A question of taste…

Rearing children is a daunting task and not one to be undertaken lightly, but is that a widespread attitude? A glance at passing crowds of young people flies in the face of this simple statement.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that, in fact, is true, then present patterns of attire don’t whisper, they shout.

The good old days had a lot of drawbacks, but in one sense they are head and shoulders above what we see as “accepted dress” today. To put it bluntly, “contractors’ crack” or “cleavage” were restricted to job sites and sleazy entertainment venues. Not so today, folks….

After an afternoon or evening among crowds of people of all ages, it isn’t hard to spot some of the causes. Women in their 30s and 40s, children in tow, sport apparel that — in many cases — is downright provocative.

Since parents bear the burden of serving as examples for their offspring, it’s easy to assume that the outfits on the kids are simply an extension of the old saying “monkey see, monkey do”.

When did it become good taste to wear low-cut blouses and dresses to church services? And what of the skirt lengths that mirror short shorts? It’s no wonder that assault and abduction cases are so common. If you put out an ad, someone will answer it.

It’s probably futile to even bring it up, but a view of feminism that extols the highest ideals of womanhood surely has a place in society today. I have nothing against working women. Been there. Done that. Yet, I have worked for women who are inordinately “bossy” and do nothing for the reputation of those of their sisters who toil using good manners and kindness.

Oh, there are prime examples of women who dress well and in good taste, but I fear that not only are they in the minority, but also that their numbers are shrinking.

If I am a couturier’s dinosaur, so be it. Some of the outfits remind me of airport artwork — easily attributable to a kindergartener. Go figure. To a large extent, the solution lies in school uniforms. Major studies confirm that behavioral problems decrease markedly within mere weeks of instituting such attire. Yet, school systems lag behind and fuel problems that have no place in the classrooms, hallways, restrooms, parking lots, at athletic or musical events and aboard buses. First impressions are everything. It’s apparent that not too many of us take that to heart. Think about it.

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