more...and more

[corinthum]

> Dot said: 
> 
> What are we to make of studies that
> show a person is considered more attractive (to both sexes) if 
> they're standing next to a thin person than if they're standing next 
> to a fat person in a queue? Not being somebody else's idea of
> fashionable or attractive *can* screw up a woman's life.  

Ginger now:
 
> I have been watching this with great amusement.  As the fat person
in the queue, I can assure you that anyone looks good next to me.  
> 
> Ah, the joys of being homely.  Aside from basic hygene, and the
monthly removal of one's mustache, personal care is not the expensive
time-consuming process that it is for the sisterhood of beauty-seekers. 
> 
> I do believe Barry had a point about the magazines.  After 22 years
of hair dye, I decided to let the grey go, and it was the women who
fussed and worried.  The men thought it looked great, barring a few
"skunk" and "Bride of Frankenstein" references from those close enough
to be addressed as "Hey, Buttugly" on a regular basis.
> 
> No, I must say that as an observer of humanity, the lengths we go to
to look good is silly.  Anyone remember leg warmers?  What was up with
that?  Did we really think men would be attracted if we resembled
Clydesdales?  Maybe it was the unconcious connection to beer.
> 
> Highly impractical.  North Dakota.  20 degrees below 0, and the
women still have to have exposed navels so the boys will think they
are cute.  Yeah, nothing sexier than frostbite.
> 
> Good to be past that stage in life.  


You have some good points, Ginger, but there's a difference between
looking good and looking trendy.  Legwarmers and exposed navels fall
into the latter category.  However, most aspects of beauty are not
arbitrary, society-induced characteristics.  They are instead
indicators of health and youthfulness, and favored among most animals
as indicators of reproductive ability.  I see nothing wrong with
trying to look one's best; I think it indicates a respect for oneself.    

And regarding the magazines, come on, Barry, you don't honestly think
women take everything in those things seriously, do you?  They're
entertaining, good fluff to read when you don't feel like thinking too
much.  It's fun to look at fashions, admire some and ridicule others,
but I think most women past the age of 16 understand that there's more
to life than looking like a model. 

Regarding Molly, despite the apparent female thing, I must admit I
don't understand the severe dislike of her character either.  Bill,
Charlie, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny don't seem nearly as traumatized
by Molly's evil favoritism as several listmembers.  Molly has a very
narrow definition of success, but I never read that as affecting her
love for her children.  I find her humorous.  

-Kelly