July 15, 2008 10:41 am
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Got a problem you'd like to share with Sidney? Write to her at: The Meridian Star, P.O. Box 1591, Meridian, MS 39301 or e-mail her at sidneycovington@comcast.net. All submissions are confidential and go directly to Sidney.
Dear Readers,
Often I get responses to letters others have written or to advice that I've offered. You may recall a letter written by a grandmother who voiced her opinion of inappropriate dress in public places such as the grocery store. The following is a response to that letter writer:
I do realize the frustration our elders may have regarding the way young people dress. I have an enormous amount of respect for my elders. At the same time, I believe a lot of people died defending our country and soldiers are overseas fighting as we speak to keep us safe. Our country was founded on the belief that each of us as individuals should have the right to be ourselves. I do not see these women wearing low cut tops killing anyone.
Why is what other people are wearing such a concern? Do these "concerned" citizens not have any thing else to do? I can think of a hundred things more important than other peoples business or what they want to wear. If a woman has worked hard to have a beautiful body or maybe God granted her a perfect body, it is her right to show it if she wants to. Women love to be acknowledged and looked at. A public place is just that, PUBLIC.
If you do not like what someone is wearing in public you have every right to look the other way or find another public place. If our country started making laws that tell us what to wear and where to wear it to, how would we be any different from a country who tells the women to cover everything except her eyes. I find it outright rude of the grandmother that says, "You should be ashamed of yourself for exposing yourself in such a way that is insulting, and not to mention degrading to your image."
Did she ever stop to think that not everyone sees the world as she does and we have the right to choose what we wear? We should embrace our freedom instead of tacking on restrictions. She said, "I am concerned that we who try to live and abide by the laws in our cities are having our rights slowly taking from us," but isn't it she who is insisting other people have their rights stripped from them by controlling what they wear? I am surely not saying that some people who dress in tight clothes look good, just that it’s their right to look horrible if they want to. God Bless America!
Signed,
Sarah D.
To Sarah and all our readers:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. All opinions are valid and welcomed!! And, readers, again we are overwhelmed at the response you've given to Love, Sidney. I'll remind you that all letters come directly to me either through e-mail or through U.S. post in care of The Meridian Star. No one but I see them. Your anonymity is always protected unless specified otherwise ... And don't worry, the likelihood that someone would recognize you is nil. Believe me, I've come to realize just how much we're all really alike! And, again, thank you for all your support!
Love, Sidney
• Sidney Covington has a master's degree in counseling. She is a patient advocate and public relations representative for Riley Hospital.
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