I have seen the full history of human clothing. I was there the day it was invented. Two human beings, ashamed of their sinfulness, became aware of how vulnerable and exposed their bodies were. I had tempted them to behave a way they never thought they would, and the shock and disappointment was too much for them to bear. They hastily made use of whatever they could find – leaves – to cover themselves. It was never the plan for humans to wear clothing, yet the practice was born of shame.
And it did not take long for people to abuse this new human tradition of wearing clothing. In times of battle, men who were called to fight with the military would dress in a woman’s clothes in an attempt to escape his duties. A law was put in place to prevent such acts, to require honor from men. The law sat among other laws regarding lost livestock and proper house construction. A law for the people of that time and place. It was never the plan for clothing to be policed, yet the practice was born of cowardice.
Such practices continued and the human invention of clothing was used to control men and women. The assigned practices of men were reinforced by their clothing, and their assigned clothing was reinforced by their societal roles. And thus, the world told men that they were higher than women and told women that they must cover their heads and humble themselves. It was never the plan to divide humans into a hierarchy, yet the practice was born of pride.
Still today, these ancient laws persist. Even those who do not know of these laws or their context are taught that men wear men’s clothing and perform men’s roles, while women wear women’s clothing and perform women’s roles. All the while, they ignore that it was never the plan to have gendered clothing or roles. They pretend that their oppression and derision are divinely ordained. But really, it all began with me. I lead people with shame, cowardice, and pride. I tell you the lies that lead to hierarchies and harm. Your clothing could be an expression of freedom, creativity, culture, and beauty. But as long as I am in your ear, you will use it to oppress and control.
Sources:
Transforming – book by Austen Hartke (especially chapter 5, “Biblical Culture Shock”)
“Why Men Wear Pants and Women Wear Skirts | Fashion History” – video by Justine Leconte
Neglected Word 