The New Garment Update Exposed a Deep Cultural Rift (ft. Mimi Bascom)

Brief Summary

This video features a conversation with Mimi Baskam, a Latter-day Saint influencer, about the new temple garment designs, including a tank top and skirt option, and the diverse reactions they have sparked within the Latter-day Saint community. The discussion covers initial reactions, the impact on modesty standards, social media responses, and the balance between personal interpretation and church guidelines. It also addresses the garment's symbolism, challenges in adapting to the changes, and the importance of individual spiritual reflection.

• Initial reactions to the new garment designs were mixed, ranging from excitement to shock and hesitation.
• The tank top garment has sparked debate about modesty norms and shoulder coverage.
• Social media responses vary from excitement among younger members to mixed feelings from older generations and criticism from those outside the church.
• The garment is seen as both a symbol of Jesus Christ and a representation of modesty, with personal intention playing a key role.
• Adapting to the new garment change presents challenges, including the potential for reduced community identification and the need for individual spiritual reflection.

Introduction to the New Garment Design

The video introduces the new Latter-day Saint temple garment designs, specifically the tank top and skirt options released in October 2024. These new designs have generated significant buzz and discussion, particularly as they become more accessible during the summer. The conversation aims to explore the reasons behind the division and varying reactions to these changes within the Latter-day Saint community.

Initial Reactions to the New Garments

Mimi Baskam shares her initial excitement about the new garment designs, particularly for those in hot and humid climates, as well as the new fashion options they provide. The speaker expresses shock at the introduction of the tank top garment but excitement for the skirt option, noting its potential for expanding wardrobe choices. Both agree on the benefits for pregnant and postpartum women, highlighting the practicality and comfort the new designs offer during these times.

Practical Considerations and Underwear

Mimi expresses excitement for the slip option, especially during pregnancy and postpartum for comfort and ease. The skirt option is seen as providing additional protection during menstrual cycles. The conversation addresses a common question about whether underwear can be worn under the slip garment, confirming that it is permissible according to the handbook, although this wasn't always the understanding in older generations.

Impact on Modesty Norms

The discussion shifts to how the tank top garment may affect modesty standards, particularly regarding shoulder exposure. Mimi anticipates a transition period, with younger generations more readily adopting the new standard. The speaker references historical changes in garment design, such as the shift from wrist-to-ankle coverage to short sleeves and knee-length garments in the 1920s, to provide context for the current changes.

Social Media Response

Mimi identifies three main groups reacting to the new garment designs on social media: those excited about the change, older generations with mixed feelings, and critics questioning the consistency of church doctrine. The speaker adds a fourth group: those frustrated by the limited initial availability of the new garments, particularly in Utah. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the church's global reach and the logistical considerations in prioritizing distribution to areas with greater need.

New York Times Article

The New York Times published an article about the Latter-day Saint reaction to the new temple garments, highlighting the excitement and buzz among online content creators. The speaker expresses surprise at the coverage, noting past articles focused on garment-related frustrations. The speaker views the article as a positive sign of the growing influence of faithful Latter-day Saint creators and their potential to share the gospel.

Modifying Existing Garments

The discussion addresses the question of whether it is acceptable to modify existing garments into tank tops, given the new design option. Mimi states she would not feel comfortable modifying existing garments, citing the guidance against altering them. The speaker acknowledges the logic behind wanting to modify garments, especially for specific needs like wedding dresses, but emphasizes the sacredness of the garment and the importance of following established guidelines.

Reasons for Division

Mimi attributes the division surrounding the new garment designs to the long-standing association of modesty with specific clothing standards, particularly shoulder coverage. She notes that changing these standards can be challenging for those who have been taught them for years. The speaker suggests that the church is adapting its standards to better align with global norms and the needs of its worldwide membership.

Modesty and the Garment

The conversation explores the relationship between modesty and the garment, noting a shift from viewing the garment as an enforcer of modesty to recognizing modesty as a broader concept encompassing attitude and intention. Mimi emphasizes that personal decisions about modesty should be made prayerfully, in consultation with God. The speaker agrees, highlighting the importance of individual agency and spiritual reflection.

Coverage vs. Attitude

Mimi believes modesty involves both coverage and attitude, emphasizing intention. She shares a personal story to illustrate how one's intention behind clothing choices is crucial. The speaker agrees that modesty is about more than just clothing, but also about the attitude and intention behind what one wears.

Symbolism of the Garment

The discussion explores whether the garment is primarily about modesty or a symbol of Jesus Christ, suggesting it can be both. Mimi asserts that the primary purpose of the garment is to symbolize Jesus Christ. The speaker agrees, emphasizing that the garment's coverage is intricately tied to its symbolic richness, representing the covering provided by Christ's atonement.

Challenges in Adapting to Change

Mimi believes a significant challenge will be the reduced ability to "garment check" others, which she sees as a positive development. The speaker raises the concern that the new garment styles may diminish the sense of community and belonging that comes from identifying fellow members through their adherence to specific dress standards. Mimi suggests that members can continue to stand out through their service, attitude, and countenance.

Advice for Those Struggling

Mimi advises those struggling with the changes to seek guidance from God and focus on the positive aspects of having a living prophet. The speaker shares personal struggles with changes to the endowment ceremony and emphasizes that God has always adapted practices to meet the needs of His children. She encourages viewers to evaluate their assumptions and recommit to the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Mimi encourages viewers to focus on their personal spiritual journeys and avoid comparing themselves to others. The speaker shares her love for wearing the temple garment as a daily reminder of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. The video concludes with thanks to Mimi for her insights and a call for viewers to share their thoughts on the new garment designs in the comments.