Reaction to Why Women do not reform their Dress

 

This is interesting psychology into women behaviour.This is a beautifully written peace, Perkins is an excellent writer! I marvelled at her eloquent use of words. She tells the reasons why women do not reform their dress and stress that societal and cultural influences and pressures has led to women’s demoralized concept of good, healthful dressing. According to Perkins, women would rather choose physical pain over mental convictions in order to keep in style. I disagree. Not all women choose pain as a resort to satisfy the demands of dress. But, respecting the opinion of Perkins, I’m sure she did her research. As a feminist she makes her point that “ridicule, opposition, an uneasy sense of isolation and disagreeable noticeability, loss of social position, constant mortification and shame” are all good reasons for women to not reform their dress to comfort their body. It is true that women love to be told that they look fine and maybe it is that need of acceptance that is causing them to behave so strangely.

            Furthermore, an analysis of the era is useful. The era is the late nineteenth century and great events regarding women rights and treatment are all accounted for. Perhaps the reason for Perkins’ topic was the demand for women to act their part in society and the expectations of men. Perhaps beauty had a standard and culture was a seatbelt that gripped the women in a tight hold. I personally believe if a woman is truly beautiful she should let her character speak silently and not with outward adorning. However, the pleasures of body and mind are not to be concluded as separate because one affects the other. A real woman won’t sacrifice principles of health and decency because of show and natural inclinations. I agree that the true and reasonable dress means health and beauty of body with freedom of motion and increased power and skill.

            Why women do not reform their dress sounds like comments made by Ellen White in Messages to Young people or Counsels on Health. Particularly because the time frame is nearly the same there may be such similar viewpoints. Some would call it worldly flirtation and infatuation, an indulgence in secular culture and a slap to religious claims of simplicity, modesty and decency. On the other hand it may be finer cultural exquisites and tastes

It is definitely a cultural and societal topic. It exists even today. No woman wants to be told they don’t look amazing

Mythical_Poet

2010