“Clothes are politicized objects, a sartorial billboard, a manifesto on your back,” said Alexander Fury of The New York Times. “The boundaries of men’s wear are easier to … outrage when their conventions are challenged.”

Our society restricts men’s clothing with guidelines that are too severe.

On Jan. 22, Rick Owens, a designer who is challenging men’s wear conventions, decided to send some of his male models down the runway with tunics that subtly showed good ol’ genitalia.

The Internet certainly ate this up in a stir of controversy and displayed it as the headline for Paris’ fashion week. GQ magazine headlined with “Ballsy looks from Rick Owens.”

What is so “ballsy” or outlandish about showing penises?

“This particular display of genitals does not so much elicit lust as it does a naïve honesty,” wrote Jeremy Lewis in an article for VICE News.

In terms of penises being a presence on the runway, this show is a first. In contrast, fashion’s history is well known for its fair share of female nudity.

“Owens’ show was partially an attempt to even the playing field,” wrote Erika Adams in an article for Racked National.

“Well, isn’t it time?” said Owens in an interview with i-D.

Guilford College is known for being more of a genderqueer safe house than most, but that does not mean there is an even playing field across campus.

Last school year, a controversy arose as Matt Pots was told to leave the weight room because of multiple complaints. Sophomore Leonard Davis reported these complaints were a reaction to Pots wearing spandex. Davis said he ran over to the Campus Life offices, livid.

A new rule arose after this altercation as now no men or women are allowed to wear spandex or leggings in the gym. While attending the gym weekly last school year, I never noticed any women following these rules or being told to leave.

First-year Amaris Clay did not know that was a rule.

“Women, and myself, show up to the gym and walk around campus in leggings,” said Clay. “I never get backlash for wearing them. I mostly get compliments. And yes, wearing leggings shows my dick more than pants. Big deal.”

In the gym’s attempt to create gender equality, the culture of Guilford outside and even inside appears to have changed. It has become more accepting of clothing being gender-neutral.

This discussion of visible penises is not just about sexual expression but what societies claim to be inappropriate and what is acceptable.

“The standards are white, middle class and heteronormative,” said Fury.

It seems that Tricky Ricky wants to shift a paradigm, hoping that men will be able express their private area to not be so private anymore.

“Most people take my clothes more seriously than I do,” said Owens in an interview with Telegraph.

Owens may be able to show people who complained about Pots working out that no one should judge a book, or a penis, by its cover.