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Mum's plea for girls to ditch leggings sparks protests | Mum's plea for girls to ditch leggings sparks protests |
(about 20 hours later) | |
A letter written by a mother concerned by the number of women wearing leggings on a university campus in Indiana has sparked backlash and protests. | A letter written by a mother concerned by the number of women wearing leggings on a university campus in Indiana has sparked backlash and protests. |
"I'm just a Catholic mother of four sons with a problem that only girls can solve: leggings," Maryann White wrote in a letter published in the student newspaper. | "I'm just a Catholic mother of four sons with a problem that only girls can solve: leggings," Maryann White wrote in a letter published in the student newspaper. |
Ms White explained that the sight of leggings "obtruded painfully" on her during a visit with her four sons, and made it "difficult for young guys to ignore" women's bodies. | Ms White explained that the sight of leggings "obtruded painfully" on her during a visit with her four sons, and made it "difficult for young guys to ignore" women's bodies. |
She notes that while attending a Mass service at the Catholic university with her family, a group of women in front of her wore "snug-fitting leggings" and "short-waisted tops". | |
"I was ashamed for the young women at Mass," Ms White wrote. "I thought of all the other men around and behind us who couldn't help but see their behinds." | |
"Think of the mothers of sons the next time you go shopping and consider choosing jeans instead," she suggested to the female students of the University of Notre Dame. | "Think of the mothers of sons the next time you go shopping and consider choosing jeans instead," she suggested to the female students of the University of Notre Dame. |
The letter sparked an immediate backlash from students, who argued that their choice of clothing should not be policed and women should be free to wear what they want. | The letter sparked an immediate backlash from students, who argued that their choice of clothing should not be policed and women should be free to wear what they want. |
A student group, "Irish 4 Reproductive Health", organised "Leggings Pride Day". It encouraged people of all genders to wear their leggings proudly on campus. | A student group, "Irish 4 Reproductive Health", organised "Leggings Pride Day". It encouraged people of all genders to wear their leggings proudly on campus. |
The event was designed to protest against the "age-old sexist trope" that women are responsible for the actions of men, who are characterised as incapable of controlling themselves. | The event was designed to protest against the "age-old sexist trope" that women are responsible for the actions of men, who are characterised as incapable of controlling themselves. |
A number of students shared photographs of themselves wearing leggings to social media as part of the protest. | A number of students shared photographs of themselves wearing leggings to social media as part of the protest. |
For some students wearing their leggings around campus was nothing new, however the row encouraged others to don spandex in public for the first time. | For some students wearing their leggings around campus was nothing new, however the row encouraged others to don spandex in public for the first time. |
Women wearing leggings and yoga pants away from the gym has become more common in recent years, and the garments have been the focus of a number of controversies. | Women wearing leggings and yoga pants away from the gym has become more common in recent years, and the garments have been the focus of a number of controversies. |
While some online have questioned if the letter was the work of a troll, intent on stirring up controversy, the Washington Post pointed out that it is not the first time a letter to the student paper has questioned the way female students dress. | While some online have questioned if the letter was the work of a troll, intent on stirring up controversy, the Washington Post pointed out that it is not the first time a letter to the student paper has questioned the way female students dress. |
In a letter titled "Ladies, be decent", a then student railed against the "inappropriate" outfits women wore on campus. | In a letter titled "Ladies, be decent", a then student railed against the "inappropriate" outfits women wore on campus. |
Nicole Waddick, a senior at the university, said she chose to take part in the protest because "what I wear is not an invitation to sexualise my body". | Nicole Waddick, a senior at the university, said she chose to take part in the protest because "what I wear is not an invitation to sexualise my body". |
Kate Bermingham, a PhD candidate at the university shared a photograph of herself wearing leggings along with a reminder that women of colour are more likely to be chastised for violating perceived dress codes. | Kate Bermingham, a PhD candidate at the university shared a photograph of herself wearing leggings along with a reminder that women of colour are more likely to be chastised for violating perceived dress codes. |
Indeed, a report from the National Women's Law Center found that black girls were reprimanded more harshly than white girls for school dress code infringements. | Indeed, a report from the National Women's Law Center found that black girls were reprimanded more harshly than white girls for school dress code infringements. |
A number of people on social media pointed out that it was "inspiring" to see so many male students supporting the protest. | A number of people on social media pointed out that it was "inspiring" to see so many male students supporting the protest. |
One male student wrote a follow-up letter to the paper urging his female classmates to "wear what you want". | One male student wrote a follow-up letter to the paper urging his female classmates to "wear what you want". |
"How you dress for Mass is not a reflection of your character, nor does it disqualify you from dignified and respectful treatment from the rest of us," he wrote. | "How you dress for Mass is not a reflection of your character, nor does it disqualify you from dignified and respectful treatment from the rest of us," he wrote. |
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