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Blog /Can’t you dress decently?

Is it the clothes that bother you?

Sun Feb 23 2025|iDare Team


“Can’t you dress decently?”  

I was asked once  

For wearing a sleeveless top  

By a woman who barely had a say  

On what she may not wear  

Or what she may.  

 

“Can’t you dress decently?”  

I was asked once   

For wearing a skirt  

By a man who remains  

Half-naked at home.  

 

“Can’t you dress decently?”  

I was asked once  

For wearing the school uniform  

By the teacher who gawked at me.  

 

“Can’t you dress decently?”  

I was asked once  

For wearing a saree 

By my husband 

Who gifted it to me.  

“Can’t you dress decently?”  

Ask so many around me.  

The sleeveless top shows my arms,  

The skirt – my legs.  

The uniform shows what the school decides, 

And the saree - what the culture does.  

 

I wonder what are decent clothes?  

And what is decent enough?  

You define decency as you please; 

Decency that does me no good, 

Decency that I dissent.  

 

No, I can’t dress decently, 

Not decent enough for you; 

Unless you answer –  

Is it the clothes that bother you,  

Or is it my body you desire to smother?  

 

This post represents the author’s personal views and experiences. iDare doesn’t endorse or take responsibility for the opinions expressed. 

 

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