I think you for your thoughtful comments. I have a minor point of disagreement: regardless of what she wears, my daughter will be harassed by men, judged by men (and women), and treated as an object by men (and women). The social signal sent out by choosing a miniskirt or a pair of sweat pants will not change that. You don't trust men to behave around a woman in a miniskirt, but you shouldn't trust them if she is wearing sweatpants, either.
Whatever a person chooses to wear makes a statement about that person.
The statement a person is making may not be what the people viewing that person think it means.
Clothing is a form of communication whether you like it or not.
In the example (picture) provided, what this girl's statement is in her mind, and what other people view her statement is can be completely different.
It is up to interpretation.
If for instance if she is a guest at your local nudist colony, maybe she is covering up because she's not yet comfortable going all out yet.
If she is in a place where all of the other girls are dressed like her, she may be trying to blend in and not be seen.
If she is hanging out with the local FLDS Jazzfanz, she may be saying "look at me, I'm hawt", or "I'm not one of you".
My guess would be that if she's a regular teen in the US, she wants boys/girls to look at her and want's some attention.
It's a two way street, if you don't want certain attention then don't advertise for that attention whether intentional or unintentional.
You can't pick how other people will translate what you are wearing to mean, but you can minimize or maximize it by dressing differently.
If you dress in a suit and tie and put a black name tag on, then walk around in Utah you are just going to have to get used to people calling you Elder.
If you wear an Army uniform and go about your business you will most likely be asked questions about where you served and might even get a thank you.
If you wear a lifeguard uniform while enjoying a day at the beach, you may be asked to help if someone is in trouble in the water.
If you walk around Target with tan pants and a red shirt you will most likely be asked where stuff is.
What you wear says something about you to other people. It can be absolutely wrong, but that's just how it is.
Half of the equation is what message you are giving off, the other half is how others will react to it.
Does this girl dressing in a short skirt and showing off some skin say something about her, absolutely.
Does this tell others much about who this girl is or what truly makes her who she is, not at all.
One thing is certain to me, she is asking for attention. The uncertain thing for me is if she will get the type of attention she is looking for, no clue because I don't know her or her environment.
As to you (OB) stating your daughter will be harassed by men, judged by men and women and treated as an object by men and women no matter what she wears... I'm not sure I agree, but for arguments sake lets say this is true. I would still make the point that the degree of harassment/judgement/objectification would change based on what your daughter was wearing depending on the circumstances. It might still happen but to a much greater or lesser degree depending on the situation and what is being worn.
