I'm roughly 180cm tall. My eyes rest about 170cm from the ground. My skirt, which generally lies between my knee and waist, 40cm and 85cm from the ground, respectively, is almost a full meter from my eyes - that is, from the light-sensing, image-forming organs which allow me to perceive the world visually.
So why do people seem to think that my skirt is a blindfold?
I noticed it almost immediately when I started wearing skirts. Whenever I wore a skirt, people stared at me for longer, with more hatred, for almost no reason. I couldn't explain it. They stopped whenever I went back to pants, and then started up again as soon as I switched back.
People would stare at me for ordering some hot chips, as if it's a crime for me to crave grease and salt. They'd stare at me getting on the bus, for holding up their journey, I guess? They'd glare if I was ahead of them in line, or texting in public. I don't even know what I did for a lot of them.
What I didn't understand was why these things never warranted such looks before. I've eaten literally tonnes of chips in my life, caught hundreds of buses, been served before thousands of people, and sent at least a dozen text messages while out and about.
Before long, I realised it was the skirt. I was taught not to stare at people, because when they notice, it makes them uncomfortable. So, I can come to no other conclusion than that they think my skirt is somehow inhibiting my ability to notice. I can think of no explanation other than that they think my skirt is actually a blindfold.
After all, what else had I done to draw such hatred?
I'd like to think that a lot of the hatred you mention is your imagination running wild, but at the same time i know there are people out there like that.
ReplyDeleteI have witnessed this staring first hand and i draw mixed conclusions; Some seem to be impressed and stare because they admire your courage to be who you are no matter what society says you should do.
On the other hand i've seen people stare who just seem genuinely confused, i think when alot of people see you in a skirt they stare because they just wanna know why, is it because your trans, drag or dd you loose a bet? i think they stare because they're trying to figure it out.
And then there are those who stare in true disgust or hatred, those people who i would gladly knock out if it wasnt both illegal and a little over the top...they are the ones who are blind....and they disgust me.
Dave
We both, you and I have grown up being told not to stare and to except people for who they are, who they want to be and how they want to dress. Unfortunatly a large number of us don't grow up being told these things and it's disgusting. Sometimes it makes me wonder why it is just SO hard to understand. This is who you are. If I can wear pants why can't you wear a skirt?
ReplyDeleteClaire. Xx
I have to catch myself from staring at peoples' skirts... how are they made? what material did they use? what would the pattern look like? how could I go about reproducing it?
ReplyDeleteoooh sooooo pretttttttttty.
You must have very pretty and interesting skirts. I can't think of ANY other reason people would be staring =P They're all just jealous of your fashion sense.
Hey Belle,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Josh. I am one of Claire's good friends. May I just say I think you have an amazing writing ability. I read this post and was like, "Woah, this girl can write." I really enjoyed reading it.
I completely admire you for being who you are and physically exercising what you are on the inside (If that makes sense). I am a gay man and it took me years and years to overcome the judgements of others. I admire you for being who you are in this messed up world! Please keep these blogs coming. I will read them avidly.
Your reader sincerely,
Josh.