I Am Thankful for Those Who Judge this Woman by Her Overalls

by Maya on April 8, 2010

Hello, all.  I am thankful for those who attack everything and everyone based on appearance.  It makes life more interesting.  And, it makes me laugh.

I was just online participating in a webinar and while listening to the speaker I was browsing.  Interestingly, I came upon a well known Republican site that was striking out at overalls.  Imagine that!  I suppose they have run out of real topics to win points on so they have begun comparing some of us — the Overalls Nation — to rednecks, scumbags, and various similar derogatory terms.  There was a mention of the movie “Deliverance” in the article.  There was even a picture of Jesse James in overalls — not the outlaw from the old west but the one of Sandra Bullock association.

Anyway, I was really thankful I perused the article.  It was an interesting read and gave me lots of insight into a world that I seldom encounter.  If there was one thing missing it was “Amen” at the end.

Most of you who come by here for a cup of gratitude to go with your morning coffee have probably figured by now that I am not exactly one of the Sunday morning church-goers.  In fact, as a matter of full disclosure, I cannot even say with honesty that I am a “Christian.”  Before anyone gets his knickers (or overalls) in a twist, I will say that I try to adhere to the teachings of Christ, but if I were being forced to pick a religion to identify with I would lean towards Buddhism.  I am comfortable there and don’t have to profess belief in things I still question.  But, that’s my personal choice.  That’s the real beauty of life.  We do get to choose.

I was quite astonished that my outer wear seems to have slapped me smack down into a category of ignorance according to some.  While I do not feel the need to defend myself or any of my brothers and sisters in overalls, I do feel the need to say that most of us are very well read, highly educated and open-minded.  In fact, most of us who communicate regularly should and could legitimately put “Dr.” in front of our names, and in some cases more than once if Emily Post or Amy Vanderbilt had found a way for us to do so. 

Needless to say, I have already “confessed” to being a liberal — and I do prefer liberal to progressive.  Something about progressive makes me feel as if I am ashamed of my liberal views.  I am not.  But, as a liberal I had to smirk a little (evil grin) as I read the article.  It has been a while since I have been thrown into the dung heap because of what I wear.  Do you think there is such a thing as “overalls profiling”?

But, what is more important is that I am happy.  Now, that’s something lots of folks cannot honestly say.  If I were to guess, and I may just do that, I would guess that I’m not quite as stressed as some, especially the man who wrote the article.  :)   However, it does seem that most of us who are so “ill-clad” are a happy lot, and not because of ignorance.  Maybe we are just confident enough within ourselves not to really care what others think about our clothing.

Folks, there is so much to be thankful for — starting with all of you.

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

bibprofessor April 9, 2010 at 12:50 pm

I’m also very thankful for you dear Maya ! and I have read this beast story ! but also some other news on overalls and will make a post on my blog as well, on overalls apparently still a hot issue ! but one comment to your post is that the funny thing with the whole list of bib folks on my blog include very Christian church goes, even republicans (although they are organic and have some problems of being against Michelle Obama !:)) I’m talking about my Texas friends !:) so it is interesting to see how overalls is an issue across many other borders !

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Maya April 9, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Bibprof,

Actually, I have quite a few of those you refer to on my list as well. And, of course, they are all quite welcomed and loved. But, there are those who live the life and those who talk the life.

I have quite a few Republican friends. Do not forget my home is in TN and our state is ruby red. However, in most recent days there have been a few… in Washington, DC… who have quite openly proclaimed that they will not work with our President unless it is a national emergency…. one being a beast’s father, perhaps. That is quite sad, to take such a hard stand and put our wonderful nation in limbo (a Catholic term).

And, of course, I do have to put my tongue in cheek on occasion… just to stir the pot a little… if for no other reason.

It is quite amazing how some things and some interests can override other issues of diversity. Thank goodness for the Overalls Nation. To quote Arlo Guthrie… “this could be a movement!” Funny how something so insignificant as what we wear can create such a delightful bond between people, isn’t it?

Well, the sun is shining, the ocean is lapping the shore, and I do believe I see a sailboat that may give me a ride to one of the Outer Banks. Enjoy your evening.

Maya

Reply

bibprofessor April 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm

Maya, yes, you are right, it is really funny how such an “insignificant” thing may express something very deep in human nature/soul ! before I met my republican overalls friends, I could not imagine how I could have a wonderful time with republicans, so I choose to see my positive experience as a light in future that people sharing some basic values of good life will get together and make this world better, no less than that ! oops, now I stop before using too big words!! enjoy your ride out on the waves !

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