Letter: Sexuality sense

Robert Kelly, the rector of Berwickshire High School in Duns, faces calls for his resignation following his sensible comments urging female pupils to dress appropriately (your report, 6 September).

We are becoming a society of extremes on this issue, as though the only alternatives are a reveal as much as you can get away with, anything-goes permissiveness, or Islamic full body covering and blaming women for getting raped. The extremism of groups concerning themselves with rape on this issue is unhelpful. The merest recommendation of modest dress is leapt on as a vindication of rapists.

Girls need to be taught that their sexual attractiveness is valuable and positive, but also something to be exercised with caution and wisdom. The ultimate end of sexual attraction should be marriage and consummation.

Of course, not every non-platonic relationship will end in marriage, but using sexual attractiveness indiscriminately just to boost popularity or enjoy the experience of being pursued is likely to result in difficulties. If nothing else, it is a selfish route to a self-esteem boost at the expense of others.

In our society, do young males need more encouragement to view girls sexually?

Richard Lucas

Cowan Road

Edinburgh