September 21, 2007Weekend agenda:Coming Sunday: The inequities of the criminal justice system in America are an issue for black people in this country. But how about summoning the kind of energy and attention that we saw in Jena for some of the problems eating away at our community from within? Now for another question that carries over from my tour of secondhand stores last weekend: Can someone please explain to me why some folks cut the sizes off clothes they donate? I've noticed over the years during my routine trek to area Goodwills that some sizes have been snipped off. If you're embarrassed that you wear a certain size, the shoppers buying the buying the dresses don't know who the previous owner was anyway. Any takers on the burning case of the missing dress size? s |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
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Comments
[September 22, 2007 11:54 PM]
goldenwillowShanna,
Your question about summoning the kind of energy and attention that we saw in Jena for some of the problems eating away at our community from within ...
reminded me of a book I have wanted to read. So, I just visited the website of author Malcolm Gladwell -- www.gladwell.com -- to learn more about "The Tipping Point." The book examines “social epidemics” and describes how a small positive change can create a "positive epidemic" in the same way that an infectious viral epidemic or a crime epidemic gets started.
“The Tipping Point is that magic moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. . . The possibility of sudden change is at the center of the idea of the Tipping Point -- big changes occurring as a result of small events.” -- Malcolm Gladwell
I believe small changes can make a difference in our community. Each of us can make personal choices and take small steps toward creating positive change. I will be checking this book out at the library and will give your thought provoking question further thought. I look forward to your Sunday column.
Second question: Some people find that clothing tags irritate or itch. I recently noticed that some bra makers are now promoting “tagless” bras. If clothing labels (other than size) are still in place, vanity is likely the cause of size-clipping. True that no one else may know other than the person wearing the item, but who else matters? A larger size body may simply house a healthy attitude and a size-smaller-soul!
Some people may be surprised and relieved to read that others share their clipping quirk. Funny how we are more alike than different; yet we are always surprised at the myriad of little ways.
Size-clippers, give Shanna a break!