This post is about a recent rule brought about in my alma mater- Anna University. A new vice-chancellor took over recently, and he has decided to impose some of his perceptions of propriety on 50,000 students all over Tamil Nadu. To quote the directive from Anna University website:
"The dress code states that students should not wear jeans, t-shirts, skirts or sleeveless and tight-fitting outfits and enjoins them to dress conservatively."
Chennai has always been a conservative city, but it generally avoids contoversies. Such imposition of "Indian culture" is usually restricted to the likes of Siva Sena and VHP in the north. So it really surprised me to hear about this happening at my own backyard.
To quote the VC's comments on the rule:
"We are only trying to ensure that students dress decently and modestly, in a way that befits our culture. A dress code will also pre-empt harassment of women students,"
Sorry sir.. I differ on your arguements. I do not accept your interpretation of "Indian Culture"
Traditional Indian attire for women used to be two-piece which exposed much of the upper body. Women in ancient Indian society were much more emancipated when compared to women in the modern Indian society. Somewhere down the line in history, the rights of women diminished and the dress they were required to wear increased.
Dont mistake me.. I dont say all girls should start wearing two piece. Dress in whatever you feel comfortable in...
Dress is a form of expression. You feel good when you dress good. It is a way of stating your attitude and character; a way of expressing creativity. In the modern society Jeans and T-shirts have become symbols of youthfulness and confidence. Any move to ban them is retrograde and antidiluvian.
As for short skirts, low hip jeans, short tops, etc... These are symbols of culture change. They are not yet totally accepted by the Indian middle class society. The college is a place where much of the cultural change happens. Dont try to control the change, because you cannot.
Ok now for the second argument: Girls who wear "modern" clothes are more susceptible to harrassment.
I do not accept or deny this. You need to perform a scientific survey to determine it. Like I already said, such clothes have become symbols of confidence. My hypothesis is that girls who wear modern dresses handle harrassment in a bolder way than girls who dont. From my experience, most harassers steer clear of girls who are not intimidated. The solution to harrassment of women comes by empowering them, not restricting them.
Finally to prevent more criticism from women organizations, the vice-chancellor has said even boys will be banned from wearing jeans and t-shirts. They should be dressed in formal shirts and pants. I dont understand why if certain type of western clothes are acceptable, certain others are not.
Monday, October 03, 2005
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Hey Vivek,
ReplyDeleteThat was a really good comeback for the dresscode. I
do hope that they don't impose the code(am assuming
they did this already). Its absolutely stupid and
senseless to tell people what to wear and what not to
wear. if they r to b dressed in formals...they can as
well goto work...y bother with college? and well even
in companies i think u have casual fridays..and in
India u wear jeans...to off on fridays!!
i do agree with ur view on gals in...modern dresses.
Sexual harassment happens anyways...eve teasing
too...u wear saree, chudidhar, jeans, skirt, mini's it
doesnt matter...as long as they wanna tease
someone..they do it anyways. yup, gals who have the
guts to wear modern dresses are prepared for the worst
comments...jus thwart them out...whenever u hear
them..never even care to listen to wat they say..coz i
personally feel its a waste of time feeling bad or
taking the comments to heart! am sayin this coz i have
been facing this when i was back home and i dont care!
k enuf..my reply for this mail was too much!
but good goin vivek...nice blog!
lotsaluv
priya.
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ReplyDeleteThanks,
mahimaa
Hi Vivek,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that a lot of bold women dont get eve-teased simply because they look like they're not going to lump the nonsense. The VC's ideas smack of a repressed mind.
I would agree with the dress code...these codes were primarily aimed at GIRLS and it absolutely befits them...because they are more vulnerable when they dressed so provcatively....girls should dress legitmately to help themselves. Connection with the fashion and culture would not make sense.
ReplyDeleteHi Vivek,
ReplyDeleteIts a good article to read about the dress code. You are right. There shouldnt be any rules regarding what to wear and not. People should wear whatever they are comfortable with.
But as an engineer you are supposed to know what you should wear. May be you are a student. Still you chose to be an engineering studet. This itself should make you responsible enough to be professional. It doesnt matter if you are a girl or a boy - if you r in engineering you'll have to think. You should know what is right and wrong.
If you are unable to think, you will be forced to do whatever is expected out of you. Thats the reason you have a governing body wherever you go.
Even in the so called modern, liberal society of the western world people expect you to wear a professional dress for the interviews. Does that mean they are conservative or traditional?
No interviewer will ask or force you to come in a particular dress code. You still do that. Why can't you do the same in college? If you follow what you are expected to do, there won't be any such rules.
That's a great story. Waiting for more. » »
ReplyDeletebest regards, nice info » » »
ReplyDelete