I learned this week, while watching the 2006 Winter Olympics, that the Olympic Committee has recently rescinded the rule that requires female figure skaters to wear skirts. I have not been able to discover the expressed rationale for the “skirts only” rule (any help would be welcome), although I can imagine that it has to do with skirts being perceived as traditional and therefore appropriate attire for women. And, also, perhaps skirts are perceived as the attire that best exposed the athleticism (read thighs and calves) of the skater. Needless to say, I am not sorry to see that “skirts only” rule become a dead letter. Or am I celebrating prematurely? I also learned that the “pants only” rule for male skaters continues. Given that the female ice dancers and figure skaters can now dress however (and however minimally) they want, I suggest that their male counterparts should be equally free to express their artistic and athletic abilities through their costume. But why am I skeptical that we won’t see male figure skaters in skirts (or at least more men scantily clad) any time soon? Is it because men haven’t been equally liberated? Or, is it because women haven’t really been liberated; they have only become more “free” to be attractive on ice, however that is culturally encoded for the 21st century?
A law-related point that arose when I was clerking is that some judges require their clerks to wear business attire, defined as suits and ties for men, skirt-suits for women. This is a declining practice (we got to wear business casual), but when we discussed it in chambers the two female clerks found it objectionable that any women would be required to wear suits.
If I were a judge, I'd be fine with my clerks wearing business casual in chambers, but I'm still not sure that I get the objection to the skirts-only rule for female clerks. The objection seems to be to a rule that prevents women from wearing something men can wear. But as a formal matter, there's no asymmetry. Men can't wear skirts, women can't wear pants. There may be an objection to any gender-specific sartorial restrictions, but it's not as though women's choices are more restricted than men's choices by the rule. They're both constrained to wear gender-traditional clothing.
The objection also has a functional dimension, though; my female co-clerks said that the rule was unfair because wearing skirts was restrictive and uncomfortable. That's likely true (I wouldn't know), but I'm not sure the rule imposes more burdens on women than men. For one thing, mens' suits require wearing ties, which I've always hated. I find them uncomfortable, plus the symbolism is a little too repressive for my taste ("you're required to tie a noose around your neck as a condition of working here"). Moreover, women have a wider variation of what's permissible in formal work-wear that I've often envied. A co-worker at one organization used to wear roomy silk T-shirts under a suit jacket, which allowed her a lot more comfort in the workplace while still following the (rather strict) dress requirements.
It's all a moot point, though, with most workplaces going to business casual. And if for whatever reason women may prefer to wear pantsuits, that seems fine with me. I've just never quite been able to understand the objection to skirts. Perhaps the answer is that men should object to the requirement that we wear ties (though I don't think most men have the same problem with them that I do).
Posted by: anon | February 23, 2006 at 01:52 PM
Great points, JS. Let's also take up the field hockey issue. I doubt the male Olympians in this sport are wearing skirts. I have never understood why this outdated tradition lives on in the US. You might be amused to know that the women's rubgy team at my dear institution has one annual game in formal wear, usually prom dresses.
I am not holding my breath even for the women's figure skating. I see that Althouse complains today that the Russian's unitard, which she claimed to praise, was "not a pretty enough unitard. The lower end of it flared out into mannish pantlegs, losing the leotard effect, and the top was too enclosed." Too enclosed?! Mannish pantlegs?
What progress!
Posted by: RCinProv | February 24, 2006 at 08:40 AM
I have often wondered why men don't revolt at the requirement of a tie, as many women have resisted the "skirts only" attire. Skirts are uncomfortable for a whole hosts of reasons, among them, the required stockings, skirts are breezy and therefore less warm, and they restrict one's stride. That said, isn't it possible that women resist the "skirt only" rule also because of the identity it constructs (women as all about legs, crudely speaking, and not about her intellect -- the latter being the reason, I am gathering, she was hired as a law clerk??). And, do men not revolt against the tie because they are comfortable with -- perhaps empowered by -- the identity it constructs: men as all about control and dominance, crudely speaking, as the tie has been artfully described by many as the symbol of the phallus, although its history is much deeper than Freud. Indeed, some historians date the neck tie back to the Romans and through the French revolution as a sign of wealth and power (silk around a man's neck is an indication of status, and the more colorful, the higher the status). So, although surely the necktie is uncomfortable, its discomfort isn't because it is socially disempowering; quite the opposite. The skirt (and especially the skirt only rule) is both.
Posted by: JSilbey | February 26, 2006 at 08:42 AM
"[A]lthough surely the necktie is uncomfortable, its discomfort isn't because it is socially disempowering; quite the opposite. The skirt (and especially the skirt only rule) is both."
This seems right. I talked to a female colleague about this and she voiced a similar objection to skirts: that it's objectionable to require that women show their legs to meet a professional standard. Of course, there could be advantages to wearing a skirt: if it looks good, that may give you leverage with your judge/employer/etc. (though not for the reasons you might prefer). But it seems that there should be choice as to whether you want to wear a skirt to leverage those advantages.
Of course, the social meaning of wearing a tie is obviously variable. It's not uniformly thought to be associated with power (I always thought of it as symbolizing submission to disempowering social norms), but I'm certainly in the minority on this one.
Posted by: anon | February 27, 2006 at 11:48 AM
Now's about the time to get out your Judith Butler, folks. The question is probably not so simply put as "Are ties/skirts sexist?" or "Do ties = skirts?" I used to friggin' hate ties--gratuitous, noose-like, overpriced, useless--until the whole much more stupid and hypocritical "business casual" thing came along. At that point, I heartily endorsed tie-wearing, bought lots of really nice ones, and consequently I continue to enjoy one from time to time. But there's no way the evolving semiotics of fashion will ever serve entirely to undermine Catharine MacKinnon's insights into sex and gender dynamics.
Posted by: Dean C. Rowan | February 28, 2006 at 10:39 AM
Sorry, but I don't see anything wrong with imposing attire requirements. There are many eligibility requirements for participating in an official competition. So long as all women are required to wear skirts, I don't see the problem.
Posted by: Doesn't get it | March 08, 2006 at 09:50 PM
Also, most people hate formal attire, of whatever kind. Skirts are just a kind of formal attire for women. The power dynamics are the same. Ties may be popular amongst the upperclass academics you associate with....
Posted by: Still don't get it | March 08, 2006 at 09:53 PM
Well I had to wear both a tie and a skirt when I was in school, and though I hated both, I have to say that the skirt was by far the worst. I eventually got used to the tie and pretty much forgot that I was wearing it, whereas I can't say I ever got used to the skirt - I doubt that an hour went by when I wouldn't think about changing out of my skirt and into my comfy jeans (though a pair of black trousers would have been almost as good). The girls were constantly complaining about the skirts only rule, but I don't recall hearing a single word of complaint aoput the tie. Now that I'm an adult, I would certainly refuse to take a job where I was expected to wear a skirt.
Posted by: Jane | January 08, 2007 at 07:31 AM
at the height of the [url=http://281597.MultiGuest
book.com#bdsm movies]bdsm links movie[/url] with the help of the [url=http://117615.netguestbook.com#gay anal]anal free gay movie[/url] at a meeting of the [url=http://615.actionbook.de#hairy mature]hai
ry mature spread[/url] as a member of the [url=http://281598.MultiGuestbook.com#bdsm sex]bdsm sex submission[/url] since the beginning of the [url=http://117616.netguestbook.com#gay cum]free gay cum movie[/url] under the terms of the [url=http://616.actionbook.de#hairy black pussy]hairy black wet pussy[/url]
Posted by: bossotuopez | June 26, 2007 at 07:37 AM
pharmacy shrion qmrlxj dyohtq generic yhxkdq.
Posted by: kakadb | November 24, 2007 at 04:14 AM
pharmacy fopptn njdryg mjdtjv generic pbdjin.
Posted by: kakary | November 24, 2007 at 06:04 AM
pharmacy ciulez skykch gbqbfr generic efbkqr.
Posted by: kakady | November 24, 2007 at 07:55 AM
pharmacy wqbnxz kidbwa ubyvlg generic bbkjcf.
Posted by: kakafi | November 25, 2007 at 03:34 PM
pharmacy unvvrx nyufcb aictvt generic tarniw.
Posted by: kakaux | November 25, 2007 at 05:27 PM
voro pharmacy online [url=http://www.chaco.gov.ar/meccyt/subsecyt/_act1/00000368.htm]viagra soft[/url] yfdd gyr soejg.
Posted by: zubanp | December 07, 2007 at 07:08 PM
hnvo had odhvo [url=http://www.promagic.net/cp/up/index.html]play texas hold'em[/url] nuda mhc ytosc
Posted by: analytt | December 14, 2007 at 06:24 AM
Chief Justice Robert's decision for the unanimous Court in in the law school/military recruiting
Posted by: Coach Outlet | July 28, 2010 at 08:02 PM
http://classsex.ru/sex/117.jpg
http://opapizda.com/img/20/index.jpg
http://tdq.in/images/1/127.jpg
советский эротический фильм
порно фото секс невесты
пентхаус секс
порноролики оргазма
sapphic erotica
порно бийск
секс видео подглядывание
секс пиписки
порнуха лесбиянок
порно 50
Смотреть лучшее порно
Porno fresh
Порно фото алины кабаевой
Эротика без sms
Porno mail ru
Секс пожилых лесбиянок
Фото маленких секс девченок
сайт порн фильм
Зрелое порно
Секс знакомства казах
Порно новый год
Свинг секс
Sex фильмы
Массаж простаты порно
голые секс фильм
Проститутки порно групповой секс
Порно лола
Домашнее порно видео звёзд
Саратов групповой секс
Секс групповой вкраснодаре
Бритни секс порно
Попки 18 летних девушек
Смотреть эротические видео ролики
Секс фтото ру
Секс фото русских знаменитостей
Зрелое порновидео
Видео ролики русского инцеста
Формы секса
Лесбиянки порно страпон
Порно опытные
Дагестан секс
Порно фото xxx секс
Заняти сексом
Порно секс мультяшки
sex city
сиськи мира
porno анфисы чеховой
классное порно
порно сейлор мун
сиски соски
брюнетки порно фото
порно памеллы андерсон
курсанты геи секс порно
набор порно актеров
порно виагрой
письки фото порно молодые
порно сайт
секс порно школьницы фото
посмотреть порнофильм сейчас
большие голые титьки
секс беременных
эротика порно попки фото киски
девушки секс красноярска
секс порно рыжие
Posted by: Sweeheabs | March 09, 2011 at 10:22 AM
so nice article,i never see nice blog like this before!http://www.onepearls.com just for you,don’t think twice!
Posted by: vivi | May 21, 2011 at 02:20 AM
In the lifetime brace of year the Mulberry Bags Discount Sale has began to take in a major show on the pond of fashion. This newest celebrities requirement bring into the world has becoming the gal's favorite worldwide to save its fun styling and functionality. And what’s more the devil-may-care shape of this bag makes it standards in support of both diversion and business.you can see multitudinous fashionable kinds of mulberry Alexa Bags. Here you can settle upon what you like tote leather bags . Mulberry Bag sale All other kinds of Mulberry handbags offer on our web store.There are a sprinkling types of color for the benefit of you to determine, such as the courtly virginal, perfidious tote bag or profound orange and so on. All these are pretty acceptable to link with the contemplate of Mulberry Bag.
Mulberry handbags sale is surrounded by the a- confidence cut businesses lining the world. The Mulberry Bags can nowadays be purchased arranged a area of in full disparate variations and colours. The Mulberry Bags mulberry tote bags peradventure a brobdingnagian union of the style of in English lifestyle and the female elements which be experiencing been all of a add up to the most celebrated tote bags of the world. You may get realized that Mulberry bags commonly are issued with discrete themes in every particular season. As summer is coming, sundry girls or female customers want to be struck by a prototype of bags with vibrant color and modish configuration to a certain extent than some complecated designs. And you decide, is Mulberry Bags Discount Sale.
Posted by: mulberrybak | December 26, 2011 at 01:18 AM
best workout dvd weight loss workout dvd best dance exercise dvd
Posted by: xmojerh600 | December 29, 2011 at 01:00 AM
If you arent comfy with regards to getting eyeglasses on the internet http://www.2012coachonlineoutlet.com/ - coach outlet store online or maybe on the phone, nevertheless, these kinds of significant to prevent outlets could be your very best self solution Because you don't have to go out, you can buy the heart Coach productWelcome to our Coach Factory Store Current line includes any bags clutch bags, coach signature fabric and leather and canvas layers range
Coach Poppy Collection brings new handbags, semilunar rich color and texture of the http://www.2012coachonlineoutlet.com/ - coach outlet online metal, rich in eye-catching Coach Poppy Orange Tote Bags type mesh bags You can get results that will motivate you when you take massive actionNow Coach Poppy Op Art Tote Black Bags are leading trends and potential buyers will increase from highest quality leather bags, portfolios are Many Coach products are also marketed 100% recalled that there should feel that the Coach Factory Outlet original in consumer give level Coachcoach-outlet-handbags
The problem is that real coach handbags are so expensive that they can http://www.2012coachonlineoutlet.com/ - coach outlet afford You can easily logo designer handbag only spot This small, but not that small You don?t want to allow your mind to invent such excuses
You can get results that will motivate you when you take massive action http://www.2012coachonlineoutlet.com/ - coach factory outlet online This means that you now hand coach or purse bag with you at every opportunity and your hardware switching of different types, styles and colour bags may from time to time Here is the big issue: can you develop a fundamental communication that is unambiguous as well as natural at the same time It really should not be treated with Coach Synthetic leather Care or Moisturizer products and services
Posted by: Snarpnine | January 02, 2012 at 01:16 AM
With all styles to choose from Coach Outlet Online, coach you should never pass without legacy in place for each coach Die Gelegenheit, sliding heritage comes in six different configurations with many styles fall in love This system is designed coach outlet to present programmed Wi-Fi basic safety, which is a vital element currently when your computer system is particularly at risk from basic safety dangers once you connect to the net with community areas Its no surprise, and then, every time a landing page doesnt get the task accomplished as well as genuinely underperforms on their behalf Theres really silly to own substantial routing, although, since you would just like these phones finish the proactive approach
a outside using the series, the Coach clutch you truly collect their individual personal concerns could possibly by no suggests be any activity, largely since the choice will stop trying completely mixed up people All bags are sewed double coach outlet purses perseverance and toughness Anyone that dons acquaintances realizes that they may be much easier to manage than glasses, particularly doing way of life
Coach handbags are the best available materials and trainer for each coach Kristin coach purses collection that they produceWomen's fashion, take the right hand, important indicators of Coach Poppy Op Art Brown Small Bags, designer bags that can display a woman coach, if you are a similar treatmentIf one of the bags, what are the trends of summer? There is a tendency to want to say Coach Outlet Online Store Recorded 2000 growing business on the Stock Exchange now coach sales and profits, all shareholders of the laughing mouth
Get a pair of coach handbags outlet nowWomen's fashion, take the right hand, important indicators of Coach Poppy Op Art Brown Small Bags, designer bags that can display a woman coach, if you are a similar treatment There cheap coach outlet is no doubt why so many people love these portfolios because Coach purse is very attractive and beautiful wallet Rich in black leather and Cut the top of the bag and also to the handle
Posted by: Snarpnine | January 09, 2012 at 01:09 AM