EDITORIAL - Address declining dress standards

Barbados celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence later this year, but as we look back and reflect on all the socio-economic strides made in this country, let us also consider one area where we seem to fall down, an area in which we still need to become more independent – our attire.

 

Though it may seem inconsequential, the way a people dresses says a lot about them and helps shape the cultural norms of society. Over the decades, there has been a marked change in culture in this island. The ‘appropriate dress’ decades ago compared to what some consider appropriate dress in this day and age has caused a clash in cultures between generations, leaving many – largely those who are in positions of authority – wondering if there is any way that both the young and old can come to an agreement on how to move forward with a public dress code. 

 

Case in point, there has been an increase in young women and girls who go into the public sphere in short pants and ‘shirts’ that can pass for undergarments within the more conservative circles. There is also the fad of wearing see-through clothing, especially tops, in inappropriate settings. This standard of dress seems to be filtering into the professional environment, and many responsible and right-thinking individuals are becoming concerned about this trend. 

 

In recent years this has led to a dress code being posted and enforced on the premises of Government buildings, for instance the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Home Affairs, to encourage decent and conservative dress there. Daily people are turned away from these institutions with the warning that they should wear appropriate attire. This complaint extends to the church, work and school. There are now many instances of women wearing ‘strapless and backless outfits’ to church, as well as men who wear their shirts out with ties hanging loosely on formal occasions. In the workplace, some women and men are wearing clothing that is more suitable for casual occasions, and the accent is on looking trendy rather than professional. There is a growing lack of knowledge with regard to when, where and how.

 

With Crop Over heading towards its climax, we must exercise extreme caution because the dress code in public is starting to swing out of control. Numerous posts on social media of various fetes or cruises show people not adequately covered and looking lewd. And one can only hope that for Grand Kadooment there is no repeat of past instances where revellers used body paint to cover their personal areas.

 

Indeed, the state of dress in public is rapidly deteriorating and it looks as though some adults are contributing to this downward trend. This behaviour is disturbing, particularly as children are able to observe the lapse dress and may emulate the culprits when they grow up. 

 

Barbadians and many others across the Caribbean are bombarded daily with magazines and other foreign material, compliments the Internet, and these sources serve as guidelines for the many styles that have evolved over the years. This lack of modesty is spilling over to everyday living in our society, to a point where the lines are now blurred and standards in personal presentation have now reached an all-time low. Pride in how one looks is now based on the label of the clothing and comfort for some rather than what is accepted in any particular setting.

 

What needs to be looked at and discussed is the culture and society that now exists and how a marriage between culture and what is presentable can be successful.

 

However, there will always be the few who continue to push the boundaries of what is suitable until authorities make laws of what is acceptable clear.