I wonder if the ACLU would take my case
Just got back from Public Safety. It always cracks me up to refer to any division of our local police department with those words.
Yesterday, while I was waiting with my daughter at the auto body shop, she mentioned something about her new drivers license. So I took mine out to compare and realized with a gasp that it had expired! I figured I’d go in today to have it renewed.
While I was dressing, I had a feeling I should wear something totally different from my usual because sometimes the local people are offended by skimpy tank tops and such. My wardrobe consists of comfortable, not high-fashion items that fit me well and do not make me look like a frumpy middle-aged woman. I don’t consider my clothes to be offensive. They cover all the parts they should cover. No bare-midriff things (they would look awful on me anyway). My mood, however overrode my intuition. I could not POSSIBLY wear one of those collared, sleeved blouses today. I’d feel like I was from another planet. Besides, it’s HOT today. I went with the “I just came out of the gym” look.
This is not appropriate
attire for operating
a motor vehicle.
DO NOT
give this woman
a driver’s license!
So, I put on some make-up knowing that I’d get my picture taken, brought a book to read while I waited, and went on my way. I always smile at folks I see and say “Good morning” or “Good (whatever time of day it is)”. I walked into the building with the usual greeting and informed the receptionist that I needed to renew my license. She pointed to a form that I would need to fill out adding, “And Ma’am, you need to be wearing a full shirt. The rules are posted there.” Furious, I took a form from the pile looked quickly at the 8.5″ X 11″ sheet with a list of “rules” including the highlighted words “No sleeveless shirts” and left the building. There went the smile, down the tubes.
Discrimination is the word that immediately comes to mind. If I wore one of those collared, sleeved blouses today, I should be arrested for trying to harm myself in this heat. Or at least be taken to an asylum. Besides, I sure as hell do NOT look like myself in something like that because I very rarely wear those things. And, isn’t that what the photo on your driver’s license is all about? It’s an ID!! To IDENTIFY you!! Besides doesn’t the police department have more important issues to address?
And, how offensive is it, for FAT local women to dance around in thongs shakin’ their immense cellulite-laden butts (bahnas) during the adult parades every festival!?! The hypocrisy of this place never ceases to amaze me. I guess I should have gone with my intuition and worn the frumpy clothes, but the picture would have not been of me.
Tags: St. Croix
August 30th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
I have never quite understood that either Terry, but I respect the local customs as a visitor.
Comments about proper dress are in all the tourists publications.
What difference does it make? I am sure you were quite decent.
August 30th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Believe me Reg, I understand, and have read ALL the tourist literature ever written about the VI. I consider it inappropriate for some young (or old) buxom (or not) chick to traipse off a cruise ship in a bikini top and hot pants amd walk down the streets like she’s a workin’ girl.
But my everyday attire is comfortable and smart. One of my most conservative clients agreed with me that there was nothing wrong with what I was wearing. She’s in her 70’s and a retired banker.