In the old tale, the world can see, but is afraid to tell, the vain emperor he is parading without any clothing. Fair enough. Only this vanity is true of countless folks today. Even in an age where there are no emperors. Aha, some examples come to mind...? Yes, me too...!
One quickly thinks of the tall, emaciated models on Paris and New York runways. They strut -- empty eyes staring indifferently straight ahead -- in front of gaggles of pompously attired designers who watch breathlessly. Not to deny the models or designers their hard earned careers, but really now. Do they not total 0.005 of the world population? Is it not likely the other 99.005 see them as all rather naked?
Talking about strutting, there are also our celebrities. In denied but worldwide alliance with the camera-clicking paparazzi, these film and television stars understand their bodies are their business. And thus it is they indulge them in hours of bathing, boosting, and botoxing. Yet, in the cameras of our eyes, are not most of these celebrities far more rich of fame than of talent?
If this sounds petty and peevish, probably. And yet when you see middle-aged men with necklines plunging down flabby chests adorned with golden chains, it's hard not to roll your stunned eyes. Especially when these thickish Adonises are wearing a giggly twentysomething on their arms.
Help me here. Is it so wrong to also add to this list all those middle-aged women whose mirrors lie to them as they struggle into the tight fashion-jeans they are now parading through stores and restaurants? Someone should -- not me -- advise them the stares they are getting are more stifled amazement than silent admiration.
Could this little rant simply be supressed envy? Well, not when one studies the subject matters at hand. No, not envy. Perhaps a mix of shock, shame, and just a little sadness. For who among us can say this is not exactly the way we look to others...?
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I know dozens more!!
ReplyDeleteAnd now there are fashion shows in Paris for oversized women's clothes. This morning I saw "plus size" women on the runway with the latest attire. In another clip a female clothing advisor stated that "men like women's curves. They always have and always will". OK, to me, round is not curves.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Jerry, I think we've always liked curves. Especially on some girls. Whenever I hear Willie Nelson & Helio Inglesis sing "To All The Girls I've Loved Before," I can't help but think about so many Trinity girls from the class of 1950. Bonnie McGarth, Mickey Cavello, Peggy Riordan, Carol Donahue, Pat Bates, Rita Rigney. Here's a sad report -- almost 40% of them are dead!
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