It’s High Time To Climb Back Into High Heels

Tue., Sept. 30, 1997

Shanna Southern Peterson Correspondent

I love high heels. Sleek, elegant high-heeled shoes are a thing of beauty.

I realize in this age of political correctness, this statement is probably not viewed as proper. High heels should be looked upon with scorn. They are to be criticized as a form of entrapment of women’s feet and therefore entrapment of the woman herself.

Flats are the sensible choice for sensible women.

But I’m tired of being sensible. I want more.

High heels are powerful and they deliver a powerful message: “I am a woman and proud of it!” There is nothing in the male wardrobe to compare.

Think for a moment of women who successfully wear high heels. Tina Turner, for example. Here is a woman in her 50s who struts across the stage in 3-inch heels. She sings, dances and kicks her legs in the air. What a fabulous celebration of womanhood.

Bette Midler is another example. She can stomp and prance in heels for hours and never miss a beat.

I am in complete awe when I see these women perform.

And perhaps you’ve heard the saying about the dance team Astaire and Rogers: “Remember, Ginger did everything Fred did, but she did it backward and in heels.” What a feat.

Look at the positive aspects of high heels: First, they give women more height which, in turn, makes them appear stronger.

Secondly, heels are intimidating to most men. Probably because men know they wouldn’t be able to walk across the office perched atop a pair of miniature stilts without falling flat on their faces.

And finally, there’s no denying high heels make your legs look more attractive.

I can already hear the gasps of disapproval from my contemporaries in their Birkies and loafers. Many of you will want to lambaste me for trying to turn back the clock to the ‘50s when June Cleaver vacuumed her house wearing pearls and pumps. But that is not my message at all. Quite the opposite.

I am simply saying I approve of anything that allows women to appear stronger, more powerful and beautiful all at the same time.

Whether it’s wearing high heels, taking a class or learning to say no and meaning it, I am in favor of anything that empowers women.

You should also know this is coming from a woman who is a world-class klutz. I had to wear ballet slippers at my wedding for fear of tripping as my father escorted me up the aisle.

But tomorrow I will celebrate my 40th birthday, and as a gift to myself I have decided to learn to wear high heels. I want to be strong, powerful and beautiful.

I want the world to know I am proud to be a woman.

MEMO: Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist. The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or e-mail shanptr@aol.com.

Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist. The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or e-mail shanptr@aol.com.

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