Reflection: Week 2

   This week we had a long discussion and really chewed into the topic of clothing motivations. If you were able to watch my short pecha kucha about my personal clothing motivations, you'd notice that one of the things that affects the my choice of clothing is the fact that I belong to a Catholic Charismatic community. Belonging to a religious community also means that you have to conform to its way of life. I have nothing against the our way of life, in fact I embrace it and really appreciate it. What I have been struggling with though is the compromise between being modest and being able to express myself through the clothes I wear. I do understand that there are parts of the body one should cover, that showing flesh could "provoke" the opposite sex, that keeping your body to yourself could be "more attractive", and that you should also honor your body. What still baffles me is that they believe tht if you got it, it's better not to flaunt it. I mean, showing a little skin is how I could feel beautiful in, I personally feel honored when I look good in what I am wearing whether I'm covered up entirely or exposing my parts of my legs, arms, and back. I want to be able to dress modestly and please others by it, but sometimes, it's myself that I don't get to please anymore (which forgive me but I think is more important). 

   I'm the kind of person who believes that the only ones I have to please are God, my parents and myself. My dad also has a keen sense of style and is also very open-minded. He doesn't mind it if I wear clothes that reveal a little skin as long as it isn't over-the-top. I am also very responsible when it comes to dressing in a way that my parents want me to, so I know what's a yes and what's a no when it comes to their opinion. It just saddens me that I have to limit my clothing preferences because people from community might correct me. 

   I really want to talk more about this dilemma of mine in the future so stay tuned haha. But again as of now, I still think that the line between modesty and immodesty is quite blurred and I am bound by it. The issue between the balance of modesty and still looking and feeling beautiful is something I would like to resolve as I go through my years in CT.