Black and White with Shades of Grey

February 22, 2016 0 Comments

There’s so much I have to say about this topic but I must remain focused. Model, Amber Rose was recently on a show called “It’s Not You, It’s Men” on OWN TV (Oprah’s network)  On the show, she was talking with singer Tyrese Gibson and Rev Run, formally of Run DMC about consent and about how a woman’s attire should not dictate how a man treats you more or less. On one side I completely agree with Amber. I don’t care if I was walking down the street in my birthday suit, that gives no man the right to touch me, or harass me in any way.  It is NOT an open invitation to violate me.  On the other hand I agree with Rev Run who states “dress how you want to be addressed”. Sounds simple right? Wrong. As a woman who does not dress provocatively I can tell you that it doesn’t matter how you dress because some men will try you regardless.  Whether you’re dressed like a business woman or a prostitute SOME men were not raised to respect women.  I’m not bashing men because guess what? Some women weren’t raised to respect themselves which I still believe lays the foundation for how others treat you and regard you.  Have I seen a woman on the street scantily clad and think she lacks class? Yes I have, I’m being honest.  Does that mean she doesn’t have class? Not necessarily.  Some think that  “dress how you want to be addressed” is misogynistic drivel. I call BS. If you show up to a job interview dressed sloppily even if your resume is stellar, do you think an employer is going to take you seriously? Probably not.  Does it mean you aren’t qualified for the job? Not necessarily but I like to think that how you dress is a representation and extension of yourself. Does that mean a woman with hardly any clothes on is a slut? No. The same way that a woman who is always in a suit isn’t necessarily a prude.  I told you it wasn’t simple.  If I’m going out on a night on the town I’m going to dress for the occasion. If a man tries to grab my hand or waist (which is a no no) I reserve the right to express to him that that behavior isn’t cool. I should be able to express that without being called a bitch or stuck up. (This is a topic for another day) As far as Amber’s view goes, the bottom line is you should be able to dress how you see fit without anyone acting like they have the right to your body.  I completely agree with her. But that doesn’t change what people THINK of you no matter how unfair that may be.

February 22, 2016

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