|
Some clothing indicates the modesty of the
wearer. For example, many Muslim women wear a head or body
covering (hijab, bourqa or burka, chador, abaya) that proclaims
their status as respectable women. Other clothing may indicate
flirtatious intent. For example, a Western woman might wear
extreme stiletto heels, close-fitting and body-revealing black
or red clothing, exaggerated make-up, flashy jewelry and perfume
to show sexual availability. What constitutes modesty and
allurement varies radically from culture to culture, within
different contexts in the same culture, and over time as
different fashions rise and fall. Moreover, a person may choose
to display a mixed message. For example, a Saudi Arabian woman
may wear an abaya to proclaim her respectability, but choose an
abaya of luxurious material cut close to the body and then
accessorize with high heels and a fashionable purse. All the
details proclaim sexual desirability, despite the ostensible
message of respectability. |