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The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland Tennessee (TN) and Bradley County Tennessee (Tn).
Of Bradley County Tn.
APRIL 2014
The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland and Bradley County Tn.
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The People News
Lifestyles
Special Report
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HOME
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BACK ISSUE ARCHIVE
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EDITORIALS
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LETTERS
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CONTACT US
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What Happened to Femininity?
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by Alexandra Edwards
Growing up in England during the sixties it was normal for females to be taught how to be girls, young ladies, wives and mothers. School lessons for girls included cooking, sewing and home economics. Once married, a woman's role was typically to be a housewife, which meant keeping the house in order, cooking, cleaning and raising a family. Whereas, the role of a married man was to go out to work each day and earn enough money to keep the family, and lovingly say "Hi honey, I'm home,"on his return.
Fortunately for women, times have changed dramatically since then. Today's married woman is far more liberated, with the majority pursuing a career of their choice. Those who find it necessary to work outside the home in order to make ends meet, for the most part, now have equal job opportunities. Though the roles of married couples have not reversed, housekeeping chores and the raising of children are now shared.
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Today's woman is more powerful than ever before in both corporate and professional level careers. Many are leaders and politicians, although we have yet to have had a woman U.S. President, there are some likely candidates for the near future. Women no longer need prove to the world that they are just as intelligent and capable of doing as good a job as any man, they have already done that. Seems like men have finally come to terms with that notion, too. In fact, if women were to use their feminine powers over a man, rather than compete on a masculine level, she'd win every time.
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Why then is today's woman so reluctant to show her femininity? What has happened to dresses, colorful skirts and frilly blouses, bows and barrettes, updo's and bangs. All of the above can easily be found in major department stores in the mall each year, but very few women seem to be wearing them. To look professional, career clothes do not need to consist of drab color pant suits, slacks and shirts and stuffy business suits. Leave those for the men. This is where women have one up on men, by wearing a pretty feminine dress, not too short or low, they can look absolutely stunning while still maintaining their professionalism.
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Casual wear for women today is unisex, consisting mostly of Capri pants, jeans, shorts, baggy tee shirts and flip flops. All are masculine clothes, with the exception of ugly Capri pants, originally designed to fit snug round the thigh tapering tight at mid calf with a small slit at each side, which now seem to be baggy, straight and swing at the ankle. Again, ladies apparel stores all over town are stocked with beautiful cotton dresses in all colors, solid or floral, strapless or strapped, long or short in all sizes, casual or formal. Where are the women wearing them?
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Dresses are just as comfortable, especially in warmer weather and can be worn anywhere, to work, to the beach, to the park, to the mall or to dinner. Dresses are inexpensive yet so versatile, they can be dressed down with sandals or flip flops during the day or dressed up by adding a few accessories, like jewelry, a belt or high heels for the evening. Some are no more than long tee shirts, yet still look much more feminine than Capris' and shorts. Skirts, long, midi or short, many having elastic waist which can be worn by women of all sizes, paired with a pretty cotton blouse can be cool, comfortable and suitable for all occasions.
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Young women wishing to attract Mr. Right do not seem to realize that by just being feminine, wearing a pretty dress as opposed to looking sexy in ultra short shorts and tight low cut tee shirt, they will catch the eye of every male.
Not every woman likes to wear makeup, but a quick powder of the nose and a little lipstick is all that is needed to look a little more attractive. Well maintained hairstyles, long or short can look feminine and very flattering on women of all ages. Long hair is no longer only for the under 30s. Many older women seem to have given up altogether and rather than have their hair styled, or even permed, opt for a barbershop haircut identical to that of their spouse.
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Most role model female celebrities are admired by both sexes mainly for their femininity rather than acting ability. Marylin Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Rachel Welch, Bridgette Bardot, to name just a few.
Women should be proud to show their femininity after what has been achieved, and not hide it in non-descriptive masculine clothing. Wearing feminine clothing makes a woman appear less competitive and more confident around both men and women. What her appearance is saying is,'' look at me, I'm pretty, I'm an individualist not a follower, yet still just as smart and intelligent as you are.' Just like the famous song says from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song, Enjoy Being A Girl. I do, even though I'm in my senior years!
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"When I have a brand new hairdo,
With my eyelashes all in curl,
I float as the clouds on air do, I enjoy being a girl!
When men say I'm cute and funny
And my teeth aren't teeth, but pearl,
I just lap it up like honey I enjoy being a girl!
I flip when a fellow sends me flowers,
I drool over dresses made of lace,
I talk on the telephone for hours
With a pound and a half of cream upon my face."
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HOME
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BACK ISSUE ARCHIVE
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EDITORIALS
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LETTERS
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