#IWearShortShorts #FierceFeminism
The other day I was sitting in a restaurant next to a man and I heard him say: “That girl’s shorts are too short. Looks like her daddy’s just preparing her for the stripper pole.” The girl and her father didn’t hear the comment, but I felt sick to my stomach. I was angry, but I didn’t really know what to say to him—I just knew he was wrong.
The very next week, the NY Daily News posted a picture of Sasha Obama in short shorts, and the media attacked Sasha, saying her clothes were “inappropriate.” 
Clutch Magazine ran Sasha’s story on their site, and commenters both defended and criticized Sasha’s clothing choice. However, one commenter argued, “The real question shouldn’t be why little girls wear shorts, President’s daughter or not, but should be: why are grown people sexualizing little girls?”
I agree. Sasha and the girl I saw are just girls in shorts. The adult commenters are the ones sexualizing little girls. So if you have a problem with girls wearing short shorts, you should probably stop attributing sexual characteristics to them and just let them live their lives.
I’ve heard the argument that we must teach young girls to cover up in order to avoid being objectified. Yet, we really need to get out of this “she was asking for it” mindset. Instead of teaching girls to cover up in order to avoid perverts or judgment from others, we should teach others to stop poaching on children. I know it’s a reach because our society is very quick to blame the woman—but wearing short shorts is harmless. It doesn’t create danger for bystanders. It doesn’t kill innocent people. It’s kind of like the slogan “instead of teaching women to avoid rape, teach men not to rape.” Instead of telling girls to cover up, let’s encourage everyone not to sexualize them.
I’ve also heard the argument that young girls shouldn’t be allowed to wear revealing attire because they’re growing up too fast. I get that. Maybe girls are growing up fast, but come on—it’s not the literal clothing that’s making them grow up faster. If they are “fast girls” they are fast whether they wear revealing clothes or not. The clothes aren’t making them fast. I’d blame that on a combination of things: an overdose of sex-oriented advertisements marketed to young girls, poor role models in pop culture, lack of self-confidence and maturity, and so much more. Forcing a young girl to put on less revealing clothing doesn’t change the way she feels about herself, nor does it change her behavior.
Also, the judgment doesn’t stop when girls get older. Grown women who show a lot of skin are constantly shamed and deemed “slutty.”
We do it to one another. We shame other women based on how much cleavage is showing or how short their dress is because have been raised in a society that teaches that overtly sexy women are “impure” and deserve less respect. So we police their behavior and their appearance, label them sluts, and ook upon them as if they is stupid or broken.
But seriously—What is wrong with a woman being sexy? If she loves her body, then she has the right to dress it as she pleases.
No one should have to alter their appearance to fit into what society believes is the “appropriate” or “respectable” way a woman should dress. In my understanding, part of being a feminist means loving yourself enough that you express yourself however you want, and allowing others to do the same.
Feminists challenge the ideas about women who show their bodies being “impure” or not worthy of respect. Therefore, I wear short shorts because I am a feminist (and for several other reasons—see amateur poetry below).
I wear short shorts because I am a feminist.
I wear short shorts because I want to, and because no one else can tell me what to do with my body.
I wear short shorts because it’s hot outside.
I wear short shorts because I love my body.
I wear short shorts because they are part of my outfit.
I wear short shorts because I like attention.
I wear short shorts because I’m sexy, and no, I am not “asking for it.”
I wear short shorts because I can— Get the f*ck over it.
You have to know that what I’m saying is not that revolutionary of a concept. Thousands of women partake in yearly Slut Walks, protest marches that calls for an end to slut shaming and rape culture. Some feminists have even embraced the term “slut” in an attempt to reappropriate its meaning. Sluts now have their own website (What’s up Slutist!). Internationally, women have fought against slut-shaming and victim-blaming. Yet, it is difficult to protest sexist ideas that have existed in our society for centuries.
To contribute to this discussion on slut-shaming, for the next few weeks, my posts will be catered to body and sexual politics. In addition, I will utilize my facebook, pintrest, and tumblr for my “I Wear Short Shorts” mini photo-campaign.
For further reading on body politics and all things sluttty, check out Slutist.com.
A Woman's Worth 
Yes I know I am late but I want answers. I am kinda confused. The women in those ads and movies are doing this because they have a right to show their body and they want to. However, people still have a problem with that. Take the blurred lines video for an example, the women in the video were willing participants but people still cried sexual objectification. So what I am trying to ask is what’s the difference between those women in that video and girls who choose to wear revealing clothing ? Why do we have a problem with naked woman in ads when they have a right to do whatever they want with their bodies. These two ideas conflict with each other.
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As a guy, I just enjoy what I’m seeing. Those who do wear short shorts seem to like wearing them to where you can see their butt cheeks. Hey, I’m cool with that! When do they start showing some more skin in the shirt area huh?
I speak both truthfully and sarcastically because quite frankly I dont know where I side between aye or nay. I agree that women should be allowed to wear whatever they want, but they should not expect all men to simply ignore those fine bodies. Men are able to control themselves around women in short shorts, but it’d be a lie if i claimed none of them were either uncomfortable or sexually aroused.
Personally speaking, it makes me feel like a huge pervert for having looked at sexy legs and feel sexually attracted almost immediately. I dont want to feel this way each time I see a nice pair of legs, eessspecially when its underaged girls. I hate feeling ashamed of myself because I cant control what I feel
when i see sex appeal. Women will say just get over it but its easier said than done.
In conclusion, as a guy, i loooove this short short fad even if it makes me all hot and bothered inside half the time im out on the streets
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What anyone wears is their business and if people would mind their own business and stop checking other people out the world would be a better place to lkve
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People self-police. 97% of humanity is 100% worthless. That’s one reason they live under oppression with Governments-Which are 100% corrupt, Totalitarian, Police-States.
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“Nomatter what I wear, I’m not asking for it. My cloths don’t speak for me”
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Being modest goes both ways. If a male also flaunts and doesn’t act modest he will get the same treatment.
Yes the short short fad did start with men wearing them.
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ugh I hate feminism. I hate the whole “I can do whatever I want with my own body, and no one can tell me what I can do with my own body” thing. No, the truth is, your body is not your own. It belongs to the Lord. This whole feminism catastrophe is the logical fruit, though, of 18th century Masonic Liberalism: the system where man crowns himself as the god, and says he has the “right” to say whatever he pleases, publish whatever he pleases, and even worship however he pleases. In this sick system, man makes himself god, while disregarding God. Feminism just says: OK, men, you made yourselves gods; now we will do the same. It’s all disgusting, sick, and wrong. And on Judgment Day, Jesus Christ will condemn all of it.
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I’m a 30 year old heterosexual male and I definitely agree to everything that you’re saying! I would definitely say if males are put on the receiving end by wearing short shorts they could have a better understanding why the females do it! I mean that most likely is the only way and the short short trend did start with the male gender after all!
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So… I found this thread because I am googling trying to figure something out. I actually am a woman really struggling with this topic. On the one hand, I really believe whole-heartedly that a woman, or man, should wear whatever they want, as little or as much as they feel like, without ever feeling unsafe, critically scrutinized, uncomfortable, etc. If someone else doesn’t like it, go away or look away. I want to know that if I, or anyone else, were to walk downtown naked, no matter the shock value, that person would be safe from cruelty and physical harm. On the other hand, I really, REALLY struggle with why there are so many women who obviously see no value in any personal beliefs about modesty. I show much more skin than, say, a modern but devout American Muslim or Christian woman, but I keep most of my cleavage and upper thighs covered. I cover my shoulders in places and countries with more conservative dress norms. I just feel like, yes, I want to feel body positive and empowered, but there is a time and place for showing skin, and the grocery store or farmers market or work or everyday whatever is not the place for being provocative with my clothing, and maybe not for other people to do so, either. I believe that some people are really showing their own unique eclectic selves, so ok, maybe I need to find a way to accept it all, but for me, there is something about me and other people wearing clothes that are bathing-suit-revealing that feels disempowered, attention seeking, overly vulnerable, and hyper-sexualized. This is not about being a “slut.” I was a teacher and I know many a girl looking for attention who know they are NOT looking for sex. I guess I just don’t understand why people expect to be taken seriously when they are dressed in lingerie/ swim wear type cuts. If I can see your butt, most of your boobs, the color and cut of your underwear, the entire outline of your genitals, why should I feel you are not trying to challenge me to look at you and either acknowledge your sexuality with your sexualized outfit, or see you as trying to force me to not only have awareness that you are trying to sexualize the atmosphere between us, but then call me to the carpet if I do? YES we are sexual beings. There is no way that denying our socialization is going to change what we perceive as being sexually provocative. I just don’t quite understand the recent pushing of the envelope. My boyfriend and I are constantly feeling like, “is everyone forgetting to wear pants today?” I have boy short underwear that covers more of my ass than some women I see in public, and I just don’t understand. There is NO WAY that this is not someone trying to trumpet to the world that they are “sexy.” Having your bare thighs, butt crease, and outer edges of your labia touching every public thing you sit on isn’t comfortable enough for extremely short shorts to be considered practical. So, if that is your or someone else’s huge/primary/singular/important goal for the day, to be seen as “sexy” and that’s obvious and very in-your-face by the pushing the envelope outfit you are wearing, why should anyone take an encounter with you at any moment more serious than say, an encounter with a stripper? I mean that, strippers, in their work gear at their jobs, get treated in a way where their value is based on their looks and their sexualized behavior, and that is all they can expect while stripping. If someone feels that this is empowering, than I guess I am really confused, but to me, to be treated as if my body as a sexual object is all that matters about me is demeaning. But if you are wearing an outfit that implies you may be a sex professional, shouldn’t that be the expectation for how you will be treated that day? Not in an unsafe, violent, or intimidating way, but in a way that implies that you are not likely to be taken seriously because you left the house thinking that sexualizing yourself was your top priority.
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Hey, Thanks for sharing!
I find that everyone has their own level of taste based on a lot of factors including their upbringing, ethnic background, religion, etc. So it’s difficult to create a standard of taste because of the diversity of our country ( & world).
People who are confident and comfortable with themselves will wear whatever they please, I usually say its none of my business what other people wear. I let them run their lives while I run mine.
Finally, you say: ” if you are wearing an outfit that implies you may be a sex professional, shouldn’t that be the expectation for how you will be treated that day?”
I CANNOT agree with that. For 2 reasons: 1)people should treat people the way they want to be treated- with respect- regardless of that they’re wearing. (I know its ideal thinking but I feel whether you’re wearing daisy dukes or a business suit, you should be treated kindly because you’re a human being. It’s not like you’re harming anybody with your clothing). Second, I cant agree with that statement because that’s how people justify rape. People like to ask if you “tempted” someone to rape you with your short skirt. The answer is no- Clothes don’t talk. Consent is verbal and no means no.
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Mumim I’m afraid that anybody who likes to attract attention by wearing a certain type of revealing clothing has an issue with pride and God hates pride. You need to stop being prideful about yourself. The bible says to the wind with things that you have. All that you have will perish. God wants you to focus on loving other people. He does not want you to focus on yourself in a prideful sinful manner. God says you have the responsibility of loving all people. God wants you to stop wearing revealing clothing because wearing revealing clothing can cause your fellow brothers and sisters to sin and it has created in you a pride complex because you say you want to attract attention from other people. I’ll pray for you my fellow sister that you change your sinful prideful ways because God has a big problem with you wearing revealing clothing.
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Not Mumim I mean Shea Collins needs to stop being prideful and focus on loving her fellow brothers and sisters instead.
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Please don’t get on my blog acting like you know me, calling me prideful, and saying I need to focus on helping my brothers and sisters. Because if you knew me, you would know that I feed the homeless on Saturday mornings (and I do it in short shorts), and I’ve dedicated my life’s work to improving the lives of women, especially young black girls and women. That’s what this blog is for. If you clicked around, you would notice that I write a lot about self-confidence, following your dreams, and getting through rough times.
I write about confidence for women who are often told that their hair is too nappy, skin is too dark, body to curvy or too skinny. I do it for women who are called sluts simply because of the color of their skin (yes—“slut” is often racialized). So please don’t mistake my self-love for pride. I love myself and I talk about my insecurities on this blog so that others women can love themselves as well.
Also, this is a Black Feminist blog. While I know the Bible very well (well enough to know that your misquoting and misusing certain passages to shame my behavior), this is not the place to throw around misguided, faux-religious arguments. But I will say: In blaming me for the sins of my brothers and sisters, you are infantilizing them. Are people not responsible for their own actions? People sin on their own—they make their own choices. I’m not holding a gun to anyone’s head and forcing them to sin. I have no power over anyone’s thoughts and actions but my own.
And finally- my name is spelled S-H-A-E… if you’re gonna insult me, please come correct.
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What a freaking whore
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Please don’t get on my blog acting like you know me, calling me prideful, and saying I need to focus on helping my brothers and sisters. Because if you knew me, you would know that I feed the homeless on Saturday mornings (and I do it in short shorts), and I’ve dedicated my life’s work to improving the lives of women, especially young black girls and women. That’s what this blog is for. If you clicked around, you would notice that I write a lot about self-confidence, following your dreams, and getting through rough times.
I write about confidence for women who are often told that their hair is too nappy, skin is too dark, body to curvy or too skinny. I do it for women who are called sluts simply because of the color of their skin (yes—“slut” is often racialized). So please don’t mistake my self-love for pride. I love myself and I talk about my insecurities on this blog so that others women can love themselves as well.
Also, this is a Black Feminist blog. While I know the Bible very well (well enough to know that your misquoting and misusing certain passages to shame my behavior), this is not the place to throw around misguided, faux-religious arguments. But I will say: In blaming me for the sins of my brothers and sisters, you are infantilizing them. Are people not responsible for their own actions? People sin on their own—they make their own choices. I’m not holding a gun to anyone’s head and forcing them to sin. I have no power over anyone’s thoughts and actions but my own.
And finally- my name is spelled S-H-A-E… if you’re gonna insult me, please come correct.
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Anonymous – Maybe you should worry about yourself instead of going around trying to control women’s bodies.
I grew up in the church. The verse that always gets trotted out about women dressing modestly? It actually translates about women that were flaunting their wealth through their clothes. Awkward…..
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Another freaking whore. It’s not just women, the same modesty should apply to men as well as the new phenomenon of children under the age of 12 who are now also going around half naked!
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Don’t call me a whore, you whore.
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Wow. There’s not even a starting point to begin even attempting to explain why this is beyond problematic. That others may not believe in God or hold the Bible in high esteem is completely irrelevant to this person. There is no question she knows what’s best for us. I have a really hard time with this know-it-all attitude that some traditionally religious folks exude. There’s no real to communicate because they don’t know that they’re only speaking their truth, they believe they are speaking THE truth.
I know I’m a little late, (I just stumbled upon your blog and I’m glad I did), but excellent article. My friends and I were just discussing this issue and I have forwarded it on to them.
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Thanks. This particular post stirs up a lot if emotions because everyone had their own scale on what is “appropriate.” Glad you enjoyed the article. 🙂
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Good luck getting guys to respect you.
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Lol Mumim…Jokes. If you read the “About Me” section on my blog or any of my popular articles on my boyfriend and feminism, you would know that I have no problems getting anyone to respect me.
Maybe you should reconsider your views…
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Mumin – Good luck having to go through life being you.
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Who wears short shorts?
We wear short shorts, and we like it!
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I where short shorts because the are the only shorts most people make for females
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David Green is just an old fashioned misogynist. I’ve been married longer than he has and my wife wouldn’t put up with his bullshit for a minute.
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Good fucking grief! One look at Mr. Green’s blog makes it clear that he is a total misogynist. Sorry, Mr. Green, but I’ve been married longer than you and you’re full of shit when it comes to this subject.
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But I think the point of this article is to ask – what’s wrong with being a slut? I’m no longer speaking in the context of Sasha Obama, but more generally. What is ‘feminine modesty’? When do you get to decide that a woman has ‘a lack of respect for herself’? Why do we feel the need to sexualize legs to the point that wearing short shorts is deemed inappropriate and necessitates covering up?
I have – many times – been called a slut. I have worn short shorts, cropped shirts, tight dresses. And I have continued to dress that way, because I shouldn’t have to change the way I present myself to appease people, strangers, who feel I’m too sexual or, you know, lacking my ‘feminine modesty’.
I love my sexuality and I love my body, and if that makes me a slut, then I’m proud to have that title.
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Oh, my bad! I meant to reply below.
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I think the point is that men are visual. Men cannot help but notice women wearing short shorts in public (notice I said in public). It is an instinctive reaction, men cannot be “educated” to NOT notice – impossible. That’s like saying that humans can “educate” themselves to be able to live to 1000 years old. Cant be done.
Subconsciously, I think women wearing short shorts contributes to the high divorce rate in this country. Is that what women who wear short shorts in public really want?
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Reblogged this on Class and Sass..
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Reblogged this on Feminism Is Gender Fascism and commented:
Sasha’s choice in clothes is in this case is “inappropriate” and aptly demonstrates not only her lack of decorum and feminine modesty but a lack of respect for herself and her father who holds the highest political office in the land. By choosing to dress the way that she did in public Sasha both sexualized and objectified herself. Women are not immune to criticism just because they are female and those who criticize them for there poor taste in fashion are not the one’s sexualizing and objectifying them.
If you do not want to be seen as a slut then don’t choose to dress like a slut.
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But I think the point of this article is to ask – what’s wrong with being a slut? I’m no longer speaking in the context of Sasha Obama, but more generally. What is ‘feminine modesty’? When do you get to decide that a woman has ‘a lack of respect for herself’? Why do we feel the need to sexualize legs to the point that wearing short shorts is deemed inappropriate and necessitates covering up?
I have – many times – been called a slut. I have worn short shorts, cropped shirts, tight dresses. And I have continued to dress that way, because I shouldn’t have to change the way I present myself to appease people, strangers, who feel I’m too sexual or, you know, lacking my ‘feminine modesty’.
I love my sexuality and I love my body, and if that makes me a slut, then I’m proud to have that title.
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It is not about appeasing people – it is about the message one sends out about themselves when in public. Many years ago I walked into a Radio Shack wearing a three piece suit and the sales person fell all over themselves to help me simply because of how I was dressed. Had I been wearing a tee shirt and jeans that day that sales person would not have been so quick to be helpful which is why I’m glad that I wore that suit that day.
I did not want to end up with an STD infection nor marry a woman who would end up cheating on me. So I chose to only date those women who understood how to dress modestly – thirty-two years of marriage and counting I still don’t have to worry about my wife cheating because she refuses to show off her physical assets to those who have absolutely no business seeing them by dressing modestly.
To be blunt dressing in a Provocative manner – like a slut – is the very first message a women gives off in public as well as clear indication of a woman’s loose and immoral character who is unfit for marriage and raising children. A female to be avoid at all costs unless one is a Masochist.
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Hi David Green. I’ve seen you’re blog so I’m not surprised by your comment. I, of course, agree with the anonymous commenter. David says it’s not about appeasing people, but it is.
Of course, for a job interview or anything along those lines, we must be careful about our clothing choices. However, some men have a fear that a sexy woman is a dangerous woman. I’m young and unmarried, and I like to dress in sexy clothing because, like the anonymous commenter, I love my body. Some people shame me for wearing such clothing (especially the students and parents at my very conservative alma mater) Yet, if and when people get to know me, they respect me because they see where my head is.
I am not a “loose woman” and I my character is not immoral, as David says. Yet, David is not alone. That is how soooo many people think in our society–it sometimes feels as if our ideas haven’t progressed since the Victorian era. Unfortunately, these ideas progress rape culture and make society dangerous for women. That is what this article is fighting against.
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Nor am I surprised by your response since for well over one hundred years feminists have been justifying the moral failures and immorality of their sisters. And themselves by pointing the finger of blame at those who dare to call them on their inherently dishonesty and dishonest arguments. Having watched my own father die from an STD infection caught from unprotected sex with a woman he trusted I’ve made it a habit to avoid social contact with any and all females who fail to respect themselves and others by choosing to dress immodestly.
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I’m sorry about your experience with your father. Clearly the experience has left you in some pain. I hope that it hasn’t clouded your judgement about women.
I appreciate the feedback as I have learned that dialogue can progresses societal ideas, which is why my site is open for comments. I will consider your comments when I write my next post “Welcome to Slut-Shaming Rehab.” I’m sure you’ll have loads to say about it.
I recognize that many women do not meet YOUR standards of modesty–yet, this is not your medium to express that. That being said–I will not tolerate slut-shaming on my site. If you continue to slut-shame, you will be blocked and your comments will be deleted. Thank you.
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I feel that you’re falling victim to a very slippery representative heuristic of women. There’s no correlational evidence that demonstrates that women who dress “slutty” are provocative. Yes, there are women who dress in a more revealing manner to facilitate a sexual agenda. But it’s quite bold and preposterous of you to deduce that ALL or MOST women who dress “slutty” are provocative and/or carry STIs.
Also, a reminder that you belong to an older generation that carries a different (and a more conservative) perspective of what it means to dress “slutty.”
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You do realize that this is the mindset that leads to women in Afghanistan dressing like bee keepers right?
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If it walks like a duck or quacks like a duck than it is a duck. The solution is really quite simple don’t dress like a slut, act like a slut and you won’t be called a slut.
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You didn’t answer my question.
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Your question was such a flimsy straw argument that I had no need to knock it down – since my comments are designed to appeal to readers with an open mind. On the other hand when I was in high school sun dresses were banned because they were immodest – unless one wore a blouse underneath the dress – and not a single girl showed up for class wearing a beehive.
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What are you even talking about? Organize your thoughts before posting, tough guy.
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So I dress, dance, and walk like a slut by some people’s standards, but I have a degree, write for a few publications, and and looking forward to getting a master’s. And I know lots of women just like me.But you wouldn’t know that if you’re so hung up on my short skirt and midriff. So your faux, “quacks like a duck” wisdom doesn’t work in this case. Cuz us so-called “sluts” seem to be handing our business. Your views are only a reflection of your prejudice based on looks. Better be careful: those girls you call sluts may end up as your bosses some day.
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I always hold women to the exact same standard by which they judge men:
Hence as long women continue to judge men by the clothes they wear, the car they drive, their employment and by how much money men are willing to spend on them:
I will continue to judge women on the first impression they make by how they choose to dress.
Get used to it…
Women demanded equality now stop whining about being treated like man instead of like a spoiled little – princess – brat with an entitlement chip the size of Manhattan on her shoulder.
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The way one chooses to dress is an indication of one’s character and a good indicator of how one will act under a given set of circumstances. The women who willingly chooses to put her body upon display for all to see in order to get attention. Then loudly complains about that attention and falsely accuses those who pay attention to her; because of the way she chose to dress of sexual harassment or sexism. IS NOT THE KIND OF WOMEN WHO CAN BE TRUSTED AND BETTER OFF AVOIDED.
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I don’t know- I wouldn’t be so quick to judge the outfits of women in other countries. Though it may be a product of sexism, race, religion, and culture also pay a role. I’m not so familiar and educated on everyone’s customs so I usually dont speak on it- but I think its definitely a interesting topic
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The women went from dressing however they/their families wanted until early 2000’s. Then when the Taliban took over the burka was enforced and they weren’t allowed to go outside without a father or brother. Lots of female suicides the year of that transition.
If the hajib is worn as a symbol of faith as a feminist of course I support it. Their bodies belong to them. When it’s enforced on them by violence by men policing their bodies it turns into something ugly.
I just think its all on the spectrum of the same thing. It starts as calling women sluts for how they dress and this is the extreme result. Our bodies are policed in ways males just aren’t.
Sorry to write a novel but this is something I feel passionate about.
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Re: “Our bodies are policed in ways males just aren’t.”
This is an outright lie. Once a man becomes a father and his wife decides to betray him in a divorce and becomes locked into paying child support he is not allowed to exercise any choice in his employment unless it pays more and then he will find himself paying even more child support. If he loses his job through no fault of his own and can’t find another one or his new job pays less he is under the constant threat of being placed in jail when he no longer has the financial resources to pay. To top it off his ex can move away making it impossible for him to see his child, remarry and spend the money he pays in child support on her new lover instead of his child and there is nothing that he can do about it.
This is how our society polices the bodies of men and why an increasing number of men are rejecting marriage and avoiding intimate relationships with today’s entitlement crazed modern day women.
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