Clothes never give consent
What are you wearing right now? Did you pull on the first thing that was clean this morning? The first thing you found? Or were you intentional, wanting to make a statement, to leave an impression?
Clothes are important for any number of reasons as the wearer adapts to the weather, work, or whatever’s in (or out) of vogue. The expression “Clothes make the man” (and let’s be inclusive here, clothes make the woman, too!) goes back to ancient Greece. It has since been reposted in all sorts of variations. If we’re going to be honest, clothes make a statement: from Mr. Rogers to Rihanna to Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts..
But today, let’s talk about clothes in connection to sexual assault and harrassment. We can make this very short:
Clothing is never an invitation for sexual assault. Clothing is never an excuse. Clothes are never consent.
On page 70 of East of Apple Glen, I describe what Robbye O’Malley is wearing when she comes to see her friend Nathan Sherwood. What is Nathan’s impression of her outfit? Is his different from yours? Authors have been known to spend a lott of time describing what their characters are wearing. Why do they do that? When you meet someone, how much time and attention do you give to their clothes?
But let’s be absolutely clear: Sexual assault and harrassment are about power, not clothes. Clothes may make a statement, but they never give permission for sexual activity.
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
1-800-656-4673
-or-
Text HOPE to 64673
