I was reading an article of “Miss Manners” this weekend. A woman wrote to Miss Manners and complained that she was offended when she saw women walking around in public without a bra on. She went on to say that women with “perky breasts” were just looking for trouble.
Miss Manners replied that all women should take the “Pencil Test”
This is where a woman stand topless in front of a mirror and sticks a pencil under her breast. If the pencil “sticks” that means she should wear a bra at all times if the pencil falls then it is ok not to wear a bra.
Do you think women should be “expected” to wear a bra in public? Do you think this test is a fair assesment?
I can see where having to wear a bra at work is part of the dress code but what if you are home cleaning and (are braless) and run out of pine sol and want to make a quick run to the store? Should it be expected that you put a bra on your sweaty body to appease the masses?
I think we require far too many innane things already. Telling someone what they have to wear under their clothing is ludicrous. Where does it end? Shall we require special kinds of bras for women with larger breasts? Fine them if their strap shows? And what about those menfolk endowed with more than some of my women friends?
If this is the worst thing you encounter in your day (a woman whose breasts are not at complete attention) then consider yourself lucky.
Why is this in Great Debates? Apparently, Isabelle thinks every question she thinks up is a great debate. There should be no apparel requirements or rules in America. If nipplage upsets/offends you Isabelle, go live in a men’s prison.
Just as a point of order here, I think it is important to remember that Miss Manners deals with issues of etiquette. Etiquette refers to things that are not generally legally required.
So, what Miss Manners is suggesting is what she thinks is proper etiquette, not what should be codified in the legal system!
I tend to agree with Guinastasia that most matters of etiquette such as this are more IMHO matter than GD material, unless they are really controversial…you know, like which way you hang the toilet paper roll.
If Miss Manners is so great, why won’t anyone marry her? I mean really, is an old maid someone you really want to ask for advice?
If you honestly think that she doesn’t want her words to be law, you’re kidding yourself. Over the top and a bra on every chest if she had her way :dubious:
This is so true and funny. I did not know she was an old maid. But the fact remains people write to her for advice all the time. Maybe she just never gave in to the urge to let her puppies free!
Judith Martin, who writes under the pen name Miss Manners, is by no means an old maid, or a prude, or a person attempting to enforce her personal morality.
What she does attempt to do, with considerable wit and charm, is to attempt to define how people in this day and age can and should treat each other with respect and civility. This includes how to interact with your son’s male significant other (in her estimation, pretty much how you would interact with your son’s female significant other), the issues raised by blended families, sexual harrasment, etc.
She writes in a stiffly Victorian voice, but that is, quite frankly, just shtick. She is charming and quite sensible.
Kramer wanted it called the “bro” Mr Costanza wanted it called the Manzierre.
You really picked the wrong episode of seinfeld, there was an episode where Elaine’s friend Sue Ellen Mishke was walking around braless, getting all kinds of male attention, then Elaine got her a bra, so she wore it without a shirt like a boustier and got even more male attention, I think she even caused a traffic accident.
I think we as a society won’t crumble if women giggle a little.
I have large perky breasts and go without a bra frequently. In fact, I’m not wearing one today, although I am wearing a tank top with a sort of built in bra. TMI? haha.
I couldn’t care less if people want to run around without a bra or undies or whatever. It’s not something I would want there to be rules about.
