Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Modernity- blog #9

Setting: Pool. Time: 130pm

Opening scene: A tall blonde girl, 19-22 enters the pool area in a blue sundress carrying a large pink beach bag. She tosses her long hair nonchalantly laughing at a slightly funny statement her short brunette companion says, masking her discomfort at the impending near-nudity that lies before her. She walks past the oiled and tanned rows of pecs and legs that stare at her, praying that no one sees any part of her that appears flawed or substandard. Cue a tan, perfectly muscled man stepping rudely in front of the girls' progress, rushing to the pool. Barely saving them both from collision, he profusely apologizes, to her embarrassment and increasing discomfort. She snidely responds to hide her mortification at the heads turned in her direction. She rushes her companion towards an open space on the grass, trying to retain her composure and uninterested facial expression. In an effort to force confidence she stays standing while removing the dress and despite her slight frame, she feels largely inadequate and flawed under the gaze of her near-by neighbors. After laying down in relief upon a large blue beach towel she looks around and cannot help but notice the perfect tans and physiques which surround her. Under the gaze, or the pressing observation each poolside resident endures she longs to be confident but images of the unattainable ideal flash through her mind. The gaze is the pressing judgments that even those who feel less -than -perfect place upon every other member in their presence. She compares herself not only to those around her but to the images she has seen in the media and on tv; the perfection she knows is manufactured but still longs for.

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