By Zaquoya Rogers
Malala Yousafzai has begun her first semester at Oxford University studying for a degree in politics, philosophy and economics. I am extremely excited for her and what this means for countries that do not allow women access to education.
However, over the past week, an alleged picture has been released of Malala wearing her normal dupatta sported with a pair of jeans. Apparently, it elicited quite the buzz, but not in a positive way.
Instead, people have been trolling Malala, stating that her style has taken on a “Western” influence. There are many negative and distasteful tweets about something as simple as a heroine, who was shot for advocating for education for women, wearing jeans.
This goes to show how women are constantly policed, especially for what they wear. I believe part of the reason why is society constantly tries to find a way to make women look and act within our definition of how women should.
An example that any girl going to high school in the US can attest to is the ridiculous school dress code. Many high schools do not allow girl to wear tank tops or spaghetti strap shirts, because female shoulders are too much of a distraction. So again, girls have to sacrifice their comfort for everyone else’s.
Similarly, during prom time, packets of what students can and cannot wear are handed out each year, most of these regulations apply to what women can’t wear.
But it doesn’t end there. Even if women want to cover up, they are discouraged. A friend of mine told me a story of how she was headed to an interview, and a person told her to show a little cleavage. They said, “It’ll help with your chances at the interview.”
So what is it that people want from women? Here’s a theory that I personally created for those who are having a hard time figuring it out: If you’re not the one wearing it, mind your own business.