Reply To: Photoshopping tznius

“I think the reason why sometimes people have a problem with this might be because they feel that it is important that people know that some people didn’t dress tzniusly (in certain ways) then, so that they can “prove” that tznius in not so important, and it’s a modern-day invention.”

lilmod ulelamaid: I can only speak for myself here. I cannot say why sometimes people have a problem with this. IMHO, photoshopping here is misleading, dishonest, and throws off one’s account of history.

I’ve learned that today we don’t do such and such because the yetzar hara is even greater so we have more fences, or whatever it is. Back in the day, men and women used to eat together at weddings. Today there is more segregation. Do people also photoshop their 1920’s mixed-seating weddings?

If photoshopping was necessary then why not put a disclaimer? Why not at least disclose that this photo was altered from the original?

Celebrities are photoshopped. Thank G-d for the internet where we can at least see a few “before” pictures to remind us that we’re all human.

I think that standardizing Jewish culture, Jewish living, and the Jewish people as some fixed practice adds pressure to conform and is quite eerie.

IMHO, I would have more respect for my teacher if he or she said, “Back in the Day They Did So and So, and Today We Do So and So Because….” At least I can see that we as a people are learning and growing. If everyone was the same back then and we’re supposed to be just the same and they had problems then shouldn’t we expect the same problems? Wait maybe that’s not a good argument. Anyway. Sorry train of thought requesting new station.

I would rather my teacher disclose the truth and give me the option to decide what’s best based on the evidence then be fed lies and either realize that no one can live up to that standard (not realizing that it never existed) and give up, or find out that the photos were photoshopped and have a festering scab inflicted by my alleged chinuch.

I don’t know if that helps. Even the part about the rebbetzin not covering her hair was not meant to say, “Hey it’s not important.” It’s important to be honest about our truth. Isn’t it? Isn’t there a modest way to approach honesty?

Children I understand are different. You cannot tell a not to eat the entire cake because it has too many calories. Maybe you don’t want your child seeing someone who eats an entire cake either.

But is there an alternative? Making the child feel good about eating salad (not chocolate salad), fruit, healthy foods?

Instead of discounting cake. Making untznius into an evil thing; maybe just highlight the good in what you’re teaching, and do it with love? Okay maybe not because sugar affects the brain like other foods cannot. Is that the same with nontznius? Yetzar hara?

I don’t know. This is all theory and surely in practice it’s a whole different story.

Was photoshopping used in love?

Or did they photoshop out of fear?

Does the intention make a difference? Maybe both are necessary.

Thanks (sorry if this is all jumbled… it’s been a busy pre-Thanksgiving)