Quote for the Day: A harmful fashion. . .

[Shin]

'Do you not consider how great a sin it is to introduce a harmful fashion? And once being known, what should be done to those who follow it? Some tailor perchance hath been the cause of a very grave sin. And of a very greivous injury to a city because of the harmful fashion he doth bring in there; and we should punish him as an example to all, so that this might be remembered forever.'

St. Bernardine of Siena

[pebbles]

I am curious....

Why is it that in Western (not the wild wild west  ) (in the past) that it's ok to show breast cleavage and not the ankles? 

In the Philippines in the past, women cannot wear clothes that would show a hint of cleavage nor what we call "micro mini shorts".  But because of the American influence, the way Filipinos dress have changed. 

[Shin]

Well, it's not OK to do so. The fact that it may be considered so, is simply corruption in the culture.

St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori notes it is a mortal sin of scandal.

Proper modest dress covers the chest loosely so as to hide the figure.

This is why, for example, Fr. Emmanuel Andre, would not only require the sufficiently loose top, but also the overcoat for complete modesty.

The negative influence television has had in this area is particularly great. I read an article recently on one Asian nation, describing the before and after of television, and this a very recent introduction due to their poverty and seclusion. Before -- satisfied people, working hard, good marriages, respect for elders, after -- criminality, disrespect, adultery, an explosion of sin.

[Patricia]

Times have changed in India too in the past 20 years. Modesty flew out the window for the youth though it still exists overall, much more than the West. 

[odhiambo]

'Do you not consider how great a sin it is to introduce a harmful fashion? And once being known, what should be done to those who follow it? Some tailor perchance hath been the cause of a very grave sin. And of a very greivous injury to a city because of the harmful fashion he doth bring in there; and we should punish him as an example to all, so that this might be remembered forever.'

St. Bernardine of Siena

Shin, you are right!
Every thing is to be found from the saints. All their good advice hold just as true today as it did in their times.
The fashion in those days, though, could never even begin to compare with those of today. He must be in dispaire on our behalf!

[odhiambo]

Times have changed in India too in the past 20 years. Modesty flew out the window for the youth though it still exists overall, much more than the West. 

Patricia,did you say you lived in India or are you still living there?

[Patricia]

I moved to the US from India about 15 years back. So you could say I have 2 homes. 

[odhiambo]

I moved to the US from India about 15 years back. So you could say I have 2 homes. 

I understand now, thanks.

[odhiambo]

I have a baggy pants wearer in the house. He irritates me no end. All my pleadings, reasonings, etc, fall on completely deaf ears 

[Patricia]

I have a teenager in my house who throws modesty to the winds. They say that the mother is the biggest influence on the children so how did I go wrong when I dress modestly??    I act sneaky and hide some of her immodest clothes away so she is always 'searching' for them.   

[George]

Who knows Patricia I have 2 daughters, one dresses like a nun the other one dresses like a vagrant, same parents, go figure. I don't know. I just keep praying for them both.

[pebbles]

I think how their friends dress could be an influence.  Also how they see people dress on tv.  It's hard to monitor what kids watch ... but maybe a precautionary could be when you see them watching people not dressed appropriately, you could tell them why those people are dress in appropriately and I guess explain what modesty is.  Fashion is a preference.  But it can be directed.  I have a 7 year old niece.  As much as she likes to dress up, wear make up or have her nails painted, (her mother doesn't disagree), she knows her dad (my brother) doesn't want her to do those things.  Especially at her age.  We found it funny when she was 5 she'd say, "Daddy said I can wear short blouses (where you can see the belly button) when I'm 35!  Isn't that great?"