Brutality In Every Step

Warning!, Dear Reader. The image you are about to see below is disturbing, slightly graphic but, to your benefit, slightly blurry as well, due to a terrified, shaky hand [and perhaps moving train]. But what you are about to see is real. No actors or models were used. This is the true story of not just one but millions of women, who sacrifice intact skin in the name of 'pedi-' [pronounced 'petty'] fashion. Arguably, this might even be considered an epidemic form of self-mutilation.



















These snake-skin pumps required not just one or two bandages but TEN. TEN! Five PER foot. Who knows how long even those would last, as walking typically causes chafing and sweat production— neither good for secure, long-lasting adhesion of bandages.

One possible explanation for all of this relies on conspiracy theory: Could it be designers are scheming with Johnson & Johnson et al. to mutually boost sales? It makes sense how Band-Aid is profiting, but vice versa? Yup, vice versa also true, as described in this NY Times article, It’s No Boo-Boo: Bandages as Fashion Accessories.

And check out this 'Best of' review taken from some fashion blog:

Title: A Chic Way to Blister-Proof Your Sandal Feet: Band-Aid Friction Block   [..hurl..]

Strappy sandal season has arrived...which typically means newly-exposed tender winter feet, covered in blisters and plastered over with unsightly bandages. Instead of ruining the look of your fab new footwear, try Band-Aid's clever Friction Block Stick; it contains a lubricating formula that glides on smoothly and reduces rubbing on skin, helping to prevent blisters from ever developing.

Compact enough to fit in your pocket, it is also affordable enough at $5 to stock up and stash in the medicine chest, the glove box of your car, your purse, and anywhere else a blister emergency might arise.

Moreover, is this proof of continued oppression against women? After all, it's been reported that Band-Aids were invented by a man whose wife 'often cut herself while doing housework and cooking' [ref]. And now, even despite three waves of Women's Lib, female feet are still not liberated from harsh conditions. When will this end? I mean, look at this!


From left to right: 1) What women are expected to cram their feet into. 2) What women could wear instead. 3) What women's feet are actually shaped like.


Fourth Wave Proposal? Wide-width, orthotically-correct kickers become all the rage for evermore!


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