Here's the thing. I'm a raging liberal living in one of the most conservative states in the country. My entire life I've dealt with being in the minority in a state which is quite literaly the essential Mecca for one of the world's most conservative religions, and sometimes it really and truly sucks. I'm a left wing, tattooed pierced, halter top loving girl. I'm also a twenty-one year old History buff who will graduate in December with a Bachelor's degree over a year early. Funny that where I come from the former aspects of my life always seem to eclipse the latter. I can't tell you how many times I've had someone stare at me in shock or disgust when they see my nose ring or tattoo or how many times someone has looked at me like I'm some sort of whore (ask anyone, I'm practically a puritan so this is absolutely hillarious) because God forbid you can see my shoulders in my top when it's 100 degrees. To be diplomatic I won't mention this predominant religion by name, but if you keep reading it will become incredibly clear.

So here's where I get to my point. If you're a fan of Dancing With The Stars you'll know that there are several professional dancers on the show of a particular faith, that same faith which is dominant in my home state (getting it now?) Now, I couldn't really care less that these people have a particular religious affiliation, that's everyone's right. What really and truly bothers me is that I have spent my entire life being viewed as immodest or slutty, pick your favorite unflattering adjective, simply because I enjoy wearing halters, spaghetti straps and two piece swimsuits, and yet it's somehow okay for these people to pose wearing nothing but their bikini bottoms and a flag because it's their "art".

Okay, yes, it's their profession, it's their art; I get that and I'm fine with it. However, this double standard is so hideously unfair that it makes me want to scream. I'm not a bad person. I carry a 3.89 GPA at an accredited University, I volunteer with a youth organization and I'm an active participant in the fight against AIDS, and still I'm evidently a degenerate. News to me.

Bottom line is that I really just wish that people would quit with the hypocrisy. It's okay if people of their own faith do it, but not for me because I'm not a member. News flash, I'm not a worse person than they are, I'm just different. So why is it okay for them to dress that way, but not me?