HE renewed
controversy on indecent dressing in public places has somewhat pushed the
nation�s quest for moral re-armament to varying interpretations.
The new interest which commenced mid last year saw the
Anglican Church of Nigeria, rising from its 2003 general synod, to impose a new
dress code on its members. The leaders of the denomination also gave explicit
orders to clerics to scrutinise the dressing of couples prior to their wedding
solemnization. Shortly after, the Catholic Church also took a similar step.
Outside the church the authorities of the University of Lagos
weighed on the issue and approved a new dress code for their students in a bid
to promote sanity and morality on campus. Irked by this move, some female
students of the institution went to the court to challenge the unfolding regime
and seek for protection of their rights.
The major argument of advocates of this new campaign for
appropriate dressing is that public exposure of sensitive body parts constitutes
an open invitation to amorous behaviours. The verity of this notion has remained
the subject of diverse public and media debates.
We sympathise with those who are disgusted by offensive
dressing and equally share their concerns, especially given the increasing moral
decline in our nation. Any manifestations of this decline in society, no matter
in the sector or form they are identified need to be tackled decisively.
We however believe that the current crusade being championed
by both religious and secular institutions for the promotion of ethical and
moral ideals, through enforcing new and saintly garments should go beyond
individual wardrobe choices and idiosyncrasies. The war against indecent
dressing has the prospect of appearing like a choice to face a distraction
rather than serious issues.
We concede that there has been a wave of cultural assault on
our traditional ways, and values by rampaging western pop culture, driven by
commercialism and pleasure. This western culture which is pervasively and
aggressively propelled through the multi-media channels of the internet, music,
television and films as well as magazines have indeed overrun our old ways. It
is indeed unfortunate on many scores.
Without doubt, this on-going cultural overlay, resulting in
the steady erosion of our traditional values and cultural patterns, constitutes
some of the direct consequences of the Westernised globalization efforts.
Unfortunately, this trend and its dire consequences on our
society have become more or less inevitable and inescapable. We are convinced
however, that merely prescribing specific dress patterns for the youth is a
superficial reaction to this profound cultural issue.
As a matter of fact, the thrust of the new regimes against
skimpy dressing otherwise identified as indecent dressing is fraught with legal
implications. This is a fundamental human rights age, after all.
Despite the views of church authorities, many adherents are
divided over the issue of dressing. Some church leaders explained that the
decision was to prevent distraction at religious services and to avoid
desecration of holy places. We cannot disagree with the religious bodies on this
objective. Within their enclosed domains, the respective religious groups cannot
be prescribed for in what the dress code should be. They are in charge. The
matter assumes a more problematic dimension when it extends to the larger, open
society, including universities.
It is curious that tremendous attention is being directed at
the so-called improper dressing, as if that is the prime cause of the grandiose
indiscipline and decadent morals being witnessed in our country today. The
churches should also take up the fight against sundry acts and manifestations of
corruption, nepotism, brigandage, ostentation and brazen displacement of merit,
all of which have devastated our society and its traditional values.
What we advocate is a more critical review of some of the
serious political and socio-economic issues, which more than any other factor
tend to influence lifestyles and choices of individuals, notably poverty,
illiteracy, unemployment and family crises of course.
We are convinced that if the families get it right, the children and youths
will also get it right. Indeed, the crusade should actually commence from the
cradle in order to achieve a more desirable and enduring effect. Ignoring
decadent parents to chase around their erring children cannot achieve much
result.
