DUE to the pandemic, I have been binge-watching Netflix more than ever. I came across a show that is called Skin Decisions. On there, two plastic surgeons help to correct the insecurities people face with their bodies due to past uncontrollable circumstances. A past model, Marla Hanson, shared her story on the show and she explained how she was attacked while she was walking on the road. Her attackers used razor blades and cut her face. It was later discovered that her ex-landlord hired these men to attack her because he had made inappropriate remarks and comments to her and she declined and disregarded them. The idea of him doing this was something along the lines of: “If I can’t have you and your pretty face then nobody else can.” She was left with these scars and this ended her modelling career. She went into the shadows. I am sharing this story with you all because this is a real woman and these are real-time issues.

While most cases might not be as severe as what she experienced, women still experience and feel that horrible feeling once and afar when “entitlement” clouds one’s judgement. According to Marla, she felt the need to step away from the spotlight. She saw getting “dolled up” as a threat to her safety. I can empathise with her because sometimes, just sometimes, I feel the same way. Yes, some men do compliment women with the kindness of their hearts, but for the most part, many of the intentions on the road are derogatory and reeks of male privilege. Have you ever wiped off that red lipstick because it just might draw “too much attention” to you? Have you ever changed that short dress into a midi or maxi one because being “too exposed” might be dangerous for you? I am sure there are a few women who feel the same way I have. Yes, I am confident in my attires and in the way I look, but society has spewed the narrative of “blaming the clothes” so many times, sometimes I unconsciously act on that.
Our clothes can be an expression of who we are and how we feel. Our physical features are unique to us in our own ways. Nobody should have to be afraid of expressing themselves. This entire article trickles down to two major issues: street harassment and entitlement. I hope that there will be a day when my future daughters can walk in the streets of this country without fear of what they look like. I hope there comes a day when our clothes and physicality are not used against us for prosecution to harassment and assault. I hope there comes a day when we take these issues more seriously and I really hope that day comes sooner rather than later. It is more than just clothes for me and feeling the need to play “dress up” and go out. It is about the safety of women and how we educate our boys and men better on how their actions like these can do only harm.