In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first definition listed under the term "modesty" is "the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities." This definition is particularly interesting because in popular culture modesty is normally thought of in relation to attire not character. However, as the dictionary proves, modesty is just more than appearance.
Character values have always varied from East to West depending on the culture and time in history, but one statement is certain: there are certain character traits that never disappear such as modesty. Even though modesty in character has changed and evolved over the years, the concept has never quite disappeared. In the 1960s, modesty took on a new meaning. At the same time that concepts of modesty in fashion were beginning to change, more and more young people were linking hands with those of the opposite race in the struggle to live Dr. Martin Luther King's dream. They were getting off their comfortable upholstered sofas in the suburbs to help their fellow poor man in the city through service. One cannot help but notice the link between modesty in fashion and character here. Although, America's children were protesting in a very public way, they were still fighting for ideas of solidarity with others. These young people needed the idea of modesty to realize the existing faults in their country and to try to fix those faults through social and political change. The 1960s was the time the act with all the upcoming movements. This kairos was only able to bear fruit with the additional concept of modesty in character.
I really love how you talked about modesty in the sense of character instead of clothing, because I do agree that when I hear this term, I automatically link it to fashion and clothing. You describe the exigence of the article well in that the person is compelled to speak about how modesty impacted young people speaking out for what they believed in- equal rights and social/political change in this case. You answer most of the main components of rhetorical situation like the people involved in the exigence (young people) and their role, which was holding public protests.
ReplyDelete-Priyal Patel
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ReplyDeleteI also agree with what Priyal has posted.
ReplyDeleteWhen we hear the term modesty, we typically define it in regards to clothing. We define it as clothing that covers up the human body so that there is less skin being revealed. However, in your blog post, you defined it in regards to a person's character and personality. I like how you described modesty in the 1960's as being something that impacted the public and particularly the youth to work towards a common goal of achieving peace in the United States. The 1960's was a time of liberation, and the idea of modesty surely helped to push this time period along.
I am glad that Priyal and you both saw how modesty in character allowed for reform in social movements during the 1960s. Thank you for your comments!
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