In a recent letter to the editor of a student-run publication that caters to several colleges, including the University of Notre Dame, a mother voiced her concerns about a prevalent fashion choice among young women: leggings. The author, identified as Sarah Thompson, expressed her feelings as a Catholic mother raising four sons and deemed this issue significant enough to warrant her public plea.
Thompson’s letter begins with a striking statement: “I have no intention of offending anyone or infringing on anyone’s rights. I’m just a Catholic mother of four sons grappling with a dilemma that only girls can remedy: leggings.” It’s quite the opener, isn’t it?
After holding back her opinions for some time, hoping that the trend would fade, she lamented that leggings have only grown in popularity. She recounts an experience from last fall when she attended a Mass with her family and encountered a group of young women donning snug leggings with short tops, stating that some looked as though the leggings were painted on. She mentions this moment as pivotal in her decision to speak out against what she views as an inappropriate trend.
Thompson goes on to express her frustrations about societal depictions of women and how they complicate her role as a mother. “It’s challenging for Catholic mothers to teach their sons that women are daughters and sisters, and should be treated with respect,” she argues. But isn’t the responsibility to teach respect rooted in the values we instill in our children, irrespective of what others wear?
Drawing on a somewhat puzzling analogy, she reflects on Princess Leia’s wardrobe choices in “Star Wars,” while simultaneously advocating for women to dress in “acceptable” ways. She questions the motivations behind women choosing to wear revealing clothing, expressing her shame for the young women at Mass.
Thompson worries about the potential distractions for young men, including her sons, who are, as she claims, “well-trained” not to ogle women. However, the notion that a woman’s clothing choices should be managed to protect men’s eyes is deeply flawed. Teaching respect and self-control starts at home, regardless of what someone wears.
She implores young women to consider the fathers and brothers of their friends, suggesting that leggings create an uncomfortable environment for both “unsavory guys” and the “nice guys” who are trying not to look. “Catholic mothers wish for a blanket to cover your nakedness and a scarf to shield their sons,” she concludes.
In response, many young women at Notre Dame organized a “Leggings Pride Day,” boldly standing against Thompson’s narrative. They firmly declared that policing women’s bodies is wrong and that clothing should never be used as an excuse for harassment. The organizers encouraged attendees to wear leggings as a statement of their autonomy and right to express themselves.
As Thompson’s letter closes, she makes a final request: “Consider choosing jeans instead of leggings the next time you shop.” To which many would likely retort: absolutely not. Women today will wear what they choose, and it’s time to prepare sons to respect that choice.
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In summary, the discourse around women’s clothing choices and their implications for men continues to be a contentious topic. While some may feel that leggings present a dilemma, others advocate for personal freedom and respect regardless of attire.
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