The discussion surrounding slut-shaming and women being able to operate freely in society without the threat of unwanted attention from men has been heating up over the last few years, and the latest familiar voice to weigh in on the topic is R&B songstress Elle Varner.
Specifically, there’s been much talk lately about school dress codes for teen girls and whether not mandatory requirements aiming to have female students cover up more of their bodies as not to “distract” male students or staff are appropriate.
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Elle apparently came across a photo of a memo responding to the dress code conversation by suggesting that requiring female students to “go home and change clothes” to cover up more of their bodies sends the message that male students being able to learn in a “distraction-free” environment is more of a priority than female students receiving their education. In closing, the memo suggested that the focus should be placed more on teaching young boys not to objectify young women than “shaming” the girls about their bodies.
Where are the lies? Thank you, @ellevarner pic.twitter.com/HK1p7w7S69
— Shennessy. (@ShenaeCurry) June 9, 2016
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Elle retweeted the memo with a message of her own, where she made it clear that she’s not in favor of “slut culture” or adults aligning their efforts to advocate for grown women to be able to dress and act as they wish with that of encouraging young girls to do the same. “If you want to be loose or provocative then be that! But do you really need encourage young, innocent, impressionable girls to wear shorter shorts and show their bra straps in school?” she wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. Elle continued by questioning the use of terms like “feminism” and “women empowerment” by women who feel young girls should be able to show their bodies as they wish without being made to feel “ashamed” or told to cover up.
Elle Varner didn't miss the point she made the correct point. Y'all so lost pic.twitter.com/59X1RAXnzc
— BetterThanYesterday (@WhatsUpSmooth) June 9, 2016
What Elle Varner fails to realize is that scolding young women to change their clothes does nothing to address behaviors of sick-minded men
— jayoncé (@jworldtour) June 9, 2016
Elle Varner said she didn't want to support 14 year olds showing skin and wearing skimpy clothing and y'all got upset. Y'all are a joke
— Thomas Shelby (@KinggChip) June 9, 2016
Found the Elle Varner commentary interesting. As a mom to 2 teen girls, her post made sense to me.
— Ally (@allyoop555) June 10, 2016
@ellevarner much respect on your views. our parents need to step up and keep our daughters innocent, not indecent
— alain laroche (@alaroche81) June 10, 2016
Elle’s comments on the topic were met with both approval and displeasure from fans and social media in general and her original post has since been removed from her Instagram page.
Well folks…I tried to say something positive for my young Queens out there and it got taken in all different contexts.
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
Nowhere did I say it was okay for boys or men or anyone to sexually objectify a student of any gender or vice versa
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
What are your thoughts on this topic and Elle’s point of view?
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