The debate on fashion is about how much to cover while wearing clothes. While the debate in itself is positive, dresses do reflect our thinking.

Dresses change with time, but how much to wear is an individual decision. Covering less doesn't necessarily mean that it is an imitation of the foreigners, nevertheless in Nepal that's the case. Talking about foreigners, years ago some women took to the streets in Britain demanding the right to walk around naked. Police arrested them.

If boys don't get romantic on seeing scantily clad girls how will the world work? Even the older folks entertain themselves watching fashion tv. Everyone has sexual urges and it has to be channeled in the right way. In a romantic situation if a girl sees a guy naked, surely see must imagine a lot of things. But same cannot be said about someone half-dressed due to poverty. Before blaming Nepalis for imitating the foreigners we should see what is culturally acceptable.

Amrit Bhandari,
Kirtipur

Bidhata Singh's, in her response, has rightly criticised Sushma Manadhar's provocative dress. One would do well to pick up trash lying around and throw them in containers rather than ogling at panties. Is it right to undress oneself in the name of fashion and development? Do they know the problems of the countryside where women can't even afford clothes to cover themselves? Young people have tremendous sexual desire.

He says provocative dresses will add fuel to the burning fire among the youngsters. It may even lead to rape cases. To walk around semi-naked in public in the name of fashion is to be insecure.

K S Lohrung