What does it mean to be provocative? In today’s society, it’s a buzzword; the term provocative is splattered over everything from news articles to online videos. It’s a term the media’s latched onto and has engulfed many of us. However, what does the word truly mean? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate.” However, Urban Dictionary, a slang dictionary that encompasses a large part of dominant culture for teenagers, defines the word provocative as “something with an unintended or intended sexual reference. is occasionally really really perverted.” As teenagers, we see the term often thrown around the issues of dress, more specifically focused around females and what they’re
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As a private, liberal institution, we pride ourselves on the idea that we are able to discuss many sensitive subjects in great detail. From school-wide discussions about diversity to assemblies where a Columbia University professor debunks “myths” about drugs, we don’t shy away from stirring the pot and creating discussion about a variety of issues and topics that aren’t commonly discussed anywhere else, yet somehow, talking about dress code is always pushed aside. It’s no secret we don’t have a formal dress code; no one is really sure of what the rules regarding dress are aside from wearing clothes and shoes (although there are many people who don’t follow the shoe rule). That being said, the clothes students choose to wear is still discussed, although informally. From the early morning bustle to free blocks, hallways are filled with the diluted whispers of snarky remarks, such as, “did you see how short her shorts are?” or “wonder who she’s trying to impress with that shirt.” These comments come from boys and girls alike, but only seem to be referring to the latter. In an environment that prides itself so highly on liberal values, why are we still making remarks about girls’ bodies in demeaning ways? Why are we so quick to change the topic when a conversation begins on dress, especially at school? Why aren’t many teachers willing to comfortably discuss Park’s dress code? With these questions in mind, we set off to stir the pot by asking them to faculty
As a private, liberal institution, we pride ourselves on the idea that we are able to discuss many sensitive subjects in great detail. From school-wide discussions about diversity to assemblies where a Columbia University professor debunks “myths” about drugs, we don’t shy away from stirring the pot and creating discussion about a variety of issues and topics that aren’t commonly discussed anywhere else, yet somehow, talking about dress code is always pushed aside. It’s no secret we don’t have a formal dress code; no one is really sure of what the rules regarding dress are aside from wearing clothes and shoes (although there are many people who don’t follow the shoe rule). That being said, the clothes students choose to wear is still discussed, although informally. From the early morning bustle to free blocks, hallways are filled with the diluted whispers of snarky remarks, such as, “did you see how short her shorts are?” or “wonder who she’s trying to impress with that shirt.” These comments come from boys and girls alike, but only seem to be referring to the latter. In an environment that prides itself so highly on liberal values, why are we still making remarks about girls’ bodies in demeaning ways? Why are we so quick to change the topic when a conversation begins on dress, especially at school? Why aren’t many teachers willing to comfortably discuss Park’s dress code? With these questions in mind, we set off to stir the pot by asking them to faculty