, maybe a lazy Sunday afternoon a pair a leggings and a oversized sweatshirt may be the best fit.
Lauryn, I agree with your statement on if they wore long shirts the mom wouldn't have complained about it as much. I feel like we were on the same wavelength but didn't say it the same. Nice job
DeleteI like how you included what Vogues definition of leggings are. You had some very good points! Nice job!
DeleteI agree that Mass probably isn’t the place for leggings. I also agree that there is nothing wrong with wearing them to stay comfy at your house. If they are comfortable and you like them, wear them!
DeleteLauryn, I really enjoy this blog. Your point about body types absolutely stood out to me. One of the many important factors to look at when wearing leggings! Good job.
DeleteWelp, I just typed this whole blog out and sent it in... and somehow it’s just completely gone. So a little frustration may be used to my advantage here in round two of my blog. I’d like to start out by providing my stance as clearly and as quickly as possibly before I discuss Maryann White’s article. To begin, I completely agree that leggings call for plenty of attention in areas that should not need direct attention. That being said, I do believe that women should feel free to dress as they please. It is their body and they should choose how they portray it. However, it needs to be said that there is a time and a place for everything. Obviously it is not very good etiquette to wear leggings and a small shirt to Mass or a wedding/proper event. The same can be said for guys. You see guys all the time in the gym or weight room wearing tight sleeveless shirts to lift in. There’s nothing wrong about that. It’s a completely different story if a dude were to wear that same outfit to Mass or some other proper event. This isn’t exactly the same extent as leggings because leggings are tighter around more “private” parts, but I hope you are picking up what I’m putting down. Anyways, it’s time to discuss the article by Mrs. White. First off, I completely agree with her that leggings shouldn’t be worn in Mass and that they are a little too tight in general. However, there are many flaws (in my opinion) with her article/argument. In fact, I actually cringed at times throughout the article. For example, she mentions that her poor boys have to struggle through the hour of Mass without looking at these girls in their leggings sitting in front of them. Seriously? She acts as if the eyes of her boys are being stapled directly to the butts of the girls in front of them. There is no magnetic force pushing their heads to look at the girls private areas. If these boys are as morally sound as the mother talks them up to be, they shouldn’t have a problem concentrating on the priest rather than the girls. Don’t get me wrong here, as an 18 year old kid myself, it can be hard sometimes to not peak or glance. However, it’s not impossible. As Dom said in her blog, give me a break lady! Mrs. White sounds like one of those soccer moms who goes crazy on the coach for not playing her daughter enough in the 4 y/o youth soccer game at the park. What I mean is that there is definitely an issue in this topic, but it’s nothing to start a riot over. I don’t mean to be rude to Mrs. White in this response, and I don’t believe I am. I just simply believe that her article isn’t very valid. In conclusion, girls should be allowed to dress as they please to an extent as long as the situation is appropriate. Maybe it isn’t appropriate to wear leggings in Mass, but at least they are actually Mass.
ReplyDeleteSheesh! Tough argument for a guy that doesn’t really need to be stressing on this topic. Although, it was pretty fun.
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DeleteI loved how you related White to a soccer mom, I think thats hilarious and very accurate. You did a very good job getting your point across!
DeleteI loved how you related White to a soccer mom, I think thats hilarious and very accurate. You did a very good job getting your point across!
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ReplyDeleteOpinions, opinions, opinions, every person in society today has to have an opinion on everything. A large majority of the time these opinions are directed towards teenagers. What music they are listening to, the movies they are interested in, and specifically what they are wearing. Now, not only is this unfair, but it is tired. Teenagers, sorry boys, but specifically girls are judged for everything they put onto their bodies. At this age, girls are trying to fit in, while trying to find themselves, and in most cases, trying to still be respected and look nice. With that being said, I think there are many trends that can be deemed inappropriate, for instance a crop top, skimpy swimming suits, short shorts, or skirts, tight dresses, etc., but leggings? Some leggings may definitely not be the most appropriate based on how they are worn by the girl, or how worn out they are, but there are much worse. Leggings are not acceptable by default by any means, I just believe it is not a completely outrageous trend. Should leggings be worn in Church or to a nice dinner or gathering, probably not, but that goes back to what we have discussed in class, is it appropriate? Teenage girls definitely tend to get caught up in trends and need to take a step back to reflect and ask themselves, “do I look respectable?” “Am I trying to get inappropriate attention?” The sad part is in many cases, a girl may not care, but any clothing item can be abused, and I do not believe every girl should suffer falling under the stereotype of not respecting themselves or the people around them. That being said, many boys also do need to respect girls. This, I think is similar to girls trying to fit into a trend. Teenage boys, and all their friends think it is fun and interesting to “check out” girls, but it is really just disrespectful. Telling a girl she looks nice or pretty to her face is kind, but unheard of. How hard is that? As I stated earlier teenagers are constantly judged and told they are wrong for everything, but just being respectful and not laughing and staring girls up and down would just benefit both boys and girls greatly. The concept of mutual respect is explained in a strange way in the article, “The legging problem.” As it describes these women wearing tight leggings and short shirts to mass can draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Now, I am sure her perfect Catholic boys did not take a glimpse, but in this case, a girl dressed like this can improve on being appropriate for the right situation. But, these girls are not horrible, risqué girls, as this mother is making them seem. They are not exposing themselves and bringing great shame upon themselves. They are pants, not alway the most ideal pants, but um, girls do in fact have butts, this is not a secret. These butts are also identifiable in jeans for instance. The key to everything, is a far less opinionated society, which allows people some space to breathe without every decision they make being wrong or judged. As I sit here in my leggings I feel much more covered and reserved than many other articles of clothing.
ReplyDeleteI understand how a mother of four boys can be unseasy about the situation, but placing 100 percent of the blame on the girls who are wearing the leggings is ridiculous. I personally think that women should be allowed to wear what they please, as long as they're not doing so with the only intent being to impress others with their figure.
ReplyDeleteComing from guy, I've never worn plain leggings in public, but I have on certain occasions. Whether it be under my football pants, basketball shorts, under my snowpants for snowboarding, or at a track meet, I will admit that they are not uncomfortable, even though they may be made from a different material then typical women's leggings. In fact, I have never heard any complaints about leggings being uncomfortable from anyone. The mother who wrote this article seems as if she is looking at it from the view of comfort. She is low-key placing girls and women who wear leggings under the label of "sluts" and that's only because she's scared of catching her own boys looking. She asked mothers of girls to think about the mothers of boys who have no self control when buying pants for their daughters. Reading some of the girls' blogs, they have made some good argument s on when they should and shouldn't wear leggings. Whether it be at their own house to be comfortable, or traveling, or just when hanging out with friends. White's argument that late fashion trends are forcing these girls to wear leggings is wrong. As Logan stated in his blog, "Fashion is not a person holding these girls at gunpoint demanding they wear leggings or die." Again, women should be allowed to wear what they please, as long as they're not doing it with the wrong intent.
Second of all, Maryann stated that she and her family went to mass at a basilica and a group of girls wearing leggings sat in front of them. As I can recall, besides a megachurch which is a term of the Protestant faith, a basilica is typically the largest Catholic church. If she didn't like her family sitting behind these girls wearing leggings, she probably could have moved.
If my mom would have written this article I would have been actually embarrassed. I don't believe women should be held to certain standards as to which clothes they are and are not allowed to wear. If you feel comfortable wearing leggings, then I say to do so by all means!
Stephen
I like how you knew background information on basilicas and the size of them to use as a argument for moving. I never knew that.
DeleteAlthough I have no experience with leggings, I’m going to try to say my part. First and foremost, I do agree that wearing leggings and a crop top to Mass is a bit inappropriate; however, it goes the same for guys who wear shorts and a cutoff or no sleeve shirts. It is not that hard to put on a pair of jeans and a nice shirt to go to Mass. Although, that is the only point I agree with White on this subject. Shaming women about wearing what they want and attempting to praise your own sons about how “innocent” they are is utter bs. White trying to put the blame on the girls for the unwanted attention is completely wrong. It’s similar to blaming a woman for getting raped because “her clothes were revealing and she looked liked she wanted it.” No! You can’t go blaming the woman because she has every right to wear what she wants, and leggings aren’t even a bad clothing choice. Instead, how about we teach men and boys to respect woman how they should be respected and keep those dirty thoughts tucked way way way back in the head. Also, comparing leggings to nakedness is idiotic. Wake up call, clothes can be comfortable lady, not just being naked. There’s a big difference between wearing leggings that cover everything than just walking around town with absolutely nothing on. Also, why doesn’t White just stay in her lane. I bet she wore clothes much more revealing in her teenage and young adult years than leggings that maybe run a little tight. This lady reminds me of the stereotypical mother who has that short haircut and always wants to talk to the manager at a restaurant. She just seems so judgmental of everyone except herself and her “little angels.” Leggings are a beautiful thing and women should be allowed to wear what they want without being blamed for horny teenage boys staring.
ReplyDeleteNote: I tried to post this last night and it kept disappearing. So here I am posting it this morning.
Note 2: Sike! It wasn’t posting so I’m trying this morning before prayers and announcements.