In Illinois, a Catholic high school recently unveiled a 21-page prom dress code manual, solely focused on regulating the attire of female students. This extensive guideline raises serious concerns about the underlying sexism and outdated notions surrounding modesty.
The manual begins by stating, “Boylan Catholic High School dances reflect our school’s philosophy and the teachings of the Catholic Church.” However, it predominantly emphasizes the modesty of young women, while only briefly mentioning the expectations for boys. Young men are simply instructed to wear formal attire such as a tuxedo or suit. But as for the specifics of their wardrobe choices, it seems there’s little concern for male students, allowing them a more relaxed approach to dressing up.
In stark contrast, the guidelines for female students are exhaustive and stringent. The manual explicitly prohibits low-cut dresses, stating that showing cleavage is unacceptable. Additionally, it enforces a strict rule against exposing the navel, even going so far as to bring a ruler to measure any midriff that exceeds two inches. For girls with curves, this presents a challenge, as the dress code stipulates that dresses should not be excessively tight. And, if a dress doesn’t meet the standards, no cover-ups are permitted, meaning no simple sweater can mask perceived immodesty.
Furthermore, the manual includes the baffling note that while some girls may wear the same dress, body type will determine whether it’s acceptable or not. This translates to a troubling message: if you happen to have a different body shape or size, you might not be allowed to wear the same style as your peers. The rationale behind these rules is that modesty is mandated by religious teachings. Still, it seems the actual enforcement and interpretation of these guidelines create a culture of shame around young women’s bodies.
In an attempt to clarify what constitutes “acceptable” and “non-acceptable” attire, two women dedicated time to create an illustrative presentation. This visual aid attempts to delineate the fine line between showing a lower back and revealing too much of it, reinforcing the ridiculousness of the entire situation.
Additionally, the manual warns against nude-colored dresses with lace overlays, citing that they give the appearance of skin where it shouldn’t be visible. The implications are clear: instead of fostering confidence, this dress code instills a sense of shame and anxiety in young women as they prepare for an important event like prom.
The troubling aspect of dress codes like this one is that they often reinforce harmful ideas around body image and modesty from a young age. This manual is a glaring example of how institutions, even religious ones, can perpetuate outdated beliefs that lead to the policing of women’s bodies.
As a society, we ought to inspire our youth, especially young women, to embrace their individuality rather than conform to restrictive standards. The hours spent drafting such guidelines could have been better utilized to promote empowerment and self-acceptance. It’s a shame that such a document still exists in the modern age, and it’s equally disheartening that it remains available on the school’s website.
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In summary, the 21-page prom dress code manual from a Catholic high school exemplifies the problematic nature of dress codes, as they often propagate outdated and sexist views on modesty. The implications of such guidelines can be damaging to young women’s self-esteem and body image, reinforcing a culture of shame rather than empowerment.