The article I am going to paste below is about the challenges a foreign woman faced living in a country in Africa where women do not wear pants. She chose to wear her jeans and did not fully comprehend how this might be perceived by the locals. In my personal opinion, I am all for equality between sexes and people being allowed to wear what makes them comfortable. However, no matter what country I am in, I feel there is a line that can be crossed where the way you dress is just disrespectful to the people around you. In foreign countries, where we are visitors, I think it is even more important to be aware of local norms, if not out of respect for the cultural values where you are, for the sake of your own image and ability to work with them. The locals will be much more appreciative and happy to talk to you if you are not dressed in what they consider an offensive manner. I find it even more of a help if I dress in true local fashion and not just modestly. In India, and it appears to some level here in Ghana, the people are enthused to see me wearing their local dress. They feel that it shows I am interested and appreciative of their culture, which as a foreigner living in their home, I am. Hope you enjoy the article, any comments I would love to hear them!
Love to all.
http://glimpse.org/stories/view/ethical-dilemma-should-women-wear-pants/
1 comment:
I agree with you about showing respect for the culture you are working in. How can you relate to the community you live in if you try to "make a point" as was discussed in the article.
I was glad to see she finally recognized the importance of wearing a skirt. Unfortunately, some damage may have already been done.
Interesting!
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