Are man really stronger then women?

Beechlgz wrote: Sorry to bring up an old point but I don't understand this part and posting a new topic would be kind of spammy... A woman should keep her torso covered, that I can agree with. But a man doesn't have to. See, that's the part that doesn't make sense to me. A man's naked torso can be incredibly arousing or intimidating to anyone who might happen to catch a glance. Women especially, since it can evoke sexual feelings that are unwanted even by the woman experiencing them. It also allows the man to bear his muscles which, again, makes people feel uncomfortable or awe stricken and is parallel to female beauty. It doesn't sound all that modest to me when men are allowed to go about with a naked torso. It's just as bad as a woman going about topless. Can someone please explain to me why this is considered fine and dandy?

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Hello Beechlgz.

In most societies, compared to a female - the male physique is not as associated with sexuality or considered a sex-symbol. Whether we like it or not - society views the male and female body differently. Even nowadays in liberal societies such as the West - measures of nudity are different for men and women. While it would be considered fine for a man to have a bare torso - a female with the same amount of exposed flesh will be looked at, and treated differently. Most societies do not tolerate that kind of bodily exposure. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) that's how things are, that's how we as human's react.

So the majority of people should have no problem with different standards of "dress code" for men and women. Yes of course a Man can be considered handsome by women and evoke certain feelings - which is why muslim women (like the men) are not supposed to stare at men, and lower their gaze if a brazen thought should occur. You will perhaps agree that women will almost never express their "admiration" for the opposite gender in an aggressive or vulgar manner (majority). We have heard of "Eve-teasing" - but not "Adam-Teasing" . . . so even if a woman does look at a male torso, the reactions are poles apart.

Also - this dress code is the bare minimum for a man. It doesn't mean Muslim men go around shirtless. You might have noticed that in most muslim cultures, the men are just as covered as the women despite the leniency in the dress code. Muslim cultures generally speaking are shy & modest when it comes to exposing the body. If you look at the typical male dress for an Arab, Pakistani or Malay man - you will notice that they don't even wear half-sleeves ! They are just as covered as the women, including head-gear.

So it doesn't seem unfair at all. While men have been blessed with beauty as well, it is usually the female-form that takes stage when we talk about beauty, sensuality etc.

Its not something that pertains to Islam specifically - it is more of a general , common-sensical thing.

A man's naked torso can be incredibly arousing or intimidating to anyone who might happen to catch a glance.

Well... are you a man or woman? Just curious. Cause most men when they pull up their shirt to wipe their face are not all that appealing.. Unless you are a male model, most women WILL be able to avert her eyes..

On a note of HUMOR by Dave Barry

Men's magazines often feature pictures of naked women. Women's magazines also feature pictures of naked women. This is because the female body is a beautiful work of art, while the male body is lumpy and hairy and should not be seen by the light of day. Men are turned on at the sight of a naked woman's body. Most naked men elicit laughter from women.

I guess my own personal experience is very different, yes where I am from "Adam-Teasing" as you put it is everywhere (not that I agree with it, I don't agree with it for either sex) and yes it is usually very aggressive and vulgar behaviour by the women as well as the men.

which is why muslim women (like the men) are not supposed to stare at men, and lower their gaze if a brazen thought should occur.

I agree with that but in some cases that means you can't look anywhere! Or you can't watch where you're going... :( because there's topless men everywhere on hot sunny days.

Well... are you a man or woman? Just curious. Cause most men when they pull up their shirt to wipe their face are not all that appealing.. Unless you are a male model, most women WILL be able to avert her eyes..

I am female. I am speaking from my own personal experience. It's not just unwanted arousal I have to contend with (which often leaves me feeling disgusted with myself, even looking away doesn't erase the mental image), as I said it's also the intimidation and feeling of inadequacy. I find myself comparing muscles and feeling weak. Not saying it's a bad thing for a guy to have muscles, but that it is intimidating and can affect how safe I feel when it's all on display like that... like he's showing it all off because he's readying for a fight or something. I'd imagine the feeling would be similar for a man who glances at another topless man.

I don't know, maybe I am just more attracted to the male body than most women? Is it a malfunction in my brain? Is it because I am quite masculine myself?

It is nice to hear that in many Muslim countries common sense is still applied and that men are as modest as women in most cases.