Weirded Out.
Did any of you read The Babysitters Club books growing up? Because, um, I did. And if you did, you should read this blog because it is hilarious. (Language warning).
The really interesting thing is, as I read those posts, I realize I remember a lot more about the BSC books than I realized. Even more interesting, most of my vivid recollections revolve around the extremely lengthy descriptions of the girls’ outfits.
When I read this: ”I had picked out my clothes the night before: a brand-new pair of rust-colored corduroy slacks, a blue button-down shirt, and a floral-patterned white cotton sweater. That’s my look—Neat Preppy Casual—and I love it.”
and this: ”The next morning I got up, pulled on a pair of blue tights, black canvas walking shorts, a long-sleeved, blue T-shirt, and a pair of black flats. I piled my blonde perm up on top of my head and fastened it with a blue stretchie tie… After looking out the window, I ripped the stretchie from my hair and let the curls fall around my shoulders. I took off my clothes and changed into my new one-piece shorts dress with the gold,red and green Aztec-style print. I slipped into a pair of light tan woven flats and I was set to go.”
I realized, “Hey! I’ve read these!” Seriously, what is up with the lengthy fashion statement descriptors? I’m by no means what you would call a “feminist” but I’m a little thrown off by the realization of the weight and energy they were putting on that kind of stuff for it to be in a book read by 9-13 year old girls.
Hey, speaking of things that are read by 9-13 year old girls… of course once I found that blog, I decided to do a little Wikipedia read-up on the series, which led me to some of the most disturbing information I’ve received in quite some time.