Fundamentalist Fashion

The Sassistas!^TM want to acknowledge and thank our sista and corsasspondent on the west coast -- Westsista –- who dished the sass in today’s post.

With their long dresses and upswept hair, the female members of the Yearning for Zion Ranch definitely don't blend into the mainstream. People say they look "hauntingly alike" but I have to consass that I don't see it. Maybe it's my own fundamentalist past, but their garb says to me, "We don't want to be part of the fast, modern culture. We are different."

They have been described as looking, "19th Century," "Little House on the Prairie," or "Early Pioneer." Here’s another word for it: "modesty." They cover up their bodies with clothes, and they take Bible verses such as these literally: "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering" (I Cor. 11:14-15 NRSV).

The silliest thing I've heard so far is the suggestion that they wear old-fashioned clothes because they don't want to be attractive. Please! These are women, competing in a situation where men have all the power, not to mention, multiple options when it comes to love, affection, attention . . . and yes, sex. You do the math. Unless they have been dropped here from some other planet, these women want to be attractive to their man.

When I look at them I'm reminded of the Amish, of Native Americans on reservations, and African tribes that still dress in a traditional manner.

An MSNBC news commentator said, "I was watching these women on Larry King and apparently they love their children." Apparently? Really? You didn't just assume that they love their children?

I'm as horrified as the next person -- perhaps more so -- about the possible pedophilia, enslavement and subjugation of women and children. It's not helpful, however, to imagine that they are somehow non-human because they look totally different than we do.

Comments

[Flannista]

This is a provocative perspective, Westsista, and the Sassistas! again thank you for it.

When I first saw photos and television footage of the female members of this Ranch I was speechless, feeling like I had stepped into a scene from M. Night Shyamalan's, "The Village." What age-old, cruel and elaborate hoax's were feeling played here? I honestly never considered the religious perspective (which I still find disquieting). If I had dished about this, I would have been far more judgmental and would have made less of an attempt to try and understand the Ranch's perspective. That's what makes your post so thoughtful -- and frankly, powerful. Thank you for turning my head. And also for making me think for a minute that the clothes I wear and the way I style my hair can make a statement because I don't pay much attensass to either -- which is a statement itself.

[babysis]

This is a kind perspective you offer, and does seem to speak to the idea I ponder about all of us longing to be loved and to belong. It's clear that our environment can really color how we go about that quest.

[Westsista]

Ah, the version of me I'd like to be - kinder and less judgmental. When I read YOUR kind words, I have a flashback to a recent unfortunate incident involving being cut off at my drive-through pharmacy. The incident included a jerk in a great big truck and some shrieking, bad language, tires squealing and completely inappropriate hand gestures. To really seal the deal for me, the entire thing was observed by my very calm, reasonable pharmacist who (in his kind way) tried to reassure me later. Nothing like acting like a raving lunatic and finding out there is a witness - who you will interact with over and over and over . . . point being it is easier to be kind to people who aren't annoying you in an up close and personal way.

[babysis]

I loved the story, agree with your point, and demonstrate it to be true every day. Kind too, of the pharmacist not to include a little something extra in your package. I've found painful humiliation often leads to kindness. That, or brutal retaliation.

[Chrysosistah]

Excellent posting! This reminds me of my recent rantings to my beloveds, that it seems impossible for me to find clothing that is feminine, fashionable, appropriate for work, and covers me equally as well as the menfolk in the office. Hasn't it struck you that although men can easily, comfortably and fashionably dress in a oxford shirt and chinos, women are expected to show a LOT more flesh (sleeveless shirts, clamdiggers, etc)? While I, too, hope the abhorrent charges of pedophilia, etc., aren't true, I don't hold anything against the ranch fashions. At least dressing the way these ladies do at the ranch removes one of the tedious decisions of the day, "what shall I wear" and "how should I do my hair". Or maybe that's just because I'm comfortable with the Amish in my husband's Ohio hometown?

[Queenmom1]

I've known Westsista for years, and always found her perspective clear and well stated so it's easy to understand even for those of us who are blinded by fury with a situation we would not want for ourselves or daughters!

I agree with her once again, especially about these ladies at YFZ. They are in competetion with one another for the attention of the alpha (breeding) males and therefore are striving for maximum attractiveness in one way or another. You've got to admit that they've gotten their money's worth out of that 'little house on the prarie' dress pattern that's been passed around from woman to woman. If frugality is a virtue then these babes are all close to walking on water, pregnant or not! And isn't virutous something that's attractive in their realm? If so, it's just something that makes them even more babe-o-licious to their men.

Her comment is right on regarding 'loving their children.' Why would anyone assume they didn't? Sometimes I wish these news commentators has as much sense as Westsista!

[Flannista]

I've often wished I could pull off Diane Keaton's, "Annie Hall" look because I love men's ties. Just love them. You are right Chrysosistah, men do seem to have it easy (though for some strange reason, Liberace just came to my mind!) when it comes to comfortable and fashionable dress.

Westsista -- thanks for sharing your pharmacy incident. The Sassistas! have been commuting all week to a special software training class and I've lost my last nerve more times this week (and it's not even over) than I did the one time I watched "The O'Reilly Factor" -- and actually screamed at the TV. I'm not screaming yet.

The comments so far are so thoughtful -- a testament to your post, Westsista.

[Matissta]

We are very thankful that Westsista agreed to do this post.

I too thought that many of the comments by the media and the Texas authorities were extremely judgmental. My favorite quote that you used was from the MSNBC commentator, "apparently they love their children."

Also, this event reminded me of the overreaction in Waco.

[Flannista]

Queenmom1: Thanks for taking a moment to comment with the sistas and mista sistas here at Sassistas! We love having sasspectives from everywhere. And you're right . . . we wish more folks had as much sense as Westsista.

[Baby Crime]

Go take a look at your own Jr. High or High School yearbook. The hair, the clothes, they would seem outrageous to MSNBC now, but at the time, they were "in" and they were basically homogenous. Why was everyone wearing the same thing? It is human nature to "fit in" and belong with your group. Their group has no access to outside media so they were only influenced by each other. They were a group and everyone fit in with clothes and hair styles. Why not go to a bush tribe and see how they wear clothes and hair - how is that in any way related to whether they are good mothers or love their children? I'm sure in their sect there are moms that love their children, maybe some who don't, and everything in between. Look at your own neighbors and friends - we are all the same on the inside. Most of us love our children. How many Disney movies does it take to explain that concept of differences outside (hair and clothes) and sameness inside (mother's love for her children)?

[NotASista]

Kind of curious for me, in that I have not paid one whit of attention to this "story", so I don't get the hullabaloo around it. It's yet another tragedy of people lording power over others - how very Darwinian of those big, strapping menfolk! - but I don't know any of these folks personally, and I'd have to put an ice pick through my brain early and often if I were to be forced to endure Wolf Blitzer assaulting me with that "voice" of his on a frequency anything greater than once a year. So, I'm admittedly in the dark around the lurid details beyond the horrific nasty-nasty the powerful perpetrated on the weak.

I'm reading it because my friend Westista asked me to. (Can we get up a collection to buy her an 'er' for her name? My tongue is getting fatigued as I let it flop around in its poor excuse for a Boston accent.)

I've always believed beauty was in the eye of the beholder. Since when did clothes make a person attractive? And what does attractive mean? That if gets some news jockey in Atlanta gets turgid then "she must be hot!"? Why are we even having this conversation?

And as a sidebar with regard to biblical references, our culture is truly right up there with its presumed entitlement to a double-standard. I think that if we want to start the morning with spiffy quotes - assuming that "we" even agree that we should model our lives around an allegedly two-thousand year old book on the religious fashion of the day that also has some special two-for-one ego-stroking coupons stashed away in it - we should just always start with that pithy one from (2 Filene's Spiritual Wisdom 7:11 - 24,7), "Judge not, lest ye be judged."

Sorta knocks the wind out of lots of them other biblical reference sails.

Not as fun, though.

But really, who are we to interpret for these women anything about how they choose to express themselves? Right on, Westista (neé Westister)!

[ukmista]

quote:
'...they take Bible verses such as these literally: "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering" (I Cor. 11:14-15 NRSV).'

Actually, no. Nature doesn’t teach me that at all. Reference: Lions.

Was I degrading myself before cutting my hair? Does friend that hasn't cut his degrade himself now? I think not.

I find it a bit ironic to see a line where religion is insitutionally enforcing intolerance of “different” appearances in a piece about how its Ok to look different!

And as the for MSNBC news commentator that said, "I was watching these women on Larry King and apparently they love their children." OMG. Why *wouldn't* they love their children?! Is it illegal to smack people like that?! What a moron!

Anyway, good stuff and take care guys,

[youngasista]

Thanks, Westsista, for this thoughtful post. I've just returned from Egypt and your perspective really resonates with me after what I witnessed of religion's influence on women's dress there. Most Muslim women in Egypt cover all skin and hair, except their hands and faces. Some choose to cover their faces, also.

We had a young Muslim woman as a guide one day, who explained her choice of dress to us. Young girls are not expected to cover and they dress pretty much the same as kids in our country, but after a girl comes of age, with her first menstrual cycle, she may choose to cover, for modesty.

Our guide said that her mother did not demand that she cover, but told her that the first step in faith should be to pray five times a day, as is the Muslim practice. Her mother said that the prayer would strengthen her faith and help her to make the decision on dress when it was time. She made the choice to cover.

Dress in Egypt is very diverse, not just black burkas as is more common in Saudi Arabia, but some woman wear them. Mostly layers of clothing are worn, long pants (often jeans), skirts or dresses. Often a long sleeve shirt is worn under a cute summer top. Elaborate head scarves are used to wrap around the hair, circling the face but not hiding it, but completely covering the neck and shoulders. They are often colorful to match the rest of the outfit...in short, these women know how to accessorize outfits.

Men dress pretty much the same as western men. Lots of jeans and t-shirts. Some men do wear galabayas (long tunics.)

In respect for the culture, I wore more clothes that I usually do when it is 100 degrees, but still from time to time was very aware of my hair and/or forearms being uncovered. It was different to see fully clothed mothers at the pool or ocean with their children. Made me think it would be a bitter-sweet coming of age.

Women are not just covered, but are seperated in many ways...in the Mosque, in train cars and taxis. I saw no women store keepers in the markets. There is great tolerance for tourists and no particular expectation that we should fit in. I would have to live there a lot longer to really fully understand it.

It was a wonderful trip, but I'm sure glad to be home.

[Carolyn]

I think that the newscaster's comment on the women in question loving their children had less to do with the way they were dressed and more to do with the fact that 60% of the underage girls there are pregnant. Supposedly, also, are many validated stories of physical and emotional abuse of both boys and girls. I can't say that I automatically assume that these women love their children. And it has nothing to do with the way they dress.
As for the way the authorities 'overreacted' at Waco---certainly the planned assault was rife with error, no one needed, or should have died that day. But please remember that this sect had collected a vast arsenal of weapons, and that children were being abused there, also. Intervention was certainly necessary, don't you think?
Einstein is my fashion icon. He had a closet full of the same clothing. He wore the same color and style shirt, pants, and coat every day, saying that he refused to waste time on the choosing.

[Westsista]

Chrysosistah, I hear you on wanting relief from the what-on-earth-am-I-going-to-wear-today front. But I'm sort of going through a delayed teenage rebellious phase where I do want to wear low-cut tops and other completely inappropriate clothing for my age and shape (common sense and decency would put me in a muu muu or burkha). So the lack of suitable clothing doesn't seem to bother me at all! (tragically) Maybe that's why I'm a little sensitive to remarks about other people's clothing. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment.

[Westsista]

Oh man, babysis, I missed my opportunity to ask the pharmacist for some help with my anger management issues!

[Westsista]

NotASista, you are incredibly amusing as always. I find that the only part I can argue with is "Since when did clothes make a person attractive?" Probably when Seth noticed that Cain's wife had more attractive fig leaves, or perhaps just thinner ones.

Although I have never experienced anything remotely superficial about you, NotASista, I have three words for you: Little Black Dress. Did that or did that not conjure up a pleasant image for you?

[Westsista]

I have spent a lot of time thinking about your point, ukmista. My old joke was "I can tolerate anything except intolerance."

Excellent point. Thanks for bringing it up. In my haste to be tolerant of their "differentness" I overlooked the irony of that Bible verse.

[Westsista]

Baby Crime, how utterly marvelous to see your name again!! - an incredible nearly (yikes!) 30 years since you first were known by that name. Still the same bottom line common sense angel that you've always been. Along with Disney moral-to-the-story, think Dr. Seuss too! Can't thank you enough for your post.

[Westsista]

I appreciate the different viewpoint, Carolyn. You're absolutely right - there's more than one reason to question the depth of someone's love (particularly via their actions). Thanks for that point!

So Einstein was like Monk? I used to imagine that one day I'd have the money and style and lifestyle to start dressing in only one color (preferably white and preferably silk). So far its mainly black and cotton.

[Flannista]

Wow -- I just spent about 10 minutes reading through these comments and went from one end of the country and back -- and then to Egypt! Westsista -- the Sassistas! know that several of the new sistas and mista sistas here in our Sassophere appeared because they know and love you. Thank you for letting them know about your post. More importantly, they sure can dish the thoughtful sass! We are honored to record their sasspectives.

youngasista -- we missed you like hell and are thankful to have you back. Thanks for your generosity in telling us a bit about your trip. We want to hear more.

Carolyn -- thanks for always saying, "Hey, look over HERE, will ya?"

Westsista -- wonderful post. Wonderful responses. What a wonderful sista you are. Love you.

[westbro!]

i enjoyed the westsista's perspective! one question i have is: who was/is behind the fashion style these women dress in? Was/is it their choice or the decision of their patriarchal male decision-makers??

[Flannista]

Good quesass, westbro! (love the exclamation point). I'm going to defer to westsista on this, but I'm inclined to think that the men had a bit to do with the dress code.

[NotASista]

/*
Although I have never experienced anything remotely superficial about you, NotASista, I have three words for you: Little Black Dress. Did that or did that not conjure up a pleasant image for you?
*/

Did I flunk the test? No, it didn't conjure up any images. The only remote association and image flickering in my feeble brain is "the woman in the red dress", a reference from The Matrix, which I just watched a couple nights ago. I'm thinking that's not what you're talking about. :-/

A sexy outfit will certainly make me notice someone. Whether I'm attracted to her/him has nothing to do with the outfit.

[Westsista]

Queenmom1 and youngasista - mucho thanks to you both for adding your unique perspectives to the conversation. I love you both and appreciate your comments!

Westbro! - according to Miss Carole (who just read the People magazine article), Warren Jeffs set the strict guidelines for the sect. But I can tell you that the general look has historically been a part of many conservative Christian denominations for decades. In the sect, I don't know that there's much of a choice. I'm not clear that there are opportunities to opt out of the closed community. Do these women have money of their own that they have access to? I'm guess no, or not very much. If you grow up to believe that there is one right way to live, and these are the constraints and they are set by God, and everyone around you is falling into line (your mother, grandmother, aunts, sisters) is there really much of a choice? I doubt there's much of a conscious one.