Nnedi Okorafor Sparks Online Debate, Calls for Dress Code at Gyms: “No Modesty Anymore”
In a recent social media post that has stirred conversation across Nigeria and beyond, Nnedi Okorafor, the renowned Nigerian-American author known for her award-winning science fiction and fantasy novels, has taken a bold stance on what she considers a growing issue at gyms: the lack of modest clothing. The celebrated writer called for the introduction of dress codes in gyms, stating that the current trend of wearing revealing or “flimsy” workout attire is distracting, inappropriate, and lacking in modesty.
The comment, made via her Facebook page, has drawn mixed reactions from the public, sparking debates around modesty, personal freedom, gym culture, and societal standards.
Who is Nnedi Okorafor?
Before diving into the controversy, it’s important to understand who Nnedi Okorafor is and why her voice carries weight. Born in the United States to Nigerian parents, Okorafor has carved a name for herself in global literature, particularly in the genres of Afrofuturism, science fiction, and fantasy. Her books such as Who Fears Death, Akata Witch, and Binti have earned numerous accolades and international praise.
Known for incorporating African culture and themes into her narratives, she has always been outspoken on issues of race, identity, and social values. So when someone like Okorafor speaks out on a cultural or societal issue, it naturally garners attention—not just from her fans, but from a wider public audience.
The Controversial Post: What She Said
On Facebook, Nnedi Okorafor didn’t mince words about her feelings toward what she perceives as inappropriate gym attire. She wrote:
"There needs to be a dress code at the gym. I don’t even care who gets offended by me saying this anymore."
This statement alone set the tone for the post—blunt, unapologetic, and clearly coming from a place of frustration. She went further to criticize the often-used response that people who are uncomfortable with revealing outfits should simply “look away” or “focus on their workout.”
"And the whole ‘look somewhere else’ excuse is bullshit when someone’s gigantic ass in barely any clothes (flimsy clothes made to accentuate it) is jiggling in your face when you happen to look up to take a breath. It’s awful!!! No modesty."
The post was met with a wave of reactions, from strong support to sharp criticism.
Why Is This a Big Deal? The Cultural Context
Gym culture in Nigeria and other parts of the world has evolved rapidly in recent years. As health and fitness awareness grows, so does the influence of global fashion trends in gym attire. Social media fitness influencers often wear form-fitting, revealing clothes that not only display their physiques but also promote specific body standards. This has trickled down to everyday gym-goers, many of whom now consider stylish and sometimes skimpy outfits a norm for workouts.
But Okorafor’s concerns tap into a larger societal conversation about modesty, respect for public spaces, and personal freedom. Her words have reignited debates around whether gyms should enforce dress codes, and if so, who decides what’s acceptable?
Supporters: "She’s Just Saying What Many Are Thinking"
Many who agree with Nnedi Okorafor’s stance have praised her for speaking the truth boldly, especially in a time when cultural sensitivities often silence such opinions.
Some argued that gyms are public, shared spaces where individuals should dress respectfully, not in a manner that draws unnecessary attention or makes others uncomfortable. To them, the rise of extremely revealing workout clothes is less about fitness and more about vanity or seeking attention.
Supporters online commented things like:
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“Finally, someone said it. Gym is for exercise, not a fashion show or a dating app.”
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“People have completely thrown away shame and modesty. There should be limits.”
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“I go to the gym to focus on my health, not to be distracted by bouncing buttocks and visible underwear.”
From this perspective, Nnedi Okorafor is being seen as a voice of reason, challenging a trend that many feel uncomfortable addressing.
Critics: "Let People Wear What They Want"
On the flip side, Okorafor’s post also attracted heavy backlash from those who felt her comments were unnecessarily judgmental, body-shaming, and patriarchal, especially coming from a woman.
Critics argue that people have the right to wear whatever makes them comfortable, especially in a place like the gym, where flexibility, breathability, and comfort are essential for physical activity.
Others point out that focusing on someone else's body or clothing—even when it's not meant for you—is part of the problem.
Typical responses included:
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“If you don’t like what someone is wearing, don’t look. Simple.”
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“People have different body types. What fits snugly on one person might look more revealing on another.”
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“Shaming people for their bodies or their clothing is outdated and harmful.”
These critics accused Okorafor of pushing respectability politics, arguing that imposing dress codes could further marginalize people, especially women, who are already policed for how they dress in many aspects of life.
Should Gyms Enforce Dress Codes?
This isn't a new debate, but Okorafor’s viral post has brought it back to the forefront. Many gyms around the world already have some form of dress code, often for hygiene and safety reasons, such as requiring closed-toe shoes or disallowing certain fabrics.
However, the concept of a morality-based dress code is much more controversial. It opens up difficult questions like:
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Who defines what’s “too revealing”?
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Are these rules applied equally to all genders?
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Can dress codes be implemented without discriminating?
In countries like Nigeria, where traditional values often clash with Western norms, these conversations take on even more weight. While modesty is often emphasized culturally, the younger generation is more exposed to global trends that celebrate body confidence and freedom of expression.
Final Thoughts: Is It About Modesty or Control?
At the heart of this debate is a fundamental question: Where do we draw the line between personal freedom and shared responsibility in public spaces?
Nnedi Okorafor’s post might have been fiery, but it shines a light on an issue that many feel but few are willing to articulate. Whether you agree with her or not, it’s clear that we need more open conversations around respect, attire, and comfort in public spaces like gyms.
Rather than creating hard rules or descending into online hostility, perhaps the best way forward is mutual respect and mindfulness. People should feel free to be comfortable during workouts, but also consider how their presence affects others in a shared environment.
As Nigeria’s fitness culture continues to grow, these conversations will only become more relevant. And for many, it’s thanks to bold voices like Nnedi Okorafor that such topics finally come to the surface.
What’s your take? Should gyms in Nigeria introduce dress codes, or should people be allowed to wear whatever they choose? Join the conversation in the comments on NaijaRush.
