I thought for this entry it’s about time I step out of the Aussie mediascape and look for something similar in another country, like UK for instance. Luckily, guardian.co.uk has plenty of social stories that fit perfectly within the confines of this blog.
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| Sexist, feminist or educational??? |
School authorities are frantic to introduce skirts of standard length that don’t get in the way of education, or replace them with pants. The notion of “sexually suggestive clothing encourages rape” immediately comes to mind.
Before discussing the entire discourse of feminism and how the dress/skirt projects women as the weaker, subjected sex, Gaby Hinsliff cools it down. In her commentary piece, she points out that schoolgirls have always shortened their skirts when they wanted to be noticed and that boys’ thoughts are, well, pretty much always inappropriate (Yours Truly will confirm this).
It seems rather ironic that school authorities are realising this now.
Having said that, both stories work extremely well in the online environment because a) they concern parents and their precious children, b) they provoke discussion about gender and society; c) schoolgirl uniforms are so hot.
I wonder how the nation of Japan will react to this?
Another kudos to you Media Dawg! I really enjoyed the read and completely back the suggestion that girls raise their hemlines when they want to be noticed (this i can personally vouch for!)
ReplyDeleteThe first piece you suggested was rather strongly written. I enjoyed the debate however will have a slight qualm about the use of heated adjectives...we are news, not views reporters after all.
In terms of the school uniform skirt being hot...yes it is...on 18+ women (just saving you from an onslaught of hand bag throwing)
Absolutely, i dont want to loose my sponsors over misinterpreted comments. Mediadawg out.
ReplyDeleteLol...this was a great post! I enjoyed it too. I remember my days back in high school, it seems that if you wanted to look cool you had to raise your hemline. The school rule though was that the skirt had to go past the knee by at least 5cms...some girls didn't really abide by the rule and got away with it!
ReplyDeleteSo that's why I have to agree with Hinsliff's comment that it is a matter of mindset. It always is. That's what needs to be changed...just like with binge drinking. Rules and regulations might work to a certain extent but I don't think they're a permanent solution to a problem.
Another great post M-Dawg....
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Japan will be reeling at the news.
Who would have thought there would be such a wealth of sexually suggestive news articles out there to cover! :p