Do Your Pants Matter?

I heard a story on the radio this morning about pants. Specifically, yoga pants and leggings. This isn't a new story, but middle schools across the country are banning yoga pants and leggings. The reason cited for the ban in this particular story is that the clothing is a distraction to male students. The mother of one young lady wrote a letter to the school's principal stating this is part of a "culture of rape". The story lead to some disagreement between the radio personalities, and I started thinking about the topic.

As most of you know, I have a daughter in junior high school. I drop her off and pick her up each day, and I can't help noticing the abundance of yoga pants, leggings, and skinny jeans (of the painted on variety), many of which are worn with a regular length shirt, which means a lot of hips, thighs and rear-ends on display in tight, stretchy material. And I'm trying to be delicate, but these clothing also have an unfortunate proclivity to display, and draw attention to, things that have been covered since Adam and Eve made clothing from the local flora.

My daughter doesn't wear yoga pants or leggings unless her shirt or sweater covers her behind. This isn't a matter of fashion for her as much as it's a matter of her heart for God. For Chloe, it's a matter of modesty. And this brings me to my point.

When do we stop making excuses for standing up to what is clearly wrong? And before any of you call me narrow-minded or old-fashioned (not that I consider either of those an insult) go spend some time at a local junior high or the mall. Look at some of the girls in those pants. Now watch the reaction of the young (and not so young) men as the girls walk past. Listen to some of the songs on the radio. One of the most offensive (to me) is the one in which the guy sings, "I gotta get me some o' that.", and I don't think he's talking about her heart. Is that what you want for your daughter? Your sister? Your wife? Your self?

So why do we have to say, "Oh, it's distracting to the male students."? Because my daughter isn't wholly responsible for the thoughts of her male friends. I say wholly, because young women who parade around in immodest clothing can be compared to someone who puts a glass of whiskey in front of an alcoholic. Yes, the alcoholic must be held accountable for his actions and choices, but why would you tempt them in that way? Isn't this a "stumbling block" (1 Corinthians 8:9)? And no, I am absolutely NOT > saying a woman is to blame in any way for a sexual assault, so don't even go there.

Why can't we say, "It's immodest and inappropriate for school."? For the record, the middle school in this particular story has already, in less than a month, backed off the ban. They gave in to parental pressure and student protests.

I know this might be a controversial topic, and I know many may not agree with my opinions. You're welcome to share your thoughts an opinions here, even differing ones. Just keep it clean and not personal.