We love them, we hate them. But high heels are something that almost every woman likes to flaunt every now and then. Now, the KuToo Movement from Japan is trying to go against workplace dress codes that mandate the wearing of heels for women. The #KuToo on Twitter has borrowed its campaign style from 2018’s #MeToo movement and is basically calling for a change in formal dress codes for women. Equating the rule of wearing high heels at workplace with the ancient Chinese practice of foot binding which ultimately caused deformities, the movement has been coined from the Japanese words for shoe (kutsu) and pain (kutsuu). In Tokyo, it is mandatory for women to wear high heels to work but interestingly, there’s nothing as tough for the men to follow.
Proper Manners Or Medical Injury: The Well-Heeled Debate
We are told time and again by people how heels correct our walking style and make us look more professional. But is that really true? In fact, we have to relearn how to walk after wearing heels and no, it does not make women better at their work. So why do we need it? In fact, we are also flooded with images of women dancing away the night in pencil heels (are you kidding me?) but we all know that the joy of dancing only comes to those who feel comfortable. And what about moving around in the office all day, hurting your foot, knees, and back rather than concentrating on the work at hand? Does that make any sense? Have a look at the reactions shared by Twitterati:
The pain starts from the job hunting phase itself:
Young job seekers in Japan, too, don’t have any options but heels to wear because there are unspoken requirements formed by the society. I hope every women, including high heel lovers, can wear whatever business shoes they choose in the near future.#KuToo #Japan #genderequity pic.twitter.com/Mrsnbqf7Xy
— ゆ (@fearofbigleaves) March 20, 2019
A woman tweeted in Japanese, saying: "Wearing uncomfortable and harmful shoes is not an obligation. Let's break down misogyny together."
I wore high heels every workday for nine years in Tokyo... now, after three years back in the states, my feet are finally beginning to recover. #KuToo https://t.co/LcDHbgXV32
— Nicolai Kruger (@nicolai_kruger) March 21, 2019
Even award-winning author Taslima Nasreen tweeted infavour of ditching heels:
Let's support Japanese women's #KuToo movement. This movement aims to stop employers from requiring women to wear high heels. https://t.co/Qh0tG5O9rZ
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) March 23, 2019
And then there was this tweet which actually reminds us of the fact that heels were something made for men in the first place!
High heels started in 10th century when horse riding men wore heels on their shoes for feet to stay in stirrups while riding.
— AR (@AadityaRazdan) March 23, 2019
What kind of shoes SHE wants to wear to office is HER CHOICE it should not be based on our choice #KuToo pic.twitter.com/Y4QBeOGzAa
And let’s just admit, falling because of heels is not funny!
View this post on Instagram
Don’t Miss This: How To Choose Sunscreen As Per Skin Type?
The Joys Of Walking Free
Hollywood actress Kristen Stewart had defied the rule of wearing heels at the prestigious Cannes Festival. In fact, she had been pretty vocal about the genderinequality that exists in terms of dressing rules. Recently, model and actress Sushmita Sen who was honoured at the South Asian Empowerment Awards held in Texas, USA, posted a hilarious video of herself jumping with joy after kicking off her heels post the event. We can all identify with that feeling of resting our feet after a tiring day of putting on torturous heels, don’t we? Just have a look:
View this post on Instagram
High heels at the workplace don’t make the world a better place. Wearing high heels in the office or elsewhere should only be a choice that some people make, not a practice that arises out of peer pressure or due to some rule. Let’s all be fabulous in our own little ways and be fashionable without making our bodies suffer for it.
Want to read about the latest viral stuff in fashion or want to know everything about celeb fashion? Then stay tuned to Her Zindagi.
Recommended Video
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation