Tank tops, shorts, miniskirts, bikinis: the list could go on and on. The point is, skin will be showing. It’s summer, it’s hot, and it’s going to happen.
What is modest is a very important question, but a more important question should be: “What is immodest?” Is it an individual assessment, or are there objective standards that Christians should adhere to?
Corban senior Amanda Martini defined immodesty as “tempting guys and leading them to indecent thoughts.” Yet Benjamin Maison said it is “anything that moves to provoke guys.”
More than anything, the consensus on campus is that modesty should be common sense — if your mother wouldn’t let you out of the house in that short skirt, then you should probably change.
Both genders have to be held responsible for their own thoughts as well as actions, and students need to know that the world we live in judges harshly by appearances.
Girls must remember to be considerate of guys when they dress. When girls wear something too revealing, guys do not appreciate it. “I feel like it‘s sleezy, it‘s too exposed and I feel uncomfortable near them,” said Ryley Skelton.
Immodesty does not make either gender more attractive or appealing, and it “causes our brothers in Christ to stumble,” according to Corban student Amy Valentine. Immodesty leads to assumptions, gossip and what Jenna Steebly said are “impure thoughts and actions.”
Yoga pants and spandex are what guys and girls often take issue with: should we wear them or should we not?
“I hate them,” said Aubrey Toda. But others think differently. “ Yoga pants are comfy, but I understand where people are coming from,” said Valentine. From a male’s perspective, Anthony Steele said, “Girls wear them without thinking about it, but they reveal more than they think they do.”
How you present yourself is very important.
And yes, you do have a reputation to take care of. But more importantly, thinking about others will help decide where to draw the line.