Defending Bell Bottoms And Nose Rings

Editor’s note: Our Generation received several responses to Taryn Hecker’s “Speak for Yourself” column challenging teens to get some class and quit dressing so badly. Here’s one by April Rasmussen. Turn to Page 2 for more response.

William Cowper once said, “Variety’s the very spice of life.” Today, we live in an age where diversity is prominent. Some people wear bell bottoms, some people wear business suits and some wear jeans and a T-shirt. My point? Everyone is different and everyone has different tastes. That is what makes us all individual human beings.

First of all, we talk of “class.” Personally, I have worn bell bottoms a time or two myself, and I do believe that I have “class.” I looked up the word “class” just to get the definition straight. The American Heritage Dictionary says, “Great style or quality.” Quality. I have some good qualities - everybody does. Thus, everyone has class, to me.

Secondly, we talk of dressing like our parents. I think we all dress like our parents. I wear jeans and T-shirts regularly, and guess what? So did my dad! It wouldn’t be so bad to be like my parents because they are great people and positive role models. They are drug free, hold steady jobs and have raised wonderful children.

Thirdly, green-haired people can be very cool. This past Christmas I dyed my own hair green to get into the spirit of things. No, my basketball coach was not pleased when I showed up to play in our annual Christmas Basketball Tournament with it, but most people thought it was great.

I played one of my better games that day, and most of us attributed it to my green hair. Go figure.

And what is so disgusting about body piercing? It exemplifies a person’s individuality.

Next year, I look forward to giving the valedictorian’s speech for my class. I will be wearing a nose ring when I do because that is who I am. I do not care if people talk. I am not going to stop being who I am because some people do not think it is “classy” enough.

If they do not want to give me the time of day because of the way I dress, then they are missing out.

Furthermore, I believe our society places too much emphasis on appearances. People should never judge a book by its cover because there is usually something very interesting there.

I think it is exciting that everyone dresses differently. What if we all looked the same. Now that would be a nightmare. The world would be pretty boring.

I think young people today should dress however they want. No matter what a person wears, they will be judged, so they might as well make the most of it. Being different can be fun, and being who you really are is even better.

Even if that means you have purple hair, 50-inch waist bell bottoms and a pierced eyebrow.