Dear Editor,
I am writing in regards to the letter written about modesty and its links with pornography, rape, etc. I can tell you that these do not go hand in hand and that one does not lead to the other from personal experience.
I consider myself to be very modest in my choice of clothing. Throughout my life, I have always been concerned with what I have worn and that they would cover the temple garment. My parents taught me this and I have had no problems with it.
I am also the victim of an attempted rape. It is not a pleasant thing to experience, one that is degrading.
Now, if you want to tell me that I have been a contributor to “immodest dress stimulates perverted thoughts and can lead to potentially criminal acts including rape and violence,” I tell you to get a life.
If you are telling me that I deserved to be raped or even that I was to blame, I ask for your apology. On behalf of the other women on this campus, especially the ones victims of these circumstances, we are not the ones to blame.
For those who are innocent, keep the commandments, and follow the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is a shame that people can say or suggest these things.
I wonder what the real problem here is — immodesty or immorality? It seems that the main point of this previously written editorial was to discourage pornographic use — not immodesty.
So, if you have a problem bridling your passions because you see a little flesh, perhaps it is you that should repent and consider your vile thoughts. Perhaps for those that are so “concerned” with this issue need help.
Immodesty is not a sign of sexual abuse or rape, and rape and sexual abuse are not a sign of immodesty.
Catherine Malyarov
Citrus Heights, California
