Don't worry---I promise not to dissolve into a dissertation about how women are unfairly judged on their appearance from birth 'til death. Just an interesting occurence today while during a conversation, one of my bosses (the female one) said, "I bet you were pretty," referring to "way back then," whenever that was supposed to be, and obviously commiserating in the "fact" that this was no longer the case.
Instead of coming out with the appropriate response of "I'm pretty now, bitch," I bit my tongue and gave her a quick talk about how I never defined myself by my looks, be they good or bad. Doesn't mean that I am unaware of the impact, or lack thereof, or of the views of society---just means I am so much more than that.
Not many will believe this, but where physical attributes are concerned, I never see ugly people. I see people who are considered unattractive and truly, honestly don't think that in my head. It's like thinking that there's an ugly animal, when how can any animal be ugly?? They are what they are, and humans are too. Is someone worthless because of extra pounds, a scarred body, missing or diseased parts, no hair? Do we, or all species, have a built-in barometer of like-ness that narrowly defines the parameters for living within that species' community? Sounds nazi-spooky.
I have read where albino animals are often initially ostracized and excluded, but if memory serves, they are often accepted after time. We fight against many biological urges and drives all of the time---and that's where learned behavior must kick in.
Though my mom (and dad) died in 1992, on this day that is her birthday, allow me to thank both of them for teaching me the true meaning of acceptance.
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2 comments:
Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder right? I think this statement is true sometimes. I can often look at a flowering 'weed' and find beauty. The next person that comes down the trail may step on the plant b/c it is in their eyes ugly. Stepping on the plant is not right by any means,especially if it is native. I think what is important is that people realize that beauty is relative and at the end of the day what we qualitatively value as beauty does not really matter to nature.
The people of blogging land demand another blog. Keep up the good work. I hope the prairie is loving fall.
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