Tzniut is about my relationship to HKBH

The question was asked: if the purpose of tzniut is to prevent men from getting "turned on", then why is it my problem? I would like to answer that question as well as to expand on Mrs. Knoll's perspective.

I view the body as both a gift from G-d and the constant reminder of G-d's miracles. The statistical likelihood of 4 amino acids combining to create a genome that is millions upon millions links long and that genome produces an individual human, is, to me, nothing short of G-d's handprint. The Torah tells us that we are created "in G-d's image". To me, that means with a soul, a spirit, an ability to think creatively and abstractly, the ability to control the environment around us and the ability to rule over ourselves. It also means we are, in a sense, a representation (tzelem) of the supernatural.

If we revere Hashem, then we need to revere the world that Hashem has created. That world includes physical beauty and desires. That world includes our bodies with all of their potential and their passions. If we honor Hashem, then we have to honor ourselves. And if we can love Hashem, then we must love ourselves.

The things that are most precious, most expensive or most rare, are things that are kept hidden, often under glass or lock and key. In the Mikdash, the holiest spot was the one that was most hidden--the Kodesh HaKodashim. In our world, things of extreme value are kept in vaults, museums, galleries, or behind very high fences. All of these things have very tight security. An actress doesn't wear the Harry Winston diamond necklace when she goes to the supermarket; she only wears it on special occasions. The original copy of the Declaration of Indepence (a "mere" piece of paper!) is one of the most guarded objects in Washington.

Our bodies are more precious than any document, jewel, artifact or celebrity. The need to keep it covered, the need to not flaunt it isn't just about men. It's about us, our relationship with ourselves and our relationship with Hashem. This miracle (think of someone you know who has a disability or think of a time when you were somewhat impaired by a bruise, a sore back, a toothache) of our bodies should never be overlooked or minimized. That's why we are commanded to treat it with the same respect we give anything that is valuable.

NONE OF THIS MEANS WE SHOULD WEAR BURKAS. There is a difference between attractive and attracting and we all know it. There is a mitzva to enhance Hashem's world and not make it ugly. But is revealing beautiful or is it just shocking or alluring? What are we saying about ourselves when we "let it (all) hang out"" We cheapen ourselves. We make ourselves open to everyone.

There is one more thing. We are part of a community. It's NOT all about me. If I want respect, then I have to respect others. If I am walking next to someone who is on crutches, it would be pretty rude and selfish of me to run ahead. Tzniut is a similar concept. If I know someone has a weakness, it would be selfish of me to tease or play on that weakness, especially if it's only for my satisfaction or to please some arbitrary "fashion god". So if we know that men are vulnerable to our looks and "sexy" clothing (how much advertising of things like cars and electronics is done with beautiful and sexily-dressed women?), why play on that? Why make it harder for them?

And ultimately, we make it harder for us--the more we accentuate our bodies, the more we are seen as just that--bodies. Not souls, not minds, not hearts, not dreams, not talents. Just bodies.

Is that what we want?

I'm NOT saying that observing tzniut isn't challenging. I'm NOT saying don't dress beautifully, stylishly, or in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. I AM saying that what you wear is not only about you. It's about you AND Hashem AND the community. (My students know that that triangle is really important to me.)

So yes, it is to "protect" the men from their desires. But tzniut is also to protect US as women from being viewed simply as sex objects. It keeps us conscious (whether we want to be or not) that we are in a relationship with other people and with HKBH. It reminds us that we are so very precious, such awe-inspiring miracles, such images of the Creator.