A Matter of Style? Or Exhibitionism?Writing the Wrongs

Shari's Birthday Card

This past birthday was one of my best yet. My buds at work placed a big “Happy Birthday” banner over my door, and presented me with beautiful flowers, a gorgeous plant, a catered lunch and a few funky birthday cards.

The card that will definitely go into my memory box has three stern looking women on the front. The elderly women, obviously from a bygone era, are dressed in sensible black-laced shoes and sensible cotton dresses that nearly touch their ankles.

Three bubbles popping from their heads read: “Tramp!” “Tart!” “Hussy!”

The inside message says: “It’s unanimous — you’ve still got it! Happy Birthday!”

I laughed out loud when I read it... and smiled some more each time I glanced at it during the rest of the day.

But isn’t it funny how you perspective can change in just a few days?
Lately, I’ve been feeling like the “Grandmas” pictured in that card.
Let me tell you why.

On a recent trip to a Broad Ripple boutique, I held up a stylish number and commented to the sales clerk, “This shirt is so cute!” The clerk, who looked like she was about 19 or 20, gave me a blank look before replying, “That’s a dress.”

I held it up again. “This is a dress? Really?”

“Yeah,” the young lady replied. “But some women wear leggings with it.”
“Some?”

And just the other day, at a nail salon, another young woman was about to give an elderly man a heart attack as she gave him a pedicure. Her shorts looked like panties and her top had less coverage than a camisole.

OK. I realize styles change. Shorts get shorter. Skirts get microscopic. And necklines leave absolutely nothing to the imagination.

But I’m starting to wonder, What’s next, ladies? Nudity?

My 9-year-old daughter realized too late that I’ve been fuming about this very thing when she innocently said, “Megan Fox is a good actor,” after we had seen the sequel to Transformers.

After seeing Megan Fox teeter, totter and pose in skimpy clothes and pout throughout the film, I can tell you that acting never once entered my mind.
Now, thoughts like “Tramp!” “Tart!” and “Hussy!” did.

I guess you can call me Grandma.

I’m OK with that.

Hmmmm…. What do you think? Are we showing too much flesh? Or is it not a big deal — just a matter of styles coming and going? Leave your comments here or on our FaceBook page

by Shari Finnell