Conservative columnist George Will wrote a bit in the Washington Post about jeans that made me so mad that I WROTE A LETTER!
Dear Mr. Will,
I’m a big believer in letter-writing, and would have put this in the post to you to lend it a bit more gravity, but e-mail has become a more immediate mode of idea exchange. I’ve read your columns on and off for the majority of my life, as my parents are Newsweek subscribers. I’m not often in agreement with you, but think you are a thoughtful writer and you examine your own opinions as well as the actions of others in your columns.
I can’t express to you how disappointed I was in your recent column “Demon Denim” in the Washington Post. While I agree that workplace dress has changed significantly, and that denim should not always be the default mode of dress, I find it silly that you’re railing against wearing jeans during leisure time. Fashions change. I know that I’m not trying to pass myself off as a California gold panner of yore when I wear blue jeans. I wear them because they’re comfortable and practical for my daily activities.
However, I should also mention that I am a woman who wears pants (generally unthinkable a few generations ago, but look how far we’ve come). I’ve followed your recommendation to look to Grace Kelly, and she wore pants as well! Whew. However, my figure is very different from hers – high-waisted pants look odd over my hips, and my calves are larger than usual, making boot shopping problematic and capri pants laughable. Fortunately, due to changing fashion trends, I’m able to purchase a cut of pants that flatters my figure and makes me feel good about myself. I have a favorite pair of jeans which can be dressed up with a sweater and heeled shoes, or dressed down with a t-shirt and sneakers.
My actual issue with your column, however, came when you tried to speak of certain hobbies as infantalizing and immature. Your statement “Seventy-five percent of American “gamers” — people who play video games — are older than 18 and nevertheless are allowed to vote” was saddening. Do you honestly believe that people who play video games are nothing more than unthinking children at their base level, and should not be allowed to participate in democracy? Even though I sincerely hope this is not the case, it makes me angry that people continue to pick this hobby (one in which I participate and enjoy) as an example of immaturity in thought and being. Some might say the same thing about being a Cubs fan.
Well said! I agree with you that George Will is a thoughtful writer and though I don’t agree with him often I find his perspective interesting. In fact I often find his point of view thought provoking. His rant against jeans just came off as small minded and crabby.
Wow. I just thought my clothes were scruffy and ill-fitting. To hear them described as “symptomatic of deep disorders in the national psyche” actually gives me a twinge of pride.
I never realised I was that important.
Hi, Amanda! Cait told me where your blog was. ^_^
As a gal who regularly glams up her dark-wash jeans for work, I couldn’t agree more. I wear ‘em with heels and ballet flats and am lucky enough to work in a place where I can get away with it.
Wearing jeans is a symptom of national disorders of the psyche? Coooool. :)