Blazing the modesty trail. Image: Chris Drumm
Could it be? Can parents and teachers the world over relax? Are crop tops on the wane (popularity-wise not... size-wise) and music videos about to concentrate on music? It seems drugs, sex and teeny pop have been replaced by a new cool activity on the block. Hey kids, have you tried this new thing? Covering up! Not a creepy government kind of cover up, no, this is modesty and all the cool kids are doing it! Or rather not... doing it, that is. Because all the kids are joining Modesty Club.
As with all activities the media reports to be taking youth culture by storm, it is very possible your child has never heard of such a thing. Certainly, as with Miaow Miaow, they have probably not been invited to partake in a modesty club just yet. Partly because, while we do excel in false modesty here in the UK (no, we don't, we are rubbish at it), we don't tend to go in for school clubs over here. Also our weather doesn't lend itself to skimpy attire, so we can but applaud those girls who go out in mini skirts and crop tops.
As with all activities the media reports to be taking youth culture by storm, it is very possible your child has never heard of such a thing. Certainly, as with Miaow Miaow, they have probably not been invited to partake in a modesty club just yet. Partly because, while we do excel in false modesty here in the UK (no, we don't, we are rubbish at it), we don't tend to go in for school clubs over here. Also our weather doesn't lend itself to skimpy attire, so we can but applaud those girls who go out in mini skirts and crop tops.
So far it seems it is only South Pasadena, California can boast the presence of a Modesty Club. Saige Hatch was inspired by her brother Mckay's No Cussing Club and the increasing “immodesty” she noticed from middle school up to high school. While for now the Modesty Club at Hatch's school consists of only 17 members, online it has attracted around 1000 members across the US and more from other countries. Its site invites you to “take the pledge” and adhere to these standards – presented in helpful rhyme, probably for you to recite as you get dressed:
If it’s too tight it’s not quite right.
It’s best to flirt in a knee length skirt.
Shoulders and busts are graciously covered.
Revealing lines are warning signs.
Clean and neat catches eyes on the street.
When I pass this test I'll be dressed for success!
There is also now a Modesty Club rap, in which Hatch's younger brother requests women and girls to respect themselves. Herein lies the problem I have with Modesty Club. It's worth noting that Hatch and her brother are still only teenagers. Upon starting his No Cussing club, Hatch's brother apparently received death threats. Swearing is a peculiar thing to defend to the death, if you really feel that way about swearing then I suggest you invest in a dictionary and give everyone a break.
If it’s too tight it’s not quite right.
It’s best to flirt in a knee length skirt.
Shoulders and busts are graciously covered.
Revealing lines are warning signs.
Clean and neat catches eyes on the street.
When I pass this test I'll be dressed for success!
There is also now a Modesty Club rap, in which Hatch's younger brother requests women and girls to respect themselves. Herein lies the problem I have with Modesty Club. It's worth noting that Hatch and her brother are still only teenagers. Upon starting his No Cussing club, Hatch's brother apparently received death threats. Swearing is a peculiar thing to defend to the death, if you really feel that way about swearing then I suggest you invest in a dictionary and give everyone a break.
| The issue is not Hatch kids, speaking on Fox News Hatch mentioned she had noticed boys and girls laughing at her during 'Club Rush'. “I didn't really mind, I was just like, well they don't fully understand what it is.” It is hard, even as an adult, to do something you know will be unpopular. The issue is this take on modesty being a girl's responsibility and adults such as Parents Television Council approving this message of modesty being simply a question of covering up. | It is no coincidence that the least sexy thing in the world is a nudist beach. |
But really what does this take on modesty teach? Essentially that the body is only sexual and to be objectified. Modesty Club rules are tantamount to the classic sock on the door rule, jacket ON = unavailable, jacket OFF = town bike. It has always been a suspicion of mine that if more nudity, not less, there wouldn't be the same amount of insecurity over our bodies. Increasingly the only images teenagers (and us) see are photoshopped meaning they have nothing accurate to compare themselves to. It's not bare shoulders that are interesting, it's what remains concealed that is tantalising. Total nudity is oddly uncompelling. It is no coincidence that the least sexy thing in the world is a nudist beach.
My adult advice to the teenage members of Modesty club? I think Hatch could get a great discussion going with Consent club, while sticking to her own personal views. Or perhaps rather than a modesty awareness club a 'do you know your leggings are see-through in daylight?' club would do more good. Especially as meggings gain popularity... Think about it.
Squeamish Kate
My adult advice to the teenage members of Modesty club? I think Hatch could get a great discussion going with Consent club, while sticking to her own personal views. Or perhaps rather than a modesty awareness club a 'do you know your leggings are see-through in daylight?' club would do more good. Especially as meggings gain popularity... Think about it.
Squeamish Kate
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