My Dress Doesn't Mean Yes

Our culture, history, and experiences may contribute to any implicit bias we have that are not intentional. Sexual assault is a big issue in our world today and affects students on campus at USU. Throughout the semester I have found that being aware of this issue has helped me have compassion for other people. I no longer think sexual assault is what happens to other people. I realize this could happen to me, my closest friends, and family members. I may not be capable of stopping this issue on my own, but it has been empowering to realize I can recognize any bias I have and begin to see others as I would want others to see me.

I have had many experiences when people see me differently than I really am. When I was in middle school I wore “skater” shoes because a few of my friends wore them and I liked the colors. One day I went to my friend’s house and her sister noticed my shoes. She made a comment to my friend after I left. She thought I was a skater girl and hung out with all the “bad kids” doing drugs behind the school. I was wearing shoes I liked and that was the message I was trying to portray.

How does this apply to sexual assault and implicit bias? Implicit bias sways our society to believe that people are “asking for it” or “deserve it” with their choice of dress. A person may dress to express themselves and the message they intend to send may not be the message we receive. When I wore my “skater” shoes, I was only thinking they were cute purple and white shoes to wear to school, but my friend’s sister received a different message.

I chose to create this image because most of the posters, flyers, videos, and other images shown this semester have included articles of clothing. When it really comes down to it, it isn’t about the clothing at all. It is about the individual. We are all humans, and we all deserve to be treated with respect, despite our clothing choices. The problem is complex, but the answer is simple: treat others as you would want to be treated.