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I am working on a discussion board post for my Feminist Rhetorical Criticism class and I just re-read a quote by Susan Jarratt, “any public performance by a woman, except as an actress or prostitute, is a form of cross-dressing” (originally in RSQ, Winter 92, p 2.). While not illustrative of Jarratt’s point, her statement reminded me that back in the early 90′s, I had a job working in a bank and at that time, it was still expected that women would wear skirts or dresses. Pant suits were not acceptable attire for women back then. That was just 12-15 years ago. I can hardly believe it now.
3 Responses to “Skirts”
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About m2h blogsMarcia Hansen works by day as a marketing manager in social media. At other times you'll find her traveling about speaking, writing, and learning. And, if she's lucky, it's on her Honda Shadow 1100.
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Yep,
Deb
January 23rd, 2006 at 11:53 am
I worked in the public relations department of a bank from June 4, 1990 to May 31, 1991. I remember the exact dates because I hated the job so much; I told myself I’d stay for no more than one year. One of the many things I despised about that job was the fact that ALL women who worked at the bank headquarters had to wear suits or “conservative” dresses every single day. No exceptions. Of course, that meant pantyhose (which I despised almost as much as that job) were required every day.
Like you, I often look back and marvel at the whole thing. Why didn’t I–or anyone else–challenge it?!
senioritis
January 23rd, 2006 at 11:56 am
I faced the cross-dressing problem three years ago when my son got married in the upper South. I didn’t want to embarrass him, but I also didn’t want to cross-dress. I threw myself on the mercy of an expert salesperson at Marshall Field in Chicago and participated in the wedding wearing a very nice pantsuit.
Chris Geyer
January 24th, 2006 at 7:46 am
I worked in a small regional office of a small insurance company for awhile. My boss actually said to me one day “let’s get back to skirts for work” – and he was serious! This was in the early 90s, but still…..