I can’t file my nails?

Jun 12, 2005 by Naomi.

A rough spot on my finger nail had me searching for an emery board to smooth it over. I immediately put that item on my list to take on my next trip. I would trim my fingernails during the long air flight putting the time to good advantage - time I rarely put aside at home. I recalled while on an earlier trip seeing a man doing his nails with the intensity of a race car driver on the last lap of the Indy 500 - a man ‘doing’ his nails! Imagine that! But then I also remembered when I began flying in the 1970’s, a woman would not have been caught ‘doing’ her nails in public either. Women then traveled in suites and nylons as if attending a formal public function.

OK so it’s time for the cliche - “My, how things have changed”. And well they should. When I have to undress in airports to prove I have no explosives with which to destroy my fellow passengers, completing the simple act of filing my nails in full view doesn’t come close to being a major offense.

Social change happens when society accepts or desires change. Regarding acceptance of clothing or grooming habits the crowd appears to have the upper hand. If a few individuals do it and it makes life easier others follow because it makes sense. Or we might shrug and go on doing our own thing. It’s wonderful to able to do our own thing in this democracy. We cannot be complacent and expect the opportunity to continue without vigilance. Take care.

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