"WHAT WERE THEY WEARING?"

A girl was looking in her full-size mirror, imprisoned inside her selfless mind, with a doubt of perception about what she’s wearing today --- if it was admirable or appropriate. Well, it was. Nevertheless, she’s still scared and somehow agitated for people might judge her just by looking at her physical appearance, and worse if someone sexually harasses her. It was a distinct mindset for her since even her parents scold her about how she would dress up as a “woman of liberty". So, without further wasting any more time, she changes her clothes into a style that she isn’t comfortable wearing.

Gradually, she saw the clothes that she tries to change with were lying everywhere in her room. She began thinking on why she should even aim to dress up nicely, befitting for the “right” standards of people whose dictation on how we should dress up appropriately is to cover our bodies with complete clothing, and if not, therefore gives our consent. In fact, this disgusting act of policing has been around for so long and no change has been made since then. Our society still is as ignorant and close-minded about such things, not thinking about its possible outcomes that may scar many.

It was a rainy night. I started to sense that it is the perfect time to watch documentaries, specifically about investigations. As I was watching, completely focused and intrigued about the mind-blowing plot twists and drastic deaths of the victims, I noticed some resemblance of those about sexual harassment investigations. Inside the courtroom, when a victim of sexual assault steps forward to share their story, they are overthrown with questions that scrutinize their actions rather than those of their perpetrator. Policemen holding the investigations, and even the judge and defense attorney always seem to ask “what were they wearing?” But instead of thinking about an answer to that question, I questioned “why is this even a thing?” Because of course, it shouldn’t be.

The prejudice of asking a victim what they were wearing unnecessarily sexualizes their body and can be further identified as “victim-blaming”. I don’t really know why the concept of “offering scapegoat” to avoid punishment was made since it doesn’t really offer a concrete solution to the issue garnering about sexual harassment or rape, but it rather pushes the blame elsewhere which results in more victims being kept from under one’s hat. As an addition to that, not only victims but also every woman out there should be gallant in proving what is right, and not be afraid to fight.

Consents are given through words, not clothing. No matter what society tells you not to do or wear, it’s all up to you, yourself, and your whole existence if you will ignore or let their words consume you. But all I can say is you should try to live your “own” life comfortably. You have your own right to dress as you want to. You can look sexy, cute, pretty, cool, etc. The only level of consent is yes or no. But as you exhibit respect according to how you dress; you, as well, shouldn't think lowly of anyone just because you disapprove of what they are wearing. Regardless of what someone is wearing, no one deserves to be manhandled or disrespected. And if you truly respect people, you won’t dictate your level of respect based on what they are wearing.