Democrat Congresswoman Blames Sexual Assault On Women Who Appear Too Inviting

[marybourg]

34. In all fairness, I have to point out that your mother would have worn a hat, white gloves

a long skirt and stockings to go out in public, even just to go shopping or to the dentist in the 30's, 40's and 50's. She would hardly have had the option to do otherwise. Nor, in all likelihood, the desire. I grew up in the most progressive city in the country and this is how women dressed, expected to dress, and expected other women - unless they were actual prostitutes- to dress.

The 60's and 70's brought about a true revolution in the way Americans thought, dressed, and thought about dressing. Most of us are happy with a change to more casual, comfortable and less restrictive - and restricting - clothing, but I certainly also understand the sister's skepticism (and she's several years older than me) about those who dress in a way that seems to some of us to be not casual, comfortable or even pleasantly androgynous, but deliberately, flauntingly, provocative.

It may be their right to do so in the current social climate, and it may look "normal" to our juniors, and mostly we elder ladies keep our mouths shut about it, but we do have our own gauge on which to measure appropriateness. But not to worry - we'll be gone soon, and the next generation will have their chance to abhor the behavior of the young.