"Women shouldn't wear bikinis" v. "Women should cover their faces": what's the difference in principle?

Question

I asked a question recently about whether there were still pools that required women to wear one-piece swimsuits rather than bikinis.

I was very surprised that some people said "yes, it's a good idea, women should cover up, children shouldn't see women wearing bikinis".

What, in principle, is the difference between that and Islamic fundamentalists saying women should veil their faces?

Aren't both judgments just saying that the human body is something to be ashamed of?

(Regarding children seeing women in bikinis: God forbid that children should learn what the female body looks like. (Yes, that is sarcasm!))

Diane B -- I'm sorry, but I think my point went totally over your head. You seem to be embarrassed by seeing a woman in a skimpy bikini. Why should the fact that *you* feel embarrassed about it prevent *her* from wearing what she wants. I don't blame you, personally, but the cultural conditioning you've faced.

If you think about it, you'll see that your reasoning is circular: women should cover up because people you're embarrassed seeing their body. You're embarrassed seeing it because of cultural tradition. The cultural tradition formed because women tend to cover up.

And the reasoning in the last paragraph applies to women wearing bikinis in the west and showing faces in conservative muslim societies.

Answer 1

There is very little difference in those two. Both are aimed at controlling women and telling them what to wear and what not to wear so that they won't embarrass the rest of society or make others feel uncomfortable. Apparently it matters less what makes those women themselves feel comfortable.

Each society has its own view on where to draw the line. Some want women to cover up completely, others want women to cover areas that are seen as sexual objects and then there are societies that are fine with women walking around completely naked. The shame of showing your body or seeing another person's naked body is taught to us. People cover themselves according to what is required by their society. Because one must cover up you get the sense that it's embarrassing or shameful not to cover up and because it's shameful you make sure to cover up. It keeps going in circles like that, all because of made-up perceptions that are instilled in us right from childhood.

Answer 2

I have never heard of pools requiring one suit over another but alas, I haven't been to every pool. Like anywhere else, if a public environment decides on a dress code, then it's there to be followed or you can choose to go elsewhere with a less restrictive dress code. We travel a lot and see all styles of bathing suits and in some places no bathing suits. I don't see any children suffering over it. On the other hand, muslim women aren't covered because they are ashamed, rather their religion forces them. If modesty was really the word from the Koran, then muslim men should be covered and veiled as well. Regardless, a dress code as opposed to some psuedo religious code isn't a fair comparison.

Answer 3

Muslims , If I'm right , though I' admit I don't really know much about their religion, believe women should veil their faces out of respect for Allah.( Correct me if I'm wrong, cause I'd really like to know). Of course, it has to do with the philosophy of people the time the religion started. If you think about it all religions have some "rules" that apply to the time they first became known.
Now about women wearing bikinis in pools: My swimming trainer once told me that its better for the athlete, more comfortable and that it reduces the pressure applied to the body by water. I'm not sure that it is true.. Also I've swimed in a pool wearing bikini and also wearin an one-piece swimsuit and sensed no difference. but it wasn't a competition or anyting, it was just for fun.I see no other reason..and I hope it's just that

Answer 4

The bedrock principle on which both standards are based is that women are so sexually enticing, men will lose their heads over them and act inappropriately, Then, rather than holding men to higher standards, women are forced to cover their faces and bodies to make it easier for the men.

That's what the concept of modesty in both situations is all about. Yes, some women should never wear bikinis. Neither should many men. Ugly is ugly for both genders. We call it visual pollution.

So there is really no difference in principle.

Answer 5

The difference in principle is not much. The belief is modesty. However, it was taken too far with the muslims and the west doesn't take it far enough. Women in the west are way too liberal and flaunt their bodies with no idea how it makes them look to kids or other men. Men are visual creatures and don't respect a women when dressed with their assets all showing. Children (mainly boys) learn at a young age that women are just sexual objects.

Either way there will always be extremes. Extreme conservatism and extreme liberalism.

I believe women should not be half naked and trying to draw men's attention. They don't like it when their boyfriend or spouse looks at other women. They should respect other women enough to not make their spouses look at them.

Answer 6

First of all there are bikinis and then there are BIKINIS. Some women do not know the meaning of the word modesty. You can have a two piece bathing suit and wear it well, others just let it all hang out. A woman covering her face does it for religions reasons. I know of no religion that honors the bikini. There is a big difference between a veil and a bikini.

Answer 7

well i dont think the islamic people are saying cover up because the body is something to be ashamed of. They do it in order of moral standards, where they want thier women not to be looked at as sexual objects, but as women in general. This is to protect both men and women from sexual tension. As for the swimming pool rules women should be able to wear what they feel comfrotable being in. and should go not by what is demanded.

Answer 8

I too am upset by women wearing bikinis at the beach or pool.

They shouldn't wear anything at all.

In Denmark the rule is to go nude whenever possible, and to wear a micro g-string if necessary, for both men and women. Bikinis in Denmark are the equivalent of ugly board shorts in the US or burkas in Saudi Arabia.

The Danes -- so sophisticated. Let's all move there!

Answer 9

Philippians 2:3 says, “Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.” We must be confident that our own abilities will open any necessary door for us and so quietly, give ourselves to the pursuit of excellence. Christians are representatives for Christ wherever they go, in whatever they do. When we excel we glorify God who gave us our ability. 1 Corinthians 4:7 says, “What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?” Modesty – Obtaining It Modesty may be obtained by adopting the mindset of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.” Most people do not naturally possess an attitude of modesty as characterized by humility and simplicity. We instinctively seek recognition and attention. We want others to honor us for who we are and what we have done. However, if we follow after Christ as His disciples, we will divest ourselves of all self-seeking and submit ourselves to God. Living a life of modesty is a personal determination. We purposefully set out to be content, patiently waiting for God to give the promised rewards, which do come, even in this life. God is faithful; He sees all that we do. Contrary to the modern belief that we allow ourselves to become doormats and castoffs, those who honor God and live humbly before Him have His promise upon which to depend. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you.” gatita Apostolic Believer In One God, Jesus

Answer 10

I'd like to know who these 'some people' are.
I can see no problem with a womans CHOICE at what she wants to, and does not want to wear.
You want to wear a bikini, wear one. If a one piece is your choice of garment, wear that.
But don't let anyone tell you what to, and what not to wear.
This is the west. We have choices here.