The Thanksgiving Tradition

I am not going to go into a big long argument about Thanksgiving. I just want to mention an interesting observation.  I was talking to a group of women about how they celebrate their holidays “back home.”  It was wonderful hearing what they had to say.  In some ways it was the same as the way we celebrate in the United States and in some ways it was different.  The most interesting part of the conversation is that one of the things that made the difference was money.

 When you hear us talk about the holidays we talk about spending time with family, friends and spending money. All the television commercials show us coming together and sporting new “things.” I see less and less about family togetherness in these commercials. Now the holidays include the black Friday or holiday shopping experience.  I hear us talking about taking advantage of the black Friday sales.  The other ladies only talked about the preparations, coming together and observing traditions.  They spoke warmly about seeing family they don’t get to see as often as they would like. 

There is nothing wrong with shopping but now we cut our holidays short to shop.  We eat and run out to find “sales.”  The busiest travel holiday of the year and we eat and then run out to shop.

I heard one store wanted to give their employees time off for Thanksgiving and the shopping center said they would fine the store by the hour if they did not open on Thanksgiving. I wonder what that says about our “traditions and values.”

Sigrid

Fashion Statement – Friend or Foe

When I think of fashion and style I think of trying to look my best.  Experimenting with a new look. I find that empowering and exciting.  I like going outside my comfort zone to make a fashion statement either to the world or just to myself.  I think fashion should be a fun expression of self to world.  If that is so why are women still being heavily judged on how they look?

 The fashion industry should concentrate on helping us look our best not, condemning us for not living up to a standard that changes at the drop of a hat.  A fashion ideal that does not exist.  The women on the runway do not even look like the “true fashion ideal.” This is the 21^st century.  Diversity should be in.  We claim fashion is a personal statement but when someone steps out of line they create a “fashion emergency” and are attacked by the fashion police.  I guess it is not such a personal statement afterall.

I know it’s really all about the money.  They keep the ideal out of reach to keep us spending more money.  Ok, I get it.  But being cruel to women is not very endearing.  We talk about and see how disempowering and dangerous bullying is.  But the fashion industry continues to bully women about how we look.  If someone spoke harshly about a person based on race, creed, or religion the world would attack.  But attack a woman about her fashion statement and it’s open season.  To me bullying is bullying.  Stop Being a Bully!!!

Sigrid