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Modesty comprises a set of culturally or religiously determined values that relate to the presentation of the self to others. It can include: This concept of modesty is of great importance to many people, and is the topic of the rest of this article. Body modesty
Controversy Modesty can be controversial. An alternative term for modesty used by some critics is body shame or gymnophobia. Excessive modesty is called prudishness. Excessive immodesty is called exhibitionism. Proponents of modesty often see it as respect for their bodies and the feelings of themselves and others, and some people believe it may reduce sexual crimes. (This is based on the belief that victims of sex crimes are at least partially accountable for the crime, if they were immodestly dressed and thus "baited" the offender). Modesty is conditioned by religion, culture, occasion, and who is present; for example, a Finnish person who might happily take all one's clothes off in a mixed sauna would probably not want to walk down the street naked. Similarly, someone who might wear a bikini to the beach would not wear it to a business meeting. Generally Accepted Western Norms Western culture in general requires the intimate parts of the body to be covered in public places at all times. Exceptions are made for situations such as public changing rooms, which tend to be single-sex venues, and saunas, which tend to be mixed-sex venues. Traditionally, there is an expectation that shirt and trousers or dress etc. be worn in public places. In particular, it is generally unacceptable to be shirtless in most public spaces, except places designated for bathing or in the vicinity of these places (such as beaches, and on deck near a pool). However, it is common for formal spaces like restaurants, etc., to overlook a beach or pool, in which case the boundary of modesty is spatial, but not visually segregated. For example, at a poolside or beachside outdoor patio restaurant, there is usually a railing. On one side of the railing, barefoot and shirtless people can converse with those dining on the other side, and may even be part of the same group. More recently, multi-use spaces such as urban beaches are beginning to emerge, washing away even the above mentioned boundaries between more and less modest space. Thus it is now, in many places, acceptable to sunbathe in beachwear next to waterplay fountains located in the heart of a city or business district. In private homes, the rules may be more relaxed. For instance, nudity among immediate family members who are cohabitants of the home is sometimes permitted, especially in the bedroom and bathroom; or wearing undergarments casually, which would not be done outdoors. Elsewhere in the home, particularly when visitors are present, some simple casual clothing is expected like a bathrobe which can be quickly donned when full clothing is not required, or if it's unavailable nearby depending on convenience. It should be noted, however, that the subculture of nudism regards complete nudity as acceptable within the nudist community. Religious and Cultural Traditions of Modesty While these norms are generally accepted as a minimum, many religions and cultures have different rules. Indigenous African and Australian Modesty Other cultures, such as some African cultures and traditional Australian aboriginal culture have far less requirement for modesty, though how much exposure is acceptable varies greatly, from nothing for some women, to everything except the glans penis for men of some tribes (see foreskin). In other African cultures, body painting is used for body "coverage" as well and is considered by many an "attire." Islamic Modesty In some Islamic sub-cultures, women choose to wear the niqab, an all-encompassing garment intended to conceal every part of the body, sometimes including the eyes. Wearing a niqab (sometimes referred to as a burqa, although this term only technically applies to an Afghan all-in-one garment) is quite common in many Islamic countries. Most Islamic interpretations require a women to cover everything with the exception of hands (from wrist) and face; the choice to extend this to the face and hands is voluntary and expresses greater modesty and holiness to many wearers. However, some understand that the Quran's teachings on dress require women to wear the niqab. Additionally, many Muslim women wear the Islamic headscarf, or hijab, as a way of expressing modesty. In most Islamic countries, such expressions of modesty are voluntary. In others, such as Afghanistan under the Taliban, they were enforced under the threat of severe physical punishment *. Jewish Modesty Orthodox Judaism requires men to wear a head covering, in the form of a yarmulke. However. a yarmulke (also called kipa) is not related to modesty; its function is as a religious physical reminder of God. Orthodox Judaism expects married women to cover their hair; this is achieved by scarves, hats, or — in many communities — wigs ("sheitel"). The Jewish "dress code" is referred to as Tzeniut; this applies to both men and women, and is also seen as a way of drawing attention to the internal while deemphasizing the physical. Catholic Modesty The Catholic Church has stated that they expect Catholics, especially Catholic women, to dress modestly, in accordance with their guidelines. There are no official guidelines for modesty, nor have there ever been; however, some of the hierarchy, and even some popes, have given opinions on various matters. Pope Pius XII stated that women should cover their upper arms and shoulders, that their skirts should cover at least as far as the knee, and the neckline should not reveal anything. Giuseppe Cardinal Siri of Genoa stated that trousers were unacceptable dress for women; many traditional Catholic women have followed this advice, and some Catholics have attempted further philosophical justification of it. In all cases, clothing should not be tight because the Church condemns the wearing of clothes that flaunt one's body and make one into a sex object. The Church expects men to dress modestly as well, but the demands are not as strict for them as for women; this is because men are considered more susceptible to sexual temptation. None of these "guidelines" are binding on Catholics; however, many traditional-minded Catholics find them quite persuasive. Many non-traditional Catholic women, on the other hand, often overlook traditional church teachings on modesty for the sake of fashion. Despite this lack of official guidelines, tradition-minded Catholics often find modesty extremely important. Our Lady of Fatima said in 1917 that "Certain fashions will be introduced which will offend my Son (Jesus) very much." Some have even attempted to form cohesive theories on modesty; sometimes this is from a sociological perspective, while at other times it takes a more Thomistic approach, combined with the writings of the Church Fathers. Modest versions of nudity
Gender considerations The two genders may face different expectations as to modesty. While both genders, in Western culture, are expected to keep their genitals covered at all times, the female is additionally expected to keep her breasts covered. On the other hand, by the dictates of fashion and societal norms, males generally are expected to be dressed far more modestly than women, who in certain settings can be in public wearing clothing that only covers the required areas and nothing else. See also Footnotes | |||||||||||
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