Since the beginning of Second Life, self-expression has been the #1 goal for many who embark on this virtual journey. Whether people like to express themselves artistically, musically, poetically, or verbally. It has all come down to one thing. Personality. Everyone has their own and it shows in the unique ways people communicate here while collecting friends who share common interests.
Aside from personalities, a good visual helps enhance the persona they are trying to project. Well in some cases...
Everyone in the virtual world regardless of a bubbly personality or a lackluster introvert, the appearance of an avatar speaks volumes, it either aligns with the person’s personality or often time leaves nothing else for the imagination. Either way, is there a right or wrong? Does decorum even matter in Second Life?
That brings me to the purpose of this article. I’m boggled by some of the choices peeps make when it comes to their avatar appearance. Perhaps I’m being a Karen or I’m just being vocal where others just shake their heads and banter back and forth in IM cracking jokes about the various choices of attire and whatnot while they “people watch” at venues.
Just like in real life, In Second Life bodies come in all shapes and sizes just like mesh clothes. Finding something that works can be a challenge but the rule of thumb is if you are unsure about a fit, try a demo or go a size up instead of 3 sizes too small to avoid looking like a sausage in spandex with all your bits and bobs hanging out or a special shopper that frequents the local Walmart, some peeps should check the mirror (zoom in closely and pan around your avatar) before teleporting out the door.
While visiting a concert, I was inspired to write about this topic in hopes it will help lead avatars in a different direction or at least give them food for thought. How we perceive ourselves is way different than how others see us. For instance, I know I’m a Goddess in both worlds but Orion and a few others seem to think I’m not. I won’t argue the fact…let’s move on, it’s not ALL about me.
The first thing I want to bring up is the 2 decades-long trend of thigh-high extra tight boots and ultra minis. Why does it seem, the majority of single ladies dancing in the clubs seem to be wearing this same uniform? I’m perplexed. Maybe it's some secret society or something. Are classy girls excluded from whatever it is they are doing? DO I even want to know? Let’s start with the ladies before I tear into the opposite sex and their choices. WHY? Just why?
I set out to find answers…
With liquid courage in hand…. I set out to interview some men on the topic of Slut Gear to see if it really turns them on or makes them secretly rethink their gender orientation.
Not trying to be biased or anything but I turned to SLE’s own Orion Baral. I literally didn’t have to say a word, I just glanced at someone in the crowd and gave him the side eye and he already knew my question. “Call me old fashioned but elegance is sexy”, he said as he began derendering women left and right I think a few dudes got erased from his screen too.
The next person I approached was Ninjaantwoord who gives 0 fux when it comes to giving an upfront honest opinion and here’s what he had to say. “OK, just so I’m clear, panties belong under skirts when in public, same as in real life. Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule, but generally, if you don’t want to be viewed as a slut, it’s easier if you don’t dress like one.”
Luchenpur Darwin, Owner of Center Ground Gallery of Art said, “I guess a lot is dependent on the setting. If they are at the beach or clubs where club sexy. Be as sexy as you want to be. It is the appropriate attire for it then have at it. I think it's fine. Most of the time though sensual and sexy dress to me still means you don't have to show it all to attract attention. And the way an outfit is cut to show some skin can still be enticing. I don't have any advice except, to do what makes you feel good and happy about yourself.
Another male who wished to remain anonymous so we will call him “Phil” said, “well there are a few directions questioning why they do, or just shaming, or psychological why they hate their mothers and have daddy issues and dress like that”
These men bring up good points but I really had to dig my heels in deep to find a man who actually likes scantily clad females walking around with camel toes, cleavages, and asscracks on full display. Not to mention the bounce action.
I came across a fellow that I will call “Fred” who was hanging out at the Keyhole like a roach on a wall. I could tell by his basic avatar appearance and freebie t-shirt that read “I love Tiddies” that he was only in Second Life for a “good time”. I'm pretty sure he derendered my clothing the second he saw me, as his crosshairs were all over me when I landed. At first, he stayed silent and then said…..” no Inglés. ¿puedo tener algunos Lindens?
WTF! Moving on…
Poups Sabra; Kreatures Breeder says, to be honest, Lanai, I like women wearing sexy clothes but to me, there is a difference between showing a little bit with classy clothes and wearing gross clothes, too much does not attract me at all. Second life is a free world so everyone can do what they like and I respect that, but my advice to these girls would be not to do too much because that will not attract the few good guys out there ... that s how I see it.”
Poups brings up a good point about the quality of men that these women are potentially missing out on dressing like that. It’s true, not all sluts end up like Julia Robert’s character, Vivian Ward in the movie Pretty Woman.
Anyway, I decided to take it a step further with the majority of the women choosing the type of outfits that would offend the average streetwalker like Vivian, I turned to the music scene and asked a couple of musicians their thoughts on these groupies that show up at their gigs.
I asked long-time musician and friend Dallas Winslet his thoughts on slut gear at his concerts and he had this to say, “actually I am glad they come but I never really see what they r wearing, but I really don't mind what they wear. I am really too busy concentrating on what I am doing.”
That makes sense but I had to ask him when he is out and about does it attract his attention.
“Well, I am a man and I love women but I don't go looking to see what they r wearing”
Fair enough.
The next musician I accosted for input was the one and only Icecremn Merlin who was glad to share some insight.
“LOL.....My fans are mostly older 40 plus and are there because I don't play what other players play so most dress properly. Those who dress sultry or slutty are always welcome, but I think it's silly. The part I don't get is why they hit on me. I mean really....cartoon sex?..... Come on. But...I have seen some avatars in here and I'm amazed at how good they look...and those are the ones that dress appropriately.”
I think Icecremn is on to something extraordinary here... Appropriately dressed women are actually sexier.
Upon gathering some insight from men in Second Life the only conclusion I can come up with is the old-fashioned saying “to each their own”. Everyone has the right to wear what they want to wear and act like they want to act just so long as it is not infringing on others or cause harm to another person. Self-degradation is also a choice one must live with if it is a choice they are willing to accept. Women practicing the slut gear culture can’t be surprised when they are treated with the type of respect or lack thereof based on the “uniform” they wear. Just like a clown cannot complain about not being taken seriously.
This article is for entertainment purposes only.
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