Barely There

Regardless of my age, I am not a prude. Nor am I someone who aspires to behaviours that are morally and socially unacceptable. What others do, is their business and their freedom of expression. I don't have to like it, however. That is my freedom. Lately, in the broader media, I see photos of Hollywood actresses wearing garments that they must wear to please their employers. At least, I hope those are their reasons, because some of the outfits are horrendous and completely unsuitable to the pared-down bodies that are forced to wear them. Apparently, for these poor ladies, who I hope are ladies, it's all about money and working for those who pay it out. Some of the creations are almost not there. And even if flesh-toned undergarments lurk beneath bits of lace and net, they make women  look like something from unsavory locations that have less than savory clientele. Other garments actually do reveal far more than anyone wants to see at the opera or award ceremonies of any sort. I don't know about you, but sitting next to a guy with hairy legs in shorts at any event other than sports, has me looking for another place to sit. It makes me wonder if the same actresses have to sit through dinners at tables while dressed in creations that look good only on a ramp or at a pole. For example, an opera is no place for too much bare skin no matter how plumped up and pampered it is. One of the photos I saw the other day, showed a woman whose entire body was sparsely laced with stretches of fabric that had to be glued on from shoulder to ankle in order for them to stay in place. I pitied the young woman as she sashayed about for the hungry cameras shouting encouragement at her while she posed and grinned her stark white teeth, fluttered her fake lashes and glowered her glittering lipstick at them. No matter the mansion she inhabits, she must be embarrassed as mother and professional actress. It's hard to take anyone seriously when their rear end is hanging out, made-up, toned or not. My wondering is why not take it all off and be done with it. Guessing must be the issue and the bits of plasticized material no matter how many sequins adorn them, only make the display less attractive, not more intriguing. The lack of covering is no accident. Each garment is meant to elicit salacious tastes in hopes that it may accidentally- on-purpose, reveal something more than it ought. The word beauty flags. Beauty is good taste, purity of line and elegance. It's not blatant sexual titillation. The best designers should be showing off their talents in their calling, not degrading what they worked for all their lives. When you find a garment that is put together to flatter the human frame and is done with exceptional craft , intuition and ingenuity, it should inspire oohs and ahhs, not whoos and whoopsies.  Come on Hollywood, set an example so that your audiences can applaud the dignity and respect the acting profession deserves, not the present-day pandering to  juvenile pop media and peep show fans. Bare bores.