I just saw a Facebook post showing a 1950s family going grocery shopping. The mother and father were well dressed, the mom in a dress and the dad in a shirt and tie, and the children looked to be wearing their Sunday best. The caption read: “Remember when we didn’t go in public wearing pajamas? To be clear, I am not a fan of pajamas and bonnets in public, but “back in the day,” going out in pajamas was not even an option. I am a baby boomer, and I was there. I am a little tired of seeing these types of posts showing people, black or white, in an old-school picture that says, look how we dressed 50 years ago. Of course, that is how we dressed. Pajama pants did not exist as we know them now; bonnets were worn in the shower or to bed. Blue jeans were not an option unless you were a farmer, working in construction, or something like that. These pictures that are being posted were the norm for that day and time. People ironed their clothes; most men knew how to tie a tie, and there was a time when ladies were required to wear dresses. I am old enough to remember when I got a notification that I was permitted to wear pantsuits to work. We went crazy buying new outfits that weekend. Unfortunately, we are in a more relaxed time now, and I have to admit that I don’t like it. I enjoy getting “dressed up” just because, and I can still do that, but I am often asked, where am I going? I normally explain that I’m here, this is where I am going, and I enjoy looking nice. I would love to see people take more pride in their appearance, drop the bonnets, and pull up the pants. Hey! That can be a slogan; Let’s do it.
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