The recent controversy surrounding transgender influencer Rose Montoya’s toplessness at President Biden’s Pride celebration on the White House lawn has sparked discussion about the value of modesty. Despite being banned from the White House for the display, Montoya received admiration from multiple right-wing provocateurs, which raises the question of what modesty is and why we should embrace it.
Modesty is the choice to give oneself the gift of privacy, something that is becoming increasingly rare in our world of oversharing on social media. Publicizing what should be private can have serious consequences, as seen in cases where individuals have faced formal repercussions for sharing classified documents or prosthetic breasts. Modesty teaches that doing the opposite, keeping private matters private, always pays off.
The lack of privacy in today’s society has led to negative consequences, particularly for young girls who feel pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Modesty encourages individuals to focus on more than just others’ attention and instead admire the beauty of the world around us. It also allows us to treat others with dignity and respect, avoiding the shallow interest of a broad audience and instead valuing the close involvement of a select few.
Modesty applies to both men and women and encourages them to interact with each other in a thoughtful and respectful manner. Conversations are carefully considered, and individuals take caution not to pry or judge others based on their public persona. Instead, they recognize that what they learn about others is precious and should be treated with care.
While modesty does not require asceticism, it does encourage individuals to enjoy material pleasures with dignity and privacy. By focusing on kindness, generosity, and gratitude, individuals can cultivate deeper virtues beyond the shallow races that often define our society.
In conclusion, while an immodest world may be the norm, practicing modesty can lead to a more fulfilling and respectful life.
