Saturday, March 5, 2011

Embracing the Pale

Red Hair and Freckles.

Dad says I came home from school crying in 1st grade because kids said my hair was fake, that I "painted it."  The story is kind of funny.  But all growing up I just didn't understand why I couldn't be normal.  In my small school my family was the only set of gingers. Years later I embrace my red hair (though it is enhanced chemically with both high and low lights), but I am still not fond of the fair skin and freckles. 

There has been talk in the news this week about the government putting a ban on teenage tanning at salons.  I never tanned as a teenager, and if I was at home (I'm at a hotel) I'd maybe post a prom pic of pale me and my tanned cousin.  (she looks way better) I did however tan three different times in my 20's and I have to say dang I looked good.  But was it worth the premature aging of skin and worse possibly skin cancer? I would have loved the tan ban as a high schooler as it would have been more of an equalizer for me with my peers.  Now I say I hope my kids aren't as shallow as I was and are confident in their fair skin.  Trying to fit in, I often tried the sunless tanners but usually ended up a streaky orange.  Why did I ever care what others thought of me?  On to today's issue, I don't think it's the government's place to be banning this for teens, I do however believe that they should need parental consent to tan.  And in this household, it would be a big fat NO for teenage tanning.  I just wish teens didn't feel the need to tan to feel beautiful during prom season. 

That all being said, I still prefer a tanned body, however, after reading this article from the UK I've decided to ditch the bronzer and blush and just go au natural.  I'm ready to embrace my inner Nicole Kidman and Marcia Cross.  Now the question is, will I look svelte and chic like the mentioned celebrities?  Or sick and pasty?  Again, why do I even care?  I have a wonderful husband who loves me no matter what I look like, and I wear my clothes well.  It's just the upcoming summer season that has me loathing my red hair and freckles. 

7 comments:

Popcorn House said...

I totally agree that teens SHOULD NOT TAN! I think that it is crazy that it is allowed. I did tan as a teenager though and I looked good ;o) I only tan now in the summer sitting watching my kids play in the water. You are so cute Dawn doesn't matter if you are fair and freckled!

Dawn said...

Oh Suzanne you're just so sweet. ;) I do try and tan in the summer too but usually burn first which isn't healthy either. And mainly it's just the darkening of the freckles. haha

Julie said...

Each and everyone of us have features we love and loath, although for the life of me, I can't thinking of a loving feature about me at this the moment. You are a very special woman Dawn and the red hair and freckles is just part of what makes you, you. I for one, wouldn't want you to change. I don't think we are going to change the world's stand on a tanned body is sexier or whatever. Been a problem long before you were born. Just wish people would use a little common sense.

Amy said...

I think you are very pretty, Dawn. I tanned as a teen, and I wish I hadn't. I only did it for prom and a few other times. I am glad for the ban on teens tanning. It can become a very bad habit with some women.

Dawn said...

Thank you Julie & Amy - You are both too kind. Such a trivial thing I know. Overall, I'm happy with how I look but who will ever be completely happy, kwim?

Kiera said...

I tanned a couple of times in high school and a couple of times in adulthood. It is funny because these days it is less about the color for me than getting some sort of base. I am so fair skinned that getting a little pre-color helps to prevent nasty burns when we went on vacations (even with sunscreen). Of course these days our travel is limited, so it is not something I have thought about.

I do agree with you that a parental permission would be a good thing. I always had to ask my parents before I did it in high school and then they would come with to make sure that the time was OK (I think I must have been a geek). It seemed to me a reasonable request.

I know that you were not asking for it, but I also think that you are beautiful! I have always loved freckles & do not have any. It is funny how all of us have something that we do not like!

Dawn said...

Awe Kiera - thanks. :) I have thought sometimes that getting a base from the tanner would be better than my horrendous sunburns but eh, I'd be a hypocrite then so major sunscreen I go.