Jordanian singer responds to criticism over 'nude colored dress' at festival

In the Arab world's misogynistic circles, what women choose to wear seems to be a matter of public opinion and discussion. 

Things weren't so different this week with regards to a gown worn by Jordanian singer Diana Karazon during a concert at the Jarash Festival. Her choice of attire caused quite the stir both online and off for reasons we have yet to understand. Designed by Bedour Al Habib, the beige-colored dress angered many as it appeared to be see-through although it isn't (and even if it was, why is it a topic of such importance to the public?). The gown had a lining garment under it. 

In a statement on the matter, Karazon described the controversy over her attire as "hilarious." She said she had tested the dress in sunlight to make sure it is in line with the "traditions and cultural norms of her country."

Karazon's statement did not really put the controversy to an end. Many continued to attack her choice of attire which they deemed as "revealing." Some even said the singer shouldn't have worn a garment that made her "look like she was naked." A few went as far as accusing her of "violating public decency laws."

The issue even reached the country's parliament. During a session held on Monday, politician Saleh Al Armouti attacked the singer without explicitly naming her. 

"She went on stage nearly naked and the government didn't do anything about it," he exclaimed. 

"The only problem left in the country is Diana Karazon's dress - and I don't even see anything wrong with it." 

Though many criticized Karazon over her gown, others chose to counter those misogynistic discussions instead of just sitting on the sidelines. People defended the star, arguing that she has the right to wear anything she wants to. Some even called out her attackers for slut-shaming her online. 

Many took the chance to highlight the double standards and sexism that exist in the Arab world. In a world with misogynists, it seems to be acceptable, justifiable, and forgivable for men to harass women but God Forbid a woman wears a gown of her choice without consulting ... *men*. 

Last year, Egyptian actress Rania Youssef came under fire for walking the red carpet in a see-through gown at the closing of the Cairo International Film Festival. 

The incident led Youssef to be charged with "inciting debauchery." Though the charges were later dropped, the actress was still forced to apologize over the matter on live television. Just months later, she became the center of yet another online controversy for wearing "hot shorts." At the time, many slut-shamed the actress for her "revealing" outfit.

After months of criticism, Youssef hit back at the Arab world's double standards in the aftermath of an Egyptian footballer's harassment scandal (Amr Warda ring a bell?). 

Earlier this year, several women accused Warda of harassment.  Though Warda faced online criticism, it was minuscule compared to what he had done. 

Teammates and popular footballers in the country also shockingly tried to undermine the situation and came to his defense. He was initially banned from playing with his home country's national team at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, the ban didn't last long as the footballer was quickly pardoned after releasing an apology video. 

Youssef was among those who criticized the public for quickly forgiving Warda, noting the major discrepancies between how officials reacted to the footballer's case versus her choice of attire.

A dress has yet again become the center of public discussion. Will this ever stop?