This actually was news in March, possibly even before that, like November last year, but it seems either there's been a new press release or silly season has us all obsessed with thigh exposure. It's the kind of news the papers never tire of really - it's probably good for search term hits. In Japan, Tokyo's young women are now running around the city that never fails to inspire Gwen Stefani with adverts on their thighs.
This is a hot news story because it is currently hot. It takes approximately 2 weeks of heatwave before the average woman will shed her tights (this is a lie I made up) and admit that actually she 'does feel a bit hot, yeah...' Those temperature control tights from Marks don't work and even if they did it's not like they have an announcement on them saying they are keeping you cool in the heat/warm in the cool. Everyone just thinks you are wearing opaques in 30 degree heat.
This is a hot news story because it is currently hot. It takes approximately 2 weeks of heatwave before the average woman will shed her tights (this is a lie I made up) and admit that actually she 'does feel a bit hot, yeah...' Those temperature control tights from Marks don't work and even if they did it's not like they have an announcement on them saying they are keeping you cool in the heat/warm in the cool. Everyone just thinks you are wearing opaques in 30 degree heat.
The terrible realisation that even though on holiday your (my) lily white thighs draw stares - and not just because you (I) misjudged where you (I) could sit on that wicker chair and now there's a peculiar ridge pattern on your flesh - it is more comfortable and less sweat making to just suck it up/in and lose the tights.
If only, if only, when faced with pale (or whatever your thigh fear is, scarring, hairiness, size - no shame in being a little ashamed) thigh exposure and unfortunate seating choice you could spin round and BAM! 'Yeah my thighs are dappled with wicker print but look, YOU are missing out on the sale of the century.'
The PR agency's spokesman behind this story that apparently just keeps giving and giving Hidenori Atsumi said: "it's what guys are eager to look at and girls are ok to expose."
If only, if only, when faced with pale (or whatever your thigh fear is, scarring, hairiness, size - no shame in being a little ashamed) thigh exposure and unfortunate seating choice you could spin round and BAM! 'Yeah my thighs are dappled with wicker print but look, YOU are missing out on the sale of the century.'
The PR agency's spokesman behind this story that apparently just keeps giving and giving Hidenori Atsumi said: "it's what guys are eager to look at and girls are ok to expose."
| Now...we can talk about advertising on the body and capitalism and objectification. We can talk about whether or not the idea that the women who sell their thigh space can earn from 13 to 128 dollars is a poor deal (one can’t help but suspect more paltry 13 dollar cheques are signed than 128 dollar ones). Or we can talk about the things this story is supposed to make us feel. | These all reduce the women selling thigh space to just that. Thigh space to be discussed and debated. |
Depending on our sexual preferences then titillated is no doubt on sensation expected at the sight of a thigh with the film Ted emblazoned on it. That is only natural. We’re also supposed to think 'Those Japanese, what zany thing will they think of next?' But, leaving aside the rights or wrongs of these thoughts, there is that old chestnut of disapproval: 'On their thighs? Adverts? Omigoodness, silly girls.' Or the philosophical 'you're only young once.'
These all reduce the women selling thigh space to just that. Thigh space to be discussed and debated.
It seems to be a seasonal thing. Come summer and more visibility of women and girl flesh they don't just apparently give permission for guys eager to see to look - they give permission for us to have an opinion. What should be shown, what should be concealed and what condition it should be in.
Hadley Freeman in the obligatory summer wear article gave the instructions: "9. Spaghetti straps are the devil's work. The only thing you should wear that has spaghetti straps is a bra." and "10. Yes, you do need to wear a bra in the summer." Ha! Ha! Oh the idea of a spaghetti strap bra, it is to laugh!
For less tongue in cheek advice you can cruise over to the Daily Mail fretting over which stars are flaunting their curves in hot pants, who has covered up in something billowy and unflattering and who has magically got summer wear right enough to satisfy the Mail.
Does a hairy pit say make a feminist statement, or mean you're a bit slovenly? Does untanned skin mean you're unhealthy or pale? Do short shorts mean you're asking for it or telling everyone you're proud of your legs?
Hey, at least these advertising thighs are actually saying something.
Squeamish Kate
These all reduce the women selling thigh space to just that. Thigh space to be discussed and debated.
It seems to be a seasonal thing. Come summer and more visibility of women and girl flesh they don't just apparently give permission for guys eager to see to look - they give permission for us to have an opinion. What should be shown, what should be concealed and what condition it should be in.
Hadley Freeman in the obligatory summer wear article gave the instructions: "9. Spaghetti straps are the devil's work. The only thing you should wear that has spaghetti straps is a bra." and "10. Yes, you do need to wear a bra in the summer." Ha! Ha! Oh the idea of a spaghetti strap bra, it is to laugh!
For less tongue in cheek advice you can cruise over to the Daily Mail fretting over which stars are flaunting their curves in hot pants, who has covered up in something billowy and unflattering and who has magically got summer wear right enough to satisfy the Mail.
Does a hairy pit say make a feminist statement, or mean you're a bit slovenly? Does untanned skin mean you're unhealthy or pale? Do short shorts mean you're asking for it or telling everyone you're proud of your legs?
Hey, at least these advertising thighs are actually saying something.
Squeamish Kate
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