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Along Life’s Way
Matters of Modesty
By Lois E. Wilson
Modesty is defined as propriety in dress, speech or conduct. I watch
sports—all types. I have noticed over the years the change in athletes’
attire.
In 2019, Wimbledon held fast to its strict dress code of all-white for
tennis players. One reason for the rule is that white doesn’t show
sweat. In 1949 Gussie Moran was wearing an undergarment with lace trim
which became visible as she played. The All England Tennis Club accused
her of “bringing vulgarity and sin into tennis.”
Many of the changes in sportswear have been to improve performance,
safety, and fulfill the needs of the sport. Other changes do not seem
to meet any valid need; they are changes for change sake or for obscure
reasons.
In the 1980’s, basketball’s Michael Jordan wanted the team’s uniform
manufacturer to make the shorts longer. One of the reasons given for
the request was that he liked to tug on his shorts while playing
defense and at team breaks. The shorts were lengthened.
I have noticed that most professional male golfers always look neat
with their shirts tucked into their slacks. This year one tournament
eased its rules; shorts were allowed for practice rounds only. Like
many other sports organizations, the LPGA has fines for breaking its
dress code.
Modesty is needed in sports. Swimsuits for both sexes vary. Some teams
wear “jammers” or “kneeskin” suits which have legs reaching to the
knees. It is believed these are more hydrodynamic. A high school
swimmer had her 100-meter win taken away for a “uniform violation”
because her high-cut team suit exposed her bottom. Later, her win was
reinstated. Where were the coaches to opt for modesty in sportswear and
protect their minor students from such embarrassing situations?
On the “Real Housewives” TV shows, the lack of modesty is too apparent.
At times, episodes are like a fashion competition to see which of their
outfits can expose the biggest implants.
Our young people are being confronted with such images in film, on TV,
and now at some sports events. It is hard for parents to impose
restrictions on dress and encourage modesty when the culture is working
against them. To sexual predators, explicitness can be an invitation.
Adults need to offer guidance. Studying to become an art teacher, I
spent many hours in life-drawing classes. I learned the beauty of the
human body. I also learned when revealing parts of it, there are
appropriate places and times.
One should keep some parts of the body private and out of public
scrutiny until one is old enough, responsible enough, and able enough
to deal with possible consequences. However, at any age when you
exhibit the virtue of modesty in dress and conduct, you are a perfect
example to others that modesty matters.
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