In response to a statement by an Iranian cleric that women wearing revealing clothing cause earthquakes, an Indiana blogger initiated a demonstration called Boobquake.
“In a prayer sermon, the cleric said: ‘Many women who do not dress modestly… lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity and spread adultery in society, which increases earthquakes,’” Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi said in response to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s warning of a possible quake striking Tehran.
Miffed by this statement, blogger Jennifer McCreight shared her views online, which resulted in a campaign to get women worldwide to show as much cleavage as possible as an answer to the cleric’s link between women and this natural disaster. Boobquake is slated for today and while I usually support grassroots movements empowering girls and women and have a daring streak, I can’t show off the “sistahs” today so I’ll pass on this effort; supporters can buy a T-shirt (sales will benefit the Red Cross). But I am sure the effort will generate a lot of buzz. I am too old/modest and more inclined to challenge ideas with my mind. I can’t help but wonder what type of criticism it will generate. Last time a woman’s body made headlines was when singer/songwriter Erykah Badu debuted a video off her latest CD. She tried to make a powerful statement, but I think that message was overshadowed by the reaction to her disrobing as she walked in Dallas, namely near the site of Kennedy’s assassination.
“Obligatory disclaimer: I in no way think that all Muslims or Iranians or theists agree with these two men. For all the rational thinkers out there who happen to fall into those groups, my mockery is not directed toward you,” McCreight posted on her blog.
After her joke generated a lot of online and media attention, she wrote Wednesday, “I just want to apologize if this comes off as demeaning toward women. To be honest, it started as silly joke that I hurriedly fired off since I was about to miss the beginning of House. I never thought it would get the attention it did. If I would have known, I would have spent more time being careful about my wording. That being said, I don’t think the event is completely contrary to feminist ideals. I’m asking women to wear their most ‘immodest’ outfit that they already would wear, but to coordinate it all on the same day for the sake of the experiment. Heck, just showing an ankle would be considered immodest by some people. …”
