A viral video which showed female students of Onabisi Onabajo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, queuing up for inspection, to find out if they were wearing bra, to be allowed to go into the examination hall, sparked reactions on social media, recently.
Students of the school were angry that some officials touched their chest to verify if they wore bra or not before they could be permitted to write their exams. Well, in all fairness, it was not right that the officials directed by the authorities of the institution to conduct the check did it in a way and manner, which the students considered indecorous and disrespectful of their persons. Careless and carefree touching on a lady is a no-no. Those officials were total strangers to the female students and therefore should have shown some regard for the female students.
The female officials could have adopted the more appropriate approach of allowing the students show proof of wearing bra by showing the straps which could easily be seen by simply shifting blouse or other clothing a little, to reveal the strap under it. That would have been more honourable. However, if the officials still wanted to assure themselves, a gentle, parting would have instantly established whether the student was wearing a bra or not.
Nonetheless, it serves the female students right. They laid the foundation for the body search, and should be ashamed of themselves. This was a case of sheer stupidity on display. There is no undergraduate who is less than 16 years old. An adage says, dress the way you want to be addressed. It is said that person that brings ant-infested firewood invited lizards to pay a visit. So, female students who walk around the campus without a bra, absolutely deserve to be checked by the appropriate officials, and compelled to obey the rules and regulations of the institution regarding decent dressing. You called for the attention of the authorities and officers. Therefore, accept what you got in good faith. Students should also know that it is not about ranting on social media. It is good to keep to standard practice because bad conduct is abhorrent. You students did not behave like futuristic global young adults with focus.
For the school to have taken such action, it must have for long cautioned against the indecent practice of female students not wearing bra – a vital item of clothing – in the public areas on the campus. After running out patience, and students not heeding the warnings, it took action to enforce the subsisting rules against indecency on campus, to serve as a deterrent to others.
Two prominent Nigerian female actresses, Ngozi Ezeonu and Kate Henshaw, had cause to reprimand some young actresses who came for audition without bra. Ezeonu spearheaded the caution, while Henshaw ardently supported. Ezeonu said: “Nollywood has a rich history and tradition, and newcomers should respect that by maintaining a certain level of professionalism.” Henshaw added: “Auditions are professional settings that require appropriate attire. If you do not want to wear bra, stay at home. Do not come for the audition.”
The indecent act of not wearing a bra appears to be spreading. An On-Air-Personality (OAP) once revealed on a morning show that most ladies who come to a popular supermarket in Lekki do not wear a bra. They dangle their breasts to the supermarket for window shopping. The OAP described it thus: “These ladies walk into the big mall with their nipples standing, to do window shopping and collect numbers from men. They normally visit the areas where men’s products are displayed. Once they pick an item, they would ask the man next to them what they think about the product. They just come aimlessly to roam around the shopping mall and seek unnecessary attention.
Not many people can say that they have not encountered the sight of breasts that are not restricted or caged by the bra merrily bouncing under the sheer clothing of the lady while offending the sensibilities of others. It is baffling how a full-fledged lady would hit the road without properly covering up. It is worrisome that the indecent practice of going out without a bra has become rampant among the GenZ ladies. It is as if they are hell bent on putting on display everything that should be covered. Where they don’t have enough boldness to “show all” they give enough hint and leave the kind of men that fancy the sight to imagine the rest. Clearly, people who desire decency, need to join hands to tackle indecency in all the public spaces – educational institutions, offices, markets and everywhere else.
In all honesty, stylish, elegant and responsible women do not walk about without a bra. Responsible women always present a near perfect look all the time. They do not display bouncing boobs in the presence of their guests.
I have one simple and direct question for young female students: how would it benefit you if you come to sit for the examination for a course and you are turned back for not wearing a bra? That mild drama is enough to disorganize a student. Again, who has won an award for dangling the boobs and brandishing the nipples? The same men that all these are deployed to attract would cover up decently. The same men would frolic and enjoy the excitement of interacting with the bouncing breast ladies. When the time comes, to marry they would settle for the ladies that dress decently.
Young female adults, you are at liberty to live your life as you like, but a word is enough for the wise. Always think of things that are universally acceptable, socially desirable and economically profitable. Before you go to school without a bra, ask yourself, what if my mother bumps into me unannounced? Help yourselves and help the mothers.