This caused a problem for the men as her immodesty caused them to lose focus of the speaker and focus on her.
But if these men couldn't stop thinking lustful thoughts it's not any womans fault. Your reactions are your responsibility. Any descent therapist will echo that, it's about the boundaries we set, healthy or not.
If a man can't control himself that's his problem not the fault of any woman he lists after regardless of what she is or is not wearing.
If a man cannot control his lustful thoughts when he sees bare knees and shoulders that is his lack of character, his reactions reflect the sin in him not in the person he focuses his lustful intentions on.
This modesty rhetoric is harmful because it always places the blame for rape and sexual assault on the victim when it should only be the responsibility of the victimizer.
This rhetoric is what cause the chewed gum lesson that made Elizabeth Smart feel used and unwanted to the point that she saw no reason to escape her captor.
She didn't see who would ever want or love her after she had been raped. She felt she had lost her virtue and felt unlovable because of it.
When these licked cupcake and chewed gum lessons are taught to young men and women they teach that mens reactions whether inappropriate or outright rape is the fault of the woman.
What we need are lessons that teach personal accountability for ones actions and reactions. One that teaches that the victimizer is at fault rather than the victim "asking for it."
No one asks to be victimized.
Jesus taught this:
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:16-20
So if these lessons are bringing forth damage to those taught then they have borne evil fruits.
Good teachings to not produce bad, harmful or even evil results.
These teachings are morally reprehensible and we all need to stand up for better teachings. Our children deserve better than what is being offered now.
Women are not objects to be used or abused and they are more than just mothers or wives; they are their own people. They are also daughters of God with their own talents, aspirations and dreams.
