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As the thirty-something year old zigzagged her way between the cars at a traffic light on Al Diyafa street in Dubai, what popped out glaringly beneath the bra-less white t-shirt could not be mistaken for anything except for what they really were. The side effect of the bouncing walk of this young woman crossing the street was figurative indeed.
The darkly tinted windows of the car made it permissible for me to sneak at the scene, unnecessarily as I found out. A glance at the neighbouring cars proved that I had company and that I was not the only one who took notice. It was the midday of a working day, and there were many cars waiting besides mine for the traffic signal to change from red to green. I wondered whether the other onlookers also questioned the motive behind this woman's behaviour.
Perhaps it was too hot to handle - the soaring temperature had reached a merciless 45 degrees on that day so walking bra-less could provide some comfort in this heat. Or maybe this woman needed something very badly from the nearby supermarket that there was not enough time to get the bra on as part of her wearing gear.
Or maybe it is in vogue now to show off one's bodily parts, which are hidden from the public eyes (almost most of the time). Or was it laundry day when all the bras were waiting in line to be washed. Or maybe like the rice, cement, and eggs, there is a scarcity of bras in the market. Or perhaps this woman simply thought that no one would take notice.
Whatever the reasoning, that woman has sure offended me as I just found it inappropriate.
Indecent exposure in public of bodily parts and body actions have turned into a talking point. So much so that it forced some local officials to issue warnings to the public of the repercussions of 'indecent' acts - of intimacy and otherwise - and of 'indecent' clothing.
When a major shopping mall decided a few months ago to post signs on all its entrances calling on its thousands of visitors to dress and act decently, it is indicative of how far the issue has reached - an unhealthy level of how people act publicly.
Point of debate
What exactly 'indecency' means could be a point of debate. This is being said given that the UAE is made up of dozens of different nationalities, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. It is natural then that we see a wide spectrum of how people dress and behave in public. But I think that there could also be scope to be argued here that indecency could be defined by what is categorised by a certain community to be offensive and insulting for the general public.
The bra-less t-shirt example is one case in point. There are numerous other incidents, which people of various nationalities and backgrounds have also shared with me. Expressed in anger and disdain, they simply did not like being a witness - especially when accompanied by their families - to what they had categorised as being 'indecent'. It seemed as if it was a competition in shamelessness - intentional and overdone, they would complain.
The examples are aplenty: a couple sitting cozily at a family-oriented restaurant exchanging kisses and cuddles that outstretch in all corners, the G-string thong that could be identified in size as well as in colour through the light-coloured pants, the short tight skirt that could not be noticed to be missing in the attire if it was not worn in the first place, and the plunging cleavage (or chests for men!) showcased from a shirt that has four of its seven buttons opened.
To what extent should people be allowed to express their 'affection' in public? Is holding hands acceptable but not touching? Or neither is tolerable? How low is too low for a cleavage to appear? How short is too short for a skirt to reveal? And how tight is too tight for clothes to conceal?
Of course, there is not a single party that is to be blamed here for being responsible for allowing everything to be exposed indecently. But the issue highlights the need to re-visit what is to be considered as being too much to fall within the domain of being indecent and where the line should be drawn.
This is more of a collective effort on the part of all those living in the society. What is needed is more of a collective consciousness - more of a group effort to set a general parameter of what is acceptable and tolerable by the public. Hence, indecency (of clothing and behaviour) should not be defined in strict terms but instead under the banner of modesty.
Otherwise, the line would never be drawn as to by how far have bodily parts and actions exposed the bare truth.
Your comments
Indecency or exposure has become more of an attitude than an issue. The whole freedom of expression idea is taken a bit too far. No matter what anyone says about freedom, without rules, freedom is useless. Freedom of speech doesn't entitle you to abuse someone's mother. Likewise, freedom to dress doesn't allow you to go in the buff through a country where basic culture and principles are contrary to it. Right now I am in Germany, here no one cares what you wear or dont wear. But you cannot compare this to the UAE. Compare apples with apples. Majority of the people in UAE live with a certain sense of modesty. A call for respect to this sense is not a violation of a right.
Faraz
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: July 15, 2008, 15:02
I wonder if this topic relates to the situation in this country-If so yes it needs to be discussed as Dubai in particular has to consider the tourism and its beaches it is famous for, the various nationalities that live here who have come from such free societies and dont think of it as an issue and also the culture that it has to protect. Meanwhile to portray a woman walking with clothing but revealing her body can be seen by us if we visit some countries that are known tourist destinations. It isnt taken offensive and people do not notice or bother about it unless it is very obvious. I guess education and awareness can make a real difference.
Ashok
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 15, 2008, 14:18
If you see a well in front of you, do you go and jump in it? Similarly, if you notice someone dressed inappropriately, do you still stare and then blame that individual for offending you? Commonsense is not very common nowadays. Please, people learn to mind your own business already!
Matt
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 15, 2008, 12:58
One should be happy that we are staying in Dubai and yet free to do what we want, but undue advantage is being taken of it. Wearing short mini skirts, tight t-shirts, cheap writings on the T-shirt, is a regular seen here. Even after living in a Muslim country and being allowed to wear what we want is in itself a good thing. Don't let it override your head.
Vinita
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 15, 2008, 12:57
It seems that some people don't know where to stand to, being in a Muslim country, we should respect their culture as much as we want others to respect our own culture. in public places we should know how to dress properly, also when and where to wear these type of clothes. Being sexy in the eyes of others is not just by the way of wearing sexy dresses it also comes with your looks and attitude - which I think more important.
loren
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 15, 2008, 12:36
Most men dont mind skimpy dressed women showcasing their cleavages
Saulin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 15, 2008, 11:36
yes, you are right it is very embarrassing to see these type of ladies on the streets whether you are with the family or not, it is a matter of public decency on the streets, these type of ladies only tempt people to abuse them or make people think that they are easily accessible. This should be stopped - this is a country known for its modesty and it has to be maintained by everyone irrespective of the nationalities. These types of ladies should be watched and given a counseling so that they understand the serious of public behavior. Even couples; many go beyond limits especially at night time, you can see them in cars in the parking lots. Better if the police authorities or Government Issue notices or advertises through TV channels and radio stations to curb these types of activities.
Satish
Abu dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 15, 2008, 09:46
I understand where the author is coming from. And I somewhat agree. However, first and foremost, there should be an awareness campaign of what is acceptable and what is not. Since there is not much awareness, each individual will stick to what his/her culture considers decent in public. So authorities cannot penalize anyone if they do not do their awareness part. And this does not mean to say they should only publicize articles or rules saying "intimate acts not acceptable" or "public indecency" etc... they should be SPECIFIC as UAE is a multicultural society. HOWEVER, they should also consider that they are allowing alcohol and half naked women on the beach, so in certain areas they cannot do much. I'm not saying that they should allow everything, but what I'm saying is that they should keep that in mind. Since both of the above are 100% against our values and culture, but they accepted it.
ww
abu dhabi,canada
Posted: July 15, 2008, 09:39
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