On Vanity - or what happens when C thinks too much

[fox_c]

It really sucks when the image you see in the mirror is a shock. Part of this is the inevitable progress of time - somewhere in my head I will always be 19 - but the other parts are actionable

Comments

[electrichobbit]

It's probably just another randomly absorbed stupid cultural double standard. But should you jettison it? I feel like personal beauty is largely a matter of confidence. If spraying yourself with a nontoxic substance makes you more confident, I'd say it's worth it. I don't really think that there's anything inherently wrong with wanting to feel attractive...that's just the residual Catholicism talking.

In partially unrelated discussion, the issue of skin color in both cases is one of socio-economic status. Control over your skin color indicates higher socio-economic status...either because you can afford to stay inside (the darker skin tones in many races were associated historically with farm laborers) or because you can afford to vacation in the sun.

So the real solution here is that you and the hublet take a relaxing vacation in sunny Israel and obtain real live suntans here on our beautiful beaches :) Speaking of which, as it is Shabbat, I should be headed that direction myself.

[eldaradan]

I agree whole-heartedly with the residual Catholicism comment. A healthy cultivation of our appearance can of course become an unhealthy or malignant form of vanity, but really I just think of it as shepherding our personal share of the world's aesthetics and doing what we can to make the world a prettier place.

Now, me, I've mostly been against spray tans because most of the ones I've seen have been pretty bad. Although, I have to say, I've seen a few winters that've made me think really hard about tanning beds, but for reasons other than my pastiness. Frankly, at your latitude, I think I'd be considering tanning beds just to get through winters.

[fox_c]

I'm pretty sure that it will be the climate that finally drives us away from London, especially once my arthritis really kicks in with avengence. I'm hoping that yoga will help to keep this at bay, but it is probably inevitable at some stage. By then, of course, with global warming perhaps the climate will improve. . .

[fox_c]

I think it would take multiple trips to Isreal in order for us to start to build up even the start of a good tan so pasty pale has this country rendered us! But yes, a trip to see you is definitely in the offing. Am seriously contemplating during R's reading week in November once we know when that is. Otherwise, will aim for after his exams are done in late May/early June.

It's so ironic how 100 years ago it was the other way around - pale skin was the sign of wealth and prestige, seeing as how you could afford *not* to work outside. Stupid desk jobs have changed this entirely of course. Grump

[electrichobbit]

I'm ok with multiple trips to Israel as well :) November is a nice time to visit - it might be a little cool for the beach here, but we could always head south (either to the Sinai or Eilat). May/June is also lovely, and should be before the jellyfish arrive.

Personally, I think it's nice that we get to choose to go enjoy the sun now, rather than darkening ourselves in the fields. But then, I say that because I spent the last 4 or 5 saturdays at the beach, and I'm probably risking your wrath just by pointing it out.

[fox_c]

Not so much wrath as deep envy. Perhaps green is a better colour? :P

[electrichobbit]

I'm almost that color they used to call "flesh" in racially offensive crayon boxes. Soon I'll be the color of normal human beings!