I recently came across a survey on the internet, designed to ascertain what guys believe to be modest and immodest dress and behavior for girls. The survey is skewed by two things: 1) Respondents were primarily teenagers and young adult males; and, 2) Respondents were conservative in their religious views.
This bias is understandable, as the poll was designed unscientifically, and sponsored by a religious group called The Rebelution (1 Timothy 4:12, a teenage rebellion against low expectations).
The survey is subjective, asking guys whether they Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Are Neutral, Agree, or Strongly Agree with statements about issues of modesty for girls. The results are interesting, and young people are encouraged to visit the site with their parents. There will be ample opportunity for discussion as you read the results. The site URL is: www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/browse
Among the results, consider the following:
- 96.3% of guys either strongly agree with or agree with the statement, “Guys notice whether a girl dresses modestly or not.”
- 75.6% of guys either strongly agree or agree with the statement, “You have less respect for an immodest girl than for a modest one.”
- 97.4% of guys either strongly agree with or agree with the statement, “Girls can dress attractively without being immodest.”
- 70.3% of guys either strongly disagree or disagree with the statement, “It is OK to show cleavage when wearing a swimsuit.”
- 65.4% of guys either strongly agree or agree with the statement, “It is a stumbling block when a girl reaches into her shirt to adjust a bra strap.”
- 71.3% of guys either strongly agree or agree with the statement, “Seeing even an inch of skin between the bottom of a girl’s shirt and her pants is a stumbling block.”
- 64.5% of guys either strongly agree or agree with the statement, “It is immodest for a girl to expose her legs up to mid-thigh.”
- 74.9% of guys either strongly agree or agree with the statement, “The way a girl works can be a stumbling block.”
- 71.8% of guys either strongly agree or agree with the statement that skirts with “Slits that go above the knee are immodest.”
I point these statistics out not to place all the blame or focus on what the girl does or wears. There are significant scriptural admonitions given to the man that show he is responsible for his own actions and thoughts. That being said, Christian women should be aware that their dress and behavior can become a stumbling block to others.
Further, these statistics do not establish what is acceptable dress or behavior for Christian women. This is determined solely by God’s word.
What these statistics do show is the enormous impact that a woman’s dress and behavior can have on a man. This is something about which young ladies, and even their moms are too often naïve. Fathers know, and should be quick to point out the potential for sin to their daughters and sons. Rather than dismissing such statistics as being characteristic of young men with “dirty minds”; or trumpeting their right to wear whatever they want, and that others should mind their own business, Christian ladies should determine not to be a stumbling block to others (cf. Romans 14:13).
