Originally posted by svtcarboy:

Many of these people aren't taking care of themselves or their surroundings because they don't think they're worth the effort. These 5 show them just what they can be with a little effort, and that confidence can spill over into all facets of their lives. Looking good and feeling you ARE worth effort pays dividends.




I agree with that, folks do need to take care of themselves and put some effort into looking good.

It is a sad fact of society that people do judge you based on how you look. And as you and I both allude to, even worse when some look down on others based on the labels attached to clothes, cars, etc.

Lori and I had a talk with our 13 year old girl about the people who worked at the local McDonalds. She really looked down upon them, as if they were second class citizens. (I really want to get her out of that snooty Catholic school she attends, but that is another topic.)

It didn't even occur to her that many of them could be hard working people who were just trying to catch a break, working their way through school, etc. I shared with her that sure, that might be the top jobs some of them might land, but that still doesn't make it ok for her to look down upon them solely based on vocation.

This also gets into cars for her. She hated when I would take her to school in the '87 LeSabre. She said her "friends" commented on it, and not in a favorable manner. Now, I've never been a 13 year old girl, but I'm pretty sure 13 year old girls don't really notice the details of other parents cars.

So the whole brand/label/trademark thing is a hot topic at Chez Boner for these very reasons. I imagine there is some of that in the school, since neither Lori or me are concerned with labels.

Sigh, someday I hope she sees the value of the character traits I've put on display, confidence, fiscal conservative, fair and hard working (well, there is the goof-off time on CEG at work)

It is so frustrating at times to see her place more value in the opinions of other inexperienced 13 year olds, than in her parents who've been around the block and know a thing or two.

However, I'm sure I will get my "payback" when I'm a grandparent. I just hope that is DECADES down the road

TB

"Seems like our society is more interested in turning each successive generation into cookie-cutter wankers than anything else." -- Jato 8/24/2004