The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/13/04 Section: The Forum

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Spring is here my friends and welcome to it. I think one of the most enjoyable things about the changing of seasons (besides new allergy medication) is the opportunity to don a new wardrobe. The time has come for me to put the three or four vintage coats I stole from my dad's closet back into the mothballs and pull out the flip-flops and shorts.

The spring season also seems to be the time that some women decide (rather unfortunately) to begin showing off their bodies. Now I am no fashion guru, so I cannot adequately describe all of the different articles of clothing women wear and how they accentuate certain features, but they all have one thing in common: low necklines.  Maybe I am just immature, but my friends have noticed it too, so I know I am not the only one.

After having talked with several women on this matter, I have found many of them do this inadvertently.  That is why I am writing this article.  Many women may be unaware of the effect that certain types of clothing has one some men. In some cases, even the best of intentions can go awry because some (but not all) males may find themselves staring at women even if they are wearing a loose-fitting smock.

Immediately after typing the previous sentence I found a blatant mistake.  Not all women dress like Britney Spears and not all men act like Howard Stern.  Regardless, I have this to say to the women on campus:  Constantly remind yourselves that your bodies may hold a significant influence over the minds of men around you and dress accordingly. In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul says, "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" Should you not provide him a temple consistent with his character?

 A few weeks ago, I watched "The Swan" on television. At the end of the show the girls saw their new artificial faces and bodies, and their team of mad scientists was standing behind them fawning and swooning; I honestly wanted to cry. 

American culture has become so engrossed with sex and outward appearances. It is hard to escape this mentality. It has even become hard to escape in churches and Christian universities.

I will now turn my aim to the guys to even the argument out a bit.  Regardless of what our female friends are or are not wearing, we should all have the self-control not to undress them further with our eyes.  This is a problem (or at least it is for me). I know if I am sitting in the student union and see Jane Doe walking by wearing a low-cut tank top and whatever else girls wear with those, I will want to take a glance (and probably will).

So what can we do? I am not totally sure - this is something that we will have to work out with God. Being honest with each other (like I am trying to do here) is an important step.  Guys: talk to your male friends about this temptation and find out how they deal with it.  Girls: ask your girlfriends if you are showing a bit too much skin. Just talk about it, do not keep it to yourself.

I would not recommend calling out one of your female friends in public on this matter, either. This may be potentially embarrassing to her and will probably hurt your relationship in the process. 

If you must, bring it up in a semi-vague way while you are in private. I suggest the following lines:  "Are you cold wearing that?" or "I (or guys) like your halter-top . . . . . a lot."

In summary: girls, be careful what you wear.  Think like a guy when you dress.  Ask yourself, "Does this make me look more like Pamela Anderson or Florence Henderson?"  Guys, be careful how you look at girls.  Ask yourself, "Who would I rather be married to - Pamela Anderson or Florence Henderson?"

I propose that if one were to answer these questions with a balance of the two women, it would be better for all involved and a great triumph for male / female relations.  Eat that, Dr. Phil.

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