There's a certain post that you have definitely seen if you're a girl who grew up in the early 2000’s. It was written by someone who was called out for their visible bra strap. While I don’t exactly remember the content of the post, I clearly remember the words, “Somebody better call Victoria because her secret’s out.”
As an 11-year-old, I found it very easy to laugh at every single thing I saw on social media. It was only when I became a few years older did I realise that this “joke” was more than just humour. It was the truth.
So, at 13, when I was reprimanded for a visible bra strap for the very first time, I realised something that I wish I had known longer – A bra is nothing but a piece of clothing.
When you really think about it, just like a cute denim jacket, it is nothing but a combination of different threads and fabrics, originally designed to fulfill a purpose.
But that’s where the similarities end, because unlike a jacket, people are often shamed or criticised for both wearing and not wearing bras.
Confused? Well, it's finally time to ask and answer the million-dollar question about bras – What are we even supposed to do with the thing?
Let’s lay down the facts. Since the introduction of bras into society in the early 1900s, it has been drilled into the heads of adult women and teenage girls alike that not wearing a bra is akin to a crime. However, as previously mentioned, we have also been told that no one should actually see the bra that we’re wearing.
So basically, you need to wear a bra, but no one can know that you’re wearing one. If you’re not wearing a bra and nobody can tell, it’s okay. But the minute someone finds out, you are told to put on a bra. But if the same person sees your bra, then you have to hide it immediately. But you still can’t choose to not wear it.
Needless to say, I think it’s safe to assume that society’s relationship with bras is slightly confusing. Surprisingly enough though, bras weren’t invented to make our lives miserable. No, quite the opposite, really. They were invented by an American socialite in 1922 as a replacement for the more restricting corset that was worn by women in the 19th century. The first bra served purposes very similar to that of a corset, including but not limited to body shaping and “enhancement.”
So, what is the difference between a corset and a bra, you may ask. A corset was thick, often very restricting and very difficult to move around in. A bra, on the other hand, is lighter, more comfortable, and in comparison, less restricting.
In light of the above reason, and the fact that the bra was considered more modern and futuristic when compared to the corset, the bra’s climb to the top of the underwear pyramid was a quick one.
In spite of the fact that the bra was initially introduced in ’22, it was actually popularised by Lana Turner in 1937 via her extremely popular moniker, “Sweater Girl.” This referred to a character played by her in a film called “They Won’t Forget,” in which she was famous for wearing a tight sweater, with one of the first bras to be featured on the big screen. Following this, many different companies started to sell and promote bras. The concept of wearing a bra 24/7 was introduced and actually encouraged. With new types and variations being introduced every day, the bra industry, as a whole, was thriving.
Let's now fast forward to today, in 2021.
Unfortunately, society’s view of a bra has not changed a bit. It is still considered taboo to walk around in public without a bra. In fact, as previously mentioned, people are even told to “cover up” if they aren’t wearing one. Girls as young as 14 are often told off in school if even the slightest outline of their nipples is visible.
This leads us to a question – Why were you even looking there?
Seriously, imagine being a 14-year-old girl who is going to school to actually study, except they are distracted by their creepy teacher who, for some reason, can’t stop looking at their breasts.
Yeah, I would be concerned too.
What’s even worse is that, if the same girl were to go home and come to school with a bra on the next day, the very same teacher would probably berate them for a visible bra strap.
That girl is living the life of every other girl, woman, and bra-wearer, all of whom are sexualised daily for having breasts and treating them as they want to.
Let me get one thing straight. Somebody else’s body is none of your business. So, by association, whether someone chooses to use a bra or not, is also none of your business.
You have no right to talk about them, to complain about them, or to even think about them, because you are not them.
The fact that we, as a civilisation have reached a point in society where we bully people for a mere piece of clothing is not only appalling, but also scary.
Which is why, I think it’s time to take action.
Let’s normalise people, all people, choosing what they would like to do with their bodies, instead of everyone else choosing for them.
Let’s normalise bras, no bras, and everything in between.
The support offered by bras may not be necessary for everyone, but the support offered by you is.
Comments