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Somebody Likes It: I Don't

© Jerri Brooker

In honor of our writer's event, The Human Body, I have written this opinionated article for you to ponder. I don't normally get into this kind of thing, but I can't help myself on this one. Join me as I give my slant of a Washington State item I love to dislike. Your comments are welcome. If you know of other things around the state that get under your skin, let's hear about them!

I travel Washington State. It's my favorite place to be and full of lovely scenery and folks. On occasion I find things that disagree with me, however. This is one of those times.

My psyche tells me to think about this dislike before I spout off. No matter how I try to put the thought behind me, it keeps cropping up. I have thought about it. For a long time. Now I'm sharing my dislike and inviting your opinions.

What is it?

A sign.

A sign that has been in a town for as long as I can remember. A sign that grabs you when you see it, and if you are a woman, won't let you go. A sign, I think, that belittles women and their bodies.

Am I over-reacting? I don't think so. You decide. Here it is.

Do you know where it is?

Do you feel the same way, male or female?

Or do you like it and think it's great?

Do you think I am over-reacting?

I don't think so.

This is a small town, and this sign is the most notable sight in the middle of town. I look at the sign and I decide the town values are not for me. It has been there so long, I can't imagine not having some controversy over it. Does the town really think it's a good image?

What do the residents think?

The business it adorns is no longer there. It stands as a sentry guarding a vacant building. It's HUGE. It takes your eye where you don't want to go. At least MY eyes.

It's in Rainier, Washington.

I generally don't expound about something that strikes me irritating, but this sign hits me smack on the old noggin and makes my hair stand on end. I think the town ought to take a bigger look at this sign. Come on, Rainier. Is this the image your town wants? Come on, female residents. Do you really like this sign?

This is not art in my viewpoint. This is not a portrayal of the female body that's going to produce a positive image. This is an insult.

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