Indecent dressing refers to the wearing of clothing that is excessively revealing or inappropriate for a particular setting.
While fashion is a legitimate form of expression , the issue of indecent dressing has become a subject of growing concern, particularly among Youths . It has sparked much debate across societies, especially in cultures that value modesty and traditional norms. Rivers State University made a law on Dress code. Some other universities in the country have done the same, all in a bid to address the issue.
The consequences of indecent dressing goes beyond mere discomfort or disapproval. In some cases, it can lead to misinterpretation of a person’s intent, unwanted attention, or even victim-blaming in unfortunate situations and compromise of one’s safety.While no one should be judged or harassed based on what he or she wears, it is important to consider in context, that what may be acceptable at a beach party may not be suitable in other places.
Further observations have shown that most indecent dressing habits among Youths are inculcated by parents. At a tender age, some parents dress their children inappropriately , some also encourage their young adults to dress provokingly. Of course, it would be difficult for such individuals to stop that kind of tendency as they progress in life. It is important to understand that one’s choice in life can influence others and reflect the values he or she upholds. In this regard, everyone is called not only to be mindful of one self but also to be good examples to each other.
At the core of Indecent Dressing lies a tension between individual freedom and societal expectations. On one hand, people should be free to dress as they please after all, clothing can reflect confidence, culture, and creativity. On the other hand, societies function with certain values and standards that help maintain decorum, especially in public spaces.
Therefore, dressing appropriately is not a matter of legalism but a personal choice, that should be exercised with a sense of responsibility and wisdom, such as respecting societal norms, understanding context, and valuing one’s self-worth which are key to finding balance between fashion and decency.
Diepriye Oruene writes from Radio Nigeria Treasure FM Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
