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About this quote

What does it mean?
Dawkins denies direct control over how women dress but acknowledges societal norms play a role in what is accepted on the street.
In plain terms
Individuals choose their clothes but society sets the norms.
What can you take from it?
Distinguish between personal choice and societal norms.

Where it applies

  • cultural debates
  • feminism
  • personal choice

Putting it to work

  • discussing dress codes
  • analyzing culture

Questions to consider

  • Who decides what is acceptable dress?
  • How do norms limit freedom?

Another view

The exchange simplifies complex cultural dynamics.

More from Richard Dawkins

  1. One of the things that is wrong with religion is that it teaches us to be satisfied with answers which are not really answers at all.

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  2. You've just said a very revealing thing. Are you telling me that the only reason you don't steal and rape and murder is that you're frightened of God?

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  3. Religion is about turning untested belief into unshakable truth through the power of institutions and the passage of time.

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