Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 (Tek) 9/28/84 based on 9/17/84; site tektools.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!daemon!tektools!lizv
From: lizv@tektools.UUCP (Liz Vaughan)
Newsgroups: net.women
Subject: Re: Body Image, High Heels and All...
Message-ID: <218@tektools.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 29-Apr-85 19:44:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: tektools.218
Posted: Mon Apr 29 19:44:46 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 1-May-85 03:32:37 EDT
References: <1764@decwrl.UUCP> <374@ttidcc.UUCP>
Reply-To: lizv@tektools.UUCP (Liz Vaughan)
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 23

>              Heels certainly make women more vulnerable:  ever try to
>run in them?  Ever try to just *walk* in them?  I have been watching 
>women in my company lately as they teeter down the halls and through 
>the parking lots on their heels.  I just don't understand how/why they 
>do it.  What is at all attractive about wobbling around on "stilts"?

The best explanation I've heard is that they accentuate several secondary
sex characteristics.  Standing in heels (I agree, walking is impossible)
makes you thrust your chest forward, stick your buttocks out, and 
emphasizes the curve of your calves and thighs.  Apparently this has an 
effect on the male of the species similar to mandrils' bright red rumps,
peacocks' plumage display, etc.

As for why women put up with it on a daily basis, I have no idea.  I mean,
maybe for going out (during mating season :-) or something, but walking on ice?
I wear flats unless I absolutely have to.

Another aspect of the tights vs. nylons issue is cost.  Tights cost about 
$8.00 U.S., last 2 years or more, and are machine washable.  Nylons cost
at least $1.50, last less than 5 wearings, and have to be hand washed.
Can you say cost-benefit analysis? Knew you could.

Liz Vaughan