I can really appreciate when people are dressed up. They call it the "corporate" look, the "banker" not the "non-profit" steez. Def it is the clothing that often gets dry cleaned, and requires the morning iron press. Take a peek at the "corporate" man/womyn's closet. Bet many grays, blacks, browns, and whites. The cool kids will throw in pinstripes, a pink tie, bow-tie, polka dots, some really fresh boots, cut off gloves, or dunks and designer jeans. It depends on the place of employment, mostly. We spend so many hours in our offices, it becomes almost natural to have more work, rather than play clothes. For some of us, what we work in doesn't look that much different from a Saturday afternoon, or the Friday dinner date attire. I personally dig accent colors and well put together, just down for detail looking fly individuals! The say that a true activist should check their materialism, as to not exemplify the very systems we challenge and strive to take down. Here's the thing--- what's wrong with looking good while making change? Bending the world is how I heard it. Or is that simply the contradiction of choice? I mean, some of my strongest and most brilliant mentors, have been able to do both. Very smoothly I might add. They mix up the closet with thrifty, trendy, hand-me-downs. A few pieces where they threw down paper! I have no problem with it. I notice accessories and enjoy checking out the small details. Someone thought about putting on that ring, heart-shaped if you look closer--around her finger. She wears a particular watch with very particular events. It may not seem huge, but give a compliment and the room lights up from their shine. Oh yeah. I enjoy when we're in our "big girl, big boy" clothes. Sharp. Business. And all 'bout it. I wonder, if that's because I get to choose when I'm in my "big girl" and "young girl" attire. Yes, I certainly get away with the outfits I put on. I think I switch it up. From a pencil skirt, collared shirt, and boots... to fatigues, acrylic tee, and oh yeah.. boots again.... I will go from a dress and a blazer one day, to skinny jeans and chucks the very next. I know----- I'm lucky. I don't think the school knows what to make of it. I'm glad they don't make anything of it, but allow me to rock these classrooms with such strong young people. Me and my bipolar wardrobe. Depending on the day, I never really know what mood I'll be in. I am aware that what I put on my body, doesn't define my identity. Not entirely. However, I am hyper conscious that what I have on, can dictate how people at the schools relate to and treat me. When I say schools, I mean from administrators, teachers, security, and youth....
.........So.... I finished my ironing, my clothes are done and ready for some folding action. I think I'm wearing all black tomorrow, with my red Destroy boots. Maybe. I'll know once I get out of bed, which side wins. I'm done for the evening. My brain is tired. I have to run some errands before the school day begins. An early workshop schedule at one site, and teaching my regular class immediately in another. I think the rain is finished for tonight. I know, I am.
Peace,
m
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