Monday, December 14, 2009

Why create the illusion of height?

I haven't been bothered by fashion culture stuff since middle school, but I had a sudden curiosity. I like the idea of wearing white pants and grooming oneself meticulously. If I had time I swear I would do it! But that isn't what fashion is about. It's not about paying attention to your appearance so people can tell the energy put into it and admire that. It is about following rules and matching up to one idea, even if you don't find that idea attractive or interesting. This has been said, but not by me until now.


I am 5'4. I am not that short, but from time to time people comment. If I wanted to I could create the illusion of height. But I don't want to. Why not? Because it is fake. It says something false about your facticticy (those facts about your self). It's inauthentic. In other words to consider my appearance I go existential. But the existentialists were all about appearance and essence, and about adopting appearances. Nietszche adopting Socrates. Kierkegaard made up many pseudonoms.


So, if you are short, be short. Here are some suggestions I derived from idiotic ways to pretend yourself into something you are not:


1. Wear big bright belts or sashes. If you cut the figure in half it draws attention to proportions.


2. Long, baggy skirts that cover the ankles.


3. Don't let your pants cover your shoes.


4. Mix colours and patterns.


5. Wear flat, simple shoes.


6. Wear short skirts and dresses that draw attention to the length of your legs.


Or just don't bother. But don't try to trick people. It's dishonest. I have no idea what is wrong with being a small person. I think it is especially suitable for the trickster role and by connection being a philosophy student.

2 comments:

à la vanille said...

I totally agree with you. I know this is a little late, but I just discovered your blog.
I'm even shorter than you are - 4"11 and people take a lot of time off their day to remind me I'm short. I tried looking tall, but I just don't care anymore. I'm small, there's no denying it. So why should I try to trick myself? My mom wanted to buy a book on how to make yourself look taller, which I responded "Why are you trying to make me look taller? There's nothing wrong with being short.

jesse said...

Thank you vanille! -runs off to look at your blog-

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