Wear your VOICE
Ever felt like sticking a placard on your forehead to make people aware of your stance on social issues because protests just don't seem to register? Social awareness programmes or long social media posts are just not cutting it? Have an inclination to stand and speak up for your ideologies?
Then what's easier than literally wearing your thoughts? A subtle way of getting your message across and, making perhaps a fashion statement, is by choosing clothes that speak for you. Clothing significantly influences how others perceive you and how they respond to you.
Fashion is no more about just wearing what looks good. It is another art tool to revolt or for raising voice for a social cause. Clothes nowadays serve a purpose and can be worn to make a social statement, loudly.
For instance, pictures of the slogan "Ga Gheshe Daraben Na" printed on women's clothes, mostly t-shirts, have been viral recently, which serve as a medium to protest and create awareness against sexual harassment. The buses of Dhaka city are always loaded with people. As a result it provides corrupt people with the scope of inappropriate touching, pinching, patting, rubbing, or purposefully brushing up against another person.
Most of the girls choose to remain silent pondering about the aftermath of protesting. They fear to be victimized or socially judged, and even more so the threat of videos of such occurrences becoming leaked online. The repercussions for these have traditionally been unfavourable for girls.
Therefore, making a simple tweak to what you wear can be a big step. Wearing tees with 'Ga Gheshe Daraben Na' plays a significant role psychologically on people around her. It assists one psychologically to create distance from the one who wears it.
Moreover, it creates a warning, and makes people aware against social issues; an insight into nonverbal communication. Hence, attires nowadays serve a revolutionary purpose. Moreover, increasing awareness creates space for further discussion.
The most important decision you make every morning may be what to wear; there are many rationales, like does it express your personality and mood? Is it a reflection of the way your day might go? Is it safe, considering the weather, transport and even public presence?
Clothes are also our favourite medium to express various opinions and support, like that for our favourite teams, political candidate or a cause dear to the heart, or even humour.
On the other hand, it also helps you in criticizing the political or cultural conventions that you detest. Tees satirically printed with 'Shohmot Bhai' criticize the existing trend of just going with the political flow.
Moreover, when we put on a piece of clothing we cannot help but adopt some of the characteristics associated with it, even if we are unaware of it. Thus, your mood, health and overall self-esteem depends on the selection of your style and clothes.
Too conservative to wear tees outside? Don't worry because saris now also have similar options. Yes, saris, which represent our country's culture and tradition and are the most favoured formal attire, are also available in unconventional prints.
Portrayal of personal fascinations or social-awareness based content in written or graphic form is seen on saris nowadays. From figures such as Che Guevara or musicians or and bands like Pink Floyd are easily available in the myriad boutique houses.
Therefore, when you're dressing or grooming, consider what it says about you and whether it's in line with the message you want to communicate. Your attire and presentation communicate volumes about you as a person.
Some of the suggested stores or online shops where you can get the Text-based T-shirts might include: Tee of Bengal, Fabrilife e.t.c. In addition, you can always go to Aziz Super Market for versatile collection of tees. Pay a visit to Chadni Chowk for printed saris.
Photo: Faiza Ahmed, Manas
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