An object of
fear for a
woman with any kind of
body insecurity. Also, a method of
social control. No,
I'm not kidding. A woman in a swimsuit cannot hide whether or not she
conforms to various
social norms, especially in America. Does she
shave her
legs? Does she apply
moisturizing gunk to them so they're preternaturally
smooth? Does she eradicate any "
unsightly bikini line hair?" Is she free of any
skin problem such as
acne or
eczema? Is she
thin enough? Is her body properly
artificially tanned?
BLEAH. Oh, but one
ray of hope--the recent re-introduction of "
boy-leg" swimsuit bottoms is a very good thing for those who do not wish to put on a
butt exhibit or take
razors anywhere near their
groins...
and I wonder, do the
brave girls with
natural legs (that is,
unshaven) dare wear swimsuits
in public? what happens when they do? my skin is currently too
messed up to be touched by
chlorine, so I'm not going to find out, but I wonder.