Bravo, bravo, bravissimo

I hadn't even pulled off the tags yet, when this story from the Dallas Morning News caught my attention.

It was the 40th anniversary of the protest outside the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City that gave rise to the concept of "bra burning."

"Concept" because apparently no bras were actually set aflame during the protest, but were thrown into a garbage can along with other symbols of female oppression that included high heels, tweezers, bras, girdles and corsets. 

Meanwhile, my sisters-in-law, my sister-in-law's sisters and I spent the weekend tearing up the Texas asphalt in search of retail opportunities and I had struck the mother lode at a department store lingerie sale.

The haul included one pink, one ivory, one black and one black and white "balconette," which is like a slutty little balcony for your breasts.

As a symbol of oppression, the bra has long since outlived its usefulness. Better to set fire to your family's laundry than your own.

Still, like an ill-fitting bra hook, the irony left me with a teeny tiny stab of something like shame.

In lifting my profile, had I let down the side? How many bras are you allowed to own before someone comes around to revoke your feminist credentials? And do I get any credit for not buying the matching underwear?

Comments

[Rattling the Kettle]

You're going to go commando? That's hot.

[Suburban Kamikaze]

If that's what it takes.

[Andrea's Sweet Life]

I used to go bra-less, but after breastfeeding 2 kids? My bra has nothing to do with satisfying any male's boob fantasies and everything to do with keeping my boobs off the floor. I don't like them to get stepped on, see.

[well read hostess]

I've been haunted by this funny feeling that something was missing in my life. Now I know what it is. I MUST HAVE a slutty little balcony for the girls (or rather, the old women, but it's good to dream).

[wrekehavoc]

tell me, does that balcony-thingy work it so that you can store a drink there with no hands? if so, Vicky's Secret, here i come!

[Suburban Kamikaze]

It is certainly worth a try.

[mommypie]

Hopefully I'm not letting down ma feminist sisters by saying mommypie + no bra = scary scary proposition.

Here's proof: http://mommypie.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/bloghernot-2008-kum-bai-ya-doogs/

[Suburban Kamikaze]

Mommypie is being modest. The bloodshot amphibian eyeball paint bra is fabulous. That must have been some party.

SK