I made a post in a woman's group I'm part of, on FB, regarding safety in public spaces and being assertive, trusting your gut, walking with purpose, not looking meek, lost, etc.
One of my points was clothing, and that women's clothes are often tight, revealing, always riding up or down and require constant adjustment to the body (hunching shoulders, crossing legs, etc). I suggested wearing men's or unisex clothes and feeling the difference it makes. I also made a comment about throwing your heels out lol.
I didn't think this was a big deal, and nowhere did I say anything about it being a woman's fault to be assaulted depending on clothes she's wearing. if anything, it was more of a comment regarding the utilitarian nature of clothing and how women's clothes usually don't cut it.
I got a slew of women immediately tell me they 'will wear what they please, thanks', that I was victim blaming, that I was shifting the onus on women rather than men, etc.
This was not my intention, and it obviously is not women's fault if they are attacked, regardless of clothing.
However, my belief is as follows, and I'd like your opinions (I did not write the bow portion on the FB group):
Yes, in an ideal world, women should be able to wear what they please. but we all know we don't live in an ideal world, and women who wear revealing clothes are more susceptible to assault/unwanted attention, etc. Women are, on average, weaker than men, and we are the ones that could get pregnant should we get assaulted. because of this, we need to take more precautions in a number of situations, including what we wear.
That is the one part. the other parts include the fact that women's clothes are often overly sexualized, so why the hell would you want to wear them anyway? to be seen as a sex object? I'd rather be respected for my brain/personality.
The other part is the consumerism potion - women's clothes are so non-functional oftentimes, for example pockets that are tiny and then require one to buy a purse to put ones shit it.
So, given everything above, are my points sexist and victim blaming, as the women in the FB group said? I do come from a more socially conservative background so it's possible my view is biased...
I figured this would be a good group of women to discuss with. Thanks!
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