Decency
According to the Collins English dictionary, decency is the quality of being decent, which entails conforming to prevailing standards of propriety, morality, and modesty.
I find all facets of this umbrella term appealing but what immediately sprang to my mind, even before delving into its definition, was modesty – Modesty can manifest itself in both personal outlook and character. The word has been derived from the Latin word "modestus," literally meaning "keeping within measure" or "restrained".
In my perspective decency is the practice of modest behavior, a fundamental quality that extends beyond mere etiquette. It is a practice of treating others with respect, kindness, and fairness. Decency isn't merely a surface-level politeness but a deep-seated practice of restraint, where individuals refrain from acting impulsively and act with consideration for the possessions and feelings of others. They respect the privacy and personal space of those around them.
So, enough with the definition of this term; here's the twist. What truly piques my interest is when we can confidently say that someone lacked decency. Below, you'll find some compelling examples and instances of indecency, and I think you can relate to one or more:
I have to admit I wasn't decent enough to apologize when I should have.
She realized she wasn't decent enough in her communication with her colleagues, so she decided to improve.
I regret not being decent enough to lend a helping hand when they needed it.
He acknowledged that his behavior at the party was not decent enough, and he apologized to his friends.
He was fired because of deliberate touching and cornering an employee.
Come on, have some basic decency and don't play vulgar music in their time of mourning.
He didn't have the decency to at least come down and greet his guests
How could she take credit of her colleague's hard work? Such indecent, inconsiderate behaviour!
Have some decency and stop flaunting your fertility when you clearly know that your friend can't conceive
Do not play all lovey dovey when you know that they have just broken up!
These are only a few examples of indecent behavior in general. Then, there's the matter of adhering to the norms of a specific community or ethnicity. I believe one should at least make an effort to follow those norms, particularly those that contribute to maintaining the balance of society. It doesn't mean one should not express themselves but not at the cost of disturbing others.
The most controversial: Clothing and modesty is a complex and controversial topic of all the time. While freedom of choice in clothing is important, there are indeed some boundaries when it comes to decency. Striking a balance between personal expression and respecting societal norms is challenging. The definition of "indecent" or "provocative" dressing can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals, making it a controversial issue.
Ultimately, finding a middle ground that respects personal choice while considering the impact on society's harmony is very important.
I want to end this debate with this quote of mine :)
MODESTY IS A TIMELESS QUALITY THAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE!
You have hit the core or cores well. Particularly with regard to the question of dress, in Germany and Western Europe there is a growing trend towards a legal ban on the religiously based headscarf of Muslim women in schools, public authorities, etc. This is a very important issue. The views on this are contradictory; local women's rights activists invoke the idea that women are generally oppressed by the compulsion to wear hijabs and the like. I am ambivalent about this; I know women who have chosen to wear it voluntarily and without any pressure. On the other hand, I also think it's an assault to judge a person on the basis of a skirt that's too short or a lot of tattoos. What I want to say or ask is: can "decency" be based on outward appearances?
I have indeed hit the cores well :) Thank you for pointing it out so I can clarify my point here.
The topic of modesty in clothing and outward appearance is indeed a complex and controversial one. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right and it extends to both speech and clothing choices. And also to every gender of the society. However, it's essential to strike a balance between personal freedom and societal norms.
Inhibitions and boundaries regarding clothing are often influenced by cultural, religious, and societal factors. What is considered modest or appropriate can vary widely from one culture or community to another. Determining these boundaries is a collective effort involving society, individuals, and various institutions.
Totally agreed! But my question is: Is Complete freedom from all restraint practical or even desirable?? Could it not lead to chaos and conflict?
Societies establish certain guidelines and norms to ensure harmony and respect for others. The challenge lies in finding a balance between personal expression and respecting the values and sensitivities of the community.
Can I quote a real life example here? And I'm not talking about Europe or any other foreign country here.
What if someone decides to expose themselves in an indecent manner infront of a minor just because it's their choice of freedom? That someone was in his own car, and it was something he was doing with his own body. However, that young person was scarred for life because she had to witness this from a distance.
So here comes the question of inhibition and restrain. One is free to do anything unless it doesn't effect anyone. Same goes for the choice of tattooing and length of skirt. We can't and should not judge anyone because of their outward appearances. The only time it's questionable is when its disrupting the balance. There have to be some inhibitions.
So what if someone wants to cover him or herself. Is he or she threatening to disrupt the harmony? Is his or her choice of clothes indecent or in anyway making someone uncomfortable? If yes, then it should definitely be addressed. Otherwise freedom of choice should be respected.
These are my personal views, and I want to emphasize that I am not pointing fingers. I sincerely apologize if I have inadvertently hurt someone's sentiments.
No, on the contrary: thank you very much for these reflections. They correspond quite exactly to the conflicts that are being fought out 'sometimes more, sometimes less, probably all over the world.
Personally, I am a friend of absolute personal freedom. However, in connection with values. Values that attain a certain validity by being socially determined and passed on by consensus. A violation of these values can be noticed, but not punished.
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Congratulations! This comment has been upvoted through steemcurator04. We support quality posts , good comments anywhere and any tags.I must say your post on decency really addressed some issues we deal with today especially the aspect that had to do with dressing.
Though, I wiuld like to point out that society in it's own way strikes an imbalance in people's lives. Society could tell you, "live for yourself, do what you want" and same society would still tell you, "No, not that way."
And some people just want to be free with theur dressing without people judging them. And yes, there are different societies with different modes of dressing, cultures and inhibitions. The question here is does society actually have the decency to allow it's members freedom of expression??
@celts
Thank you for pointing this out. You have a very valid question! Is society decent enough to be the merit of jpudgement
Unfortunately, we live, or rather have to live in a society. One can't survive alone. So answer would be Yes.
Having said that it's all about the balance. There will always be positivety with negativity. They are bound to counteract the effects of each other. There will always be some kind of compass for the calibration of our values or at least I hope so!
So we have to find our own balance within this society. Personal expression within the boundaries of this society will be a good approach. I'm hopeful that we will be able to do so if are honest to ourselves.
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Congratulations! This post has been upvoted through steemcurator04. We support quality posts , good comments anywhere and any tags.