In a notable example of stringent dress codes, a Catholic high school in Illinois has released a 21-page manual outlining the expectations for female students attending prom. This extensive guide underscores the problematic nature of dress codes, particularly how they disproportionately target girls while allowing boys much greater freedom.
The manual begins by stating, “Boylan Catholic High School dances are an event that reflects our school’s philosophy and the teachings of the Catholic Church,” placing a strong emphasis on modesty for female students. Notably, boys are acknowledged only once, with a simple guideline that they wear formal attire, such as a tuxedo or suit.
For the young women, however, the rules are much more complicated. The manual strictly prohibits low-cut dresses, emphasizing that “God doesn’t like cleavage.” It also outlines that the midriff must remain covered, with a ruler in hand to ensure no more than two inches of skin is revealed. Dresses should not be excessively tight, which can be especially challenging for those with curvier body types. Additionally, girls cannot use cover-ups to circumvent these rules, effectively banning any attempt to hide perceived immodesty.
The manual even states that some girls may wear the same dress, but due to varying body shapes, one might be deemed acceptable while the other is not. This translates to an unfair standard based on weight and body type, reinforcing harmful notions about body image.
To clarify the dress code’s intricacies, two individuals, seemingly with ample time on their hands, prepared a detailed presentation. Their efforts further illustrate what is deemed “acceptable” versus “unacceptable,” including guidelines on how much of the lower back can be shown—emphasizing that only the upper part is permissible.
Moreover, the manual warns against nude-colored dresses with lace overlays, as they may create the illusion of improper exposure. This kind of documentation does little to foster confidence in young women. Instead, it places an unnecessary burden on them as they navigate the already challenging landscape of adolescence while worrying about adhering to such rigid standards.
The underlying issue is that girls are indoctrinated from a young age to believe their bodies are sources of shame. This mentality is problematic, regardless of the institution, and the creators of this manual should reflect on their role in perpetuating these outdated beliefs. The school should also reconsider maintaining this document on its website despite the backlash it has received.
In summary, this 21-page prom dress code manual serves as a stark reminder of the flaws in dress codes, particularly how they unfairly target female students while promoting an unrealistic standard of modesty. This issue resonates deeply in today’s society, where young women should be empowered rather than shamed for their bodies.
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