There is hope!

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/07/18/national/main709848.shtml

This is kind of a goofy story, but what struck me is that these young women (and hopefully this is an indication of a generational attitude) were unashamed to appear before our President in their most comfortable footwear. What would have been even cooler is if one of them had been barefoot. But at least we have hope that the times are changing. Good for those young ladies, for showing the world that how we dress doesn't demean the quality of our characters as individuals. Shame on those old farts for suggesting otherwise.

 

well, I think this is more about what is appropriate in some situations than about anything else. When in a formal situation, no matter whom you are meeting, you should be wearing appropriate attire.

As a barefooter, most times I would love to be barefoot. However, when I was in Washington D.C., meeting with senators and congressmen, I wore good shoes. Why? Because I wanted to give them the impression that I was a responsible respectable young woman with something to say. I did not want them staring at my feet and not hearing my words.

Although, this was a meeting with President Bush....Hmm....aww, fuck it. He's from Texas. He should understand

 

And who deems what is "appropriate"? See, I understand what you're trying to say, but that's all the more reason why I respect these young ladies for flying in the face of what is deemed appropriate, and why I find it sad that this even was considered newsworthy.

I guess I am just trying to say that I hope for a world where people one day respect each other for what they have to say and what they think, not what they wear. Meh, maybe I'm the only one who thinks that way.

 

I understand what you're trying to say, as well. You shouldn't have to be dressed a certain way for someone to take you seriously. it is quite sad. but unless lots of people stand up together, these small instances will be newsworthy and nothing will come of them.

 

Believe me, you're not the only one who thinks that way. But I don't think there are enough of us. The changes we're hoping for may indeed be underway, but it's going to take so long---

 

I dont see why that would be a problem. I would think that Senators and Congressmen could actually admire your bravery for showing up barefoot when so many people wouldnt think of doing such a thing.

Why not just skip the fancy clothes and give these people the impression that youre a responsible respectable young woman through your words and your actions? Just because youre barefoot would not imply that you are not responsible or respectable and if it does then thats not your fault that people are immature and come to that conclusion so easily over something so silly. If they think youre trashy just for being barefoot then thats their problem. I would expect mature people like them to look at you and maintain eye contact when they talk to you and not look at your feet, even if you are barefoot.

Being barefoot IS appropriate attire for some. This country is too humped up on looks.

 

Well hell, it's not like the dude is holy. (G.W. Bush) Shit, maybe if he was holy, the bare-feet, or flopped feet might have been a requirement.

Anyway, I still have a problem with the fact that bare-feet, or any other natural body part is "Not Proper" for many occasions. WTF???
We don't make every one wear gloves to be in the one and all, almighty Mr. President. Why should feet matter? I am sure he is barefoot sometimes.

If I had a chance to meet the president... or anybody important, or famous for that matter, if I can't be barefoot, then THEY don't get the pleasure of meeting me. That's THEIR problem, not mine. If they are gonna be a dick about me walking around with the same bare-feet that I was born with, 'ta hell with 'em.

 

I totally agree with you on this. And I have felt this way since the early 70s. Unfortunately, everywhere I go, I'm in the minority. It has always been this way. I see some things improving. Slowly.

 

As I keep saying, and others have noticed too---we, the freest nation on earth--- are a nation of control freaks. I don't know the exact proportion, of course, but it has got to be high. I think this problem can be won but I still don't think there are enough of us who think this way.

 

I didn't see anything wrong with those girls wearing sandals/flip flops... it's just bush for crying out loud.

 

The United States of the Offended, that's what it's turned into. I like Sweden where it's common to see half naked people in city parks getting some sun. I've noticed there seems to be a lot more barefeet in advertising and t.v., For example, Skymall magazine had more than 22 photos of people with barefeet. But as a citizen of society, I'm expected to act in a different and more certain manner. I blame lawyers for most of this country's problems. Too many lawyers leads to irresponsibility and greed. Afterall, most of our politicians are lawyers. If society would mind their own business and take responsibility for their own actions, we'd all be happier people.

 

All so true, and too many of us sue. That last line about taking responsibility originally comes from the conservative side and just for once I agree with them.

 

They need to make it harder for you to sue for things and make sure that you can only sue for real legitimate reasons. Also another thing which would discourage it is if when whoever sues the other person loses, the person theyved tried to sue can turn around and sue them. That would keep alot of the nonsense lawsuits from happening.