As I walked the isles of my local big-box stores in search of garden supplies I noticed one similarity between almost every woman regardless her race or age - I live in a town filled with run-down, out of shape or angry women.
Every woman walked as though she was bearing some onerous burden.
Every woman walked as though she was beaten down, as though she had just given up trying, as though she was the victim of her own life.
When did so many women become so sloppy?
I'm sure ones weight could be a factor in her level of confidence but I miss the days when women would be reminded by their mothers to sit up straight or to keep their heads up or to keep their shoulders back.
I miss the days when women would act and look like well-prepared ladies.
10 comments:
When the economy is bad, it's the women and children who suffer most. It sounds as though they are depressed. Perhaps these women are reflecting a not so good situation. As we all are I think.
I agree. Regardless of personal turmoil, women - and only women - should not be able to actually express a natural human attitude to the stresses of life and must put on a mask, regardless of how mentally, physically, etc. unwell they feel for the appeasement of men and their comfort and expectations. Got arthritis? SUCK IT UP AND PUT ON THEM HEELS. On your period, cramping, and anemic? Coming home after spending ten hours on your feet all day? SUCK IT UP AND DRESS TO THE NINES.
All exaggeration of your post aside, I'm sure there's a valid point to be found somewhere. And I think people IN GENERAL have become a bit more lazy in their appearance - I'm sure you could've looked around and found just as many sloppy men. But I agree with Desertflower - this economy is rough. Can we give each other a slight break? I think women already have enough judgments based on their appearance without adding posture into the mix. Perhaps maybe when the expectations of womens' appearance get so numerous and unrealistic, we just give up trying and admit that we can't be glamorous models 24/7. Personally, I do put effort into my appearance, and I like to look nice. But I certainly have my days when I'm tired and sick, and put on a t-shirt and jeans. I don't think I should be judged for being human.
Stop going to Golden Corral UBJ!
Texas just has some big women down there as my brother told me down there the booty comes with a belly.
Keep your head to the sky and you won't see them as much.
I gotta agree with the first two posters. If you're at a big box store, chances are these ladies are running routine, mundane errands for either themselves or their families. I know when I'm stuck running errands, my goal isn't to look amazing. It's to be comfortable enough to just get through this boring task.
Though, I recognize that this apparently does upset men. A guy told me recently that when we first met, he was disappointed that I wasn't more dressed up and I wasn't wearing makeup. We met, incidentally, at a volunteer table backstage at a film festival. I was going to be schelpping boxes and running numbers. Of course I wasn't dressed up.
He wasn't dressed up, either. But that was okay with him.
The first two commenters had points, but remember that John was speaking as a man.
Men are visual creatures who respond primarily to visual cues. And while it may not be the job of women to make themselves look good for our enjoyment, we still would prefer if you did.
We're selfish like that.
@ Courtney: Love your analysis. So true!
Gait and posture certainly do give an indication of health and well being so if the women in your area are walking around bent shouldered and with heavy feet then they are in need of life enhancing measures rather than advice to stand up straight and look good.
@ Desertflower - I'm sure a lot of guys were just as worn down but I was trying (not) to check out the ladies. People always tell me that I walk 'too proud' (whatever that means) and I never thought about it until I noticed how depressed everyone looked.
I live in a fairly inexpensive market and the prison, port and refinery jobs pay well even without requiring one to have an education.
Finacially, things are prtty good here - culturally... not so much.
@ Courtney - Many (most) of the women here are overweight, even obese. Most talk about being a 'proud big girl' with their own money but then the next sentence is 'I'm going on a diet.' or "I'm getting (fill in blank) surgery.".
I'm not just talking about walking around with a book on their heads but putting some effort into reching a goasl of good health.
@ FreeMan - But the New Girl is still out of town - I had to peak.
@ T.O.E. - Nah, it's not that. The sexiest women (IMOHO) are those who still look good while wearing a t-shirt, jeans and a ball cap while working.
@ BigMan - Yup.
@ Amanda - Exactly. There are REASONS behind such postures. Health, mental well being, spirituality,...
I just prefer a woman who can still act like a lady even under stress.
I just like women who have the confidence to push through tough times with grace.
I was posting more about the visual cues such postures give more than about the affectation of being a Southern Belle.
Interesting post...
However, I miss the days when men were REAL men and knew how to uplift the women and make us feel good.
Changing times when all you get from men is critique day and day and no encouragement.....No wonder the women are beat down and unhappy!
all we have now are men that are full of critique who don't even fit the bill themselves....The world is full of Mickey mouse men now.
Oh and UGLYblackJohn, I would like to see how you look....I bet you are not hercules yourself....LOL
Your blog seems to be mostly all about fat women....I don't like the fat/obese look myself, but nearly every other post is YOU harping on about how women are fat and look like hippopotamus.
How about writing a post about fitness and how people, including fat men (don't forget those), which you never seem to mention, can lose some weight, hmmm?
I'm only telling you because I was contemplating removing your blog from the blogs I follow....If you know what I mean....Kind of getting bored about reading fat this, fat that, every other post.
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