If getting a job was dependent on the footwear I wore, I would have remained unemployed. Happy feet make a happy person. Happiness is critical. My flats are too.
It is intriguing how perceptions of ‘professional’, ‘formal’ and ‘smart’ are linked to wearing high heels and make-up. It is interesting that a law maybe needed to tell employers that high heels cannot be compulsory dress code. It is heartening to see so many men and women signing the petition in support of calling for a ban on company dress codes that force women to wear high heels at work. I love the flat-shoe pictures that women are sharing on social media in solidarity with Nicola.
Nicola Thorp lives in London. She was sent home from work because she refused to wear shoes with a 2-4inch heel. The requirements were a part of uniform rules for the staff, a document she had signed at joining the company. Nicola launched a petition. As I write, 135,625 people have signed it, numbers increasing by the minute. A petition over 100,000 signatures means that British lawmakers will debate the issue. So, lawmakers will be debating a subject that doctors have gone hoarse saying are not good for the spine. This petition can be signed by British citizens or UK residents only. Undoubtedly it would have supporters across the globe.
You may have come across an image of the bloody feet of a waitress that went viral after she was purportedly forced to work in high heels. She also lost a toe nail in the process the post said.
Julia Roberts climbed the famous red carpet steps to Cannes Film Festival barefoot a few days ago. I am not quite sure why she did it, but I am glad she did it. Given the controversy over women being turned away last year because they were wearing flats at Cannes, I appreciate her barefoot walk even more.
I remember an advertisement in a local daily some years ago. It had a woman sitting on a bare white sofa, with a pair of red six inch high heels by the side. The
text said ‘It isn’t easy being a woman’. I was appalled. I can’t remember what the advertisement was about, but I do remember muttering ‘nonsense’ under my breath.
I can’t think of why and how high heels began being associated with being ‘formal’ and ‘professional’. I cannot also understand how women gave in to that.
If Cinderella had worn flats to the party, I think things may have been different. May I also add, much more sensible.
