Online Reporter
ONE of the trending stories yesterday was related to the pictures of Zimbabwean women who chose skimpy dressing when they attended the annual Zimfest UK at the Hertfordshire Showgrounds on Saturday.
We couldn’t publish many of the photographs because of the level of nudity in the images and that alone probably tells you how bad it was.
The photos have flooded social media and have overshadowed what was a good time out for hundreds of Zimbabweans.
Outfits that many deemed inappropriate quickly became the trending topic on social media, igniting a fierce debate among Zimbabweans.
While a few praised the boldness of these fashion choices, the majority were outraged by the wild fashion sense and described it as a disgrace to the values which have always shaped us as Zimbabweans.
The backlash has been swift and loud with countless comments flooding social media platforms denouncing the dresses, many of which left the backsides of the women showing to the public, as disrespectful.
Social media guru and socialite Jackie Ngarande said this was unacceptable.
She said public spaces deserve self-respect too.
Jackie said there was a difference between embracing confidence and completely discarding decency.
She argued that walking virtually naked at a large public gathering where people of all ages, cultures, and sensitivities are present isn’t bold, it’s inconsiderate.
Jackie said people talk a lot about freedom of expression and that matters but freedom comes with responsibility.
And, when such people’s choice of dress becomes a spectacle that overshadows the purpose of the event or makes others uncomfortable, it’s no longer about confidence, it’s about seeking attention at all cost.
She urged women to normalise confidence with class and they should not value nudity for shock value.
Jackie said women could still be noticed, admired and respected without leaving their dignity at home.
We agree with those who are outraged by the skimpy dressers at Zimfest and we agree with them that some of the outfits crossed the line.
We understand that times are changing and we have a generation of young Zimbabweans, who were born in the UK, who lean towards how other young British people dress on such occasions.
But, we saw a lot of middle aged women who wore skimpy dresses during the festival.
The irony of the story, among many of those who are supporting these skimpy dressers, is that the same people would reject proposals from their wives, or daughters, to dress that way.
