Wednesday 27 October 2021

Image

 The word 'image' has featured largely in the media over the last two days and I have found it interesting because really we are all guilty of it (if that is the right word),   Some (no names, no packdrill) would insist they are not but then one could argue that the sheer fact of not being guilty of it is in itself being guilty of it.

I suppose what sparked it all off was the Budget today and the image that Rishi Sunak, our Chancellor of the Exchequer, has chosen to present to 'the people' - and don't try to argue that it is coincidental - he must have invited the photographers to photograph him working on the details of his Budget lounging on a settee, Nova his dog cuddled up by his side, his hand lovingly placed across him.   Rishi is wearing a grey sweatshirt, casual pants, and with flip-flops on his feet.   By his side a Twix Bar and a Sprite.

The Times this morning reminds me of two images from the past - Winston Churchill, rarely seen without his cigar and Harold Wilson, rarely without his pipe, although in fact he rarely smoked a pipe, preferring cigars.

Now this morning Carol Midgley talks about Body Image, saying that Research suggests that men are  judged less successful and less attractive if they are bald.   And Men's Health magazine found that two thirds of their readers who responded to their Questionairre admitted to being insecure about their appearance and that many of them were dieting for their appeaance rather than their health.

I think perhaps we are all guilty of it to some degree - look at women on television at the moment - almost without exception every one has long hair.   And so many of the men are sporting natty beards.

Please don't think this is a criticism - I think it has always been thus - part of our make up is to follow the herd, to try and look alike and yet a little bit different.

As Rabbie Burns so rightly put it "Oh wad some Power the giftie gie us"


34 comments:

Rachel Phillips said...

Why yes, as you say we all are, and you like your leather jackets and smart clothes.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Too right Rachel - I adore leather jackets and smart clothes. I have always followed the herd and would be the first to admit it.

Rachel Phillips said...

I was envisaging the photographer coming to see you and what you would grab to put on - one of your leather jackets I thought - and then sat sedately in your tidy living room with a reading book on the table and nothing else. Image, we all have one.

Carruthers said...

I think Rishi Sunak works very hard on his image. I think he thinks that most people will pay more attention to it than to what he actually does.

It's only a few days since he made the poorest families in Britain, faced with soaring gas prices, £20 a week poorer.

We should obviously judge politicians by what they do rather than by the image they project.

Rachel Phillips said...

I hope he didn't have his legs apart.

Joan (Devon) said...

I am never impressed by images and can always tell when a stage has been set.

Anonymous said...

Reminded of the TS Eliot quote:

"There will be time to prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet" (The love song of J Alfred Prufrock)

thelma said...

Rishi flip-flops cost £95 pounds, someone in the media was quick to point that out. Let it be said that no matter what image they project what comes out of their mouths is what we are most interested in. Whether it be lies or truth;)
My image by the way suits the hour, mostly scruffy sadly.

the veg artist said...

Given that Rishi Sunak's wife is rumoured to be richer than the Queesn, I expect that even the 'casual' clothes he wears at home are going to be up a notch on most of us, and which of us wouldn't at least try to look presentable if they knew their photo was going to be splashed all over the media?
As far as the image that I give, I dread to think. Luckily I live in an area where most of us dress for practicality and the weather, so if I'm clean and tidy, and there are no holes in my clothes from the cat, or paint on my hands, that will do!

Ellen D. said...

I really don't care much about my image and enjoy being comfortable. Now that it has gotten chilly, my sweatshirts and sweatpants are back in use and I can wear them wherever I go these days. No one is looking at me so I can wear what is best for me.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

When I was at Uni I remember having a female tutor. You could always tell when she was displeased with you because she'd put on a very stern-looking pair of glasses, not unlike those worn by Mr Sunak. I hope he doesn't have too much unwelcome news!

JayCee said...

I would love to look like Sophia Loren but sadly am more like Worzel Gummidge these days.

EM Griffith said...

In a phone call yesterday, my sister relayed a story of going to a shop where there were men working in the parking lot, all smiles, greeting her with "Good morning!" and big smiles. In the shop, one fellow was stocking shelves, another at a register, both equally friendly, all smiles. Only later did she realize her blouse was unbuttoned low enough to show lacy bra. Keep in mind, she's 66 and that's NOT her usual style; she's always buttoned up. We're not always aware of what image we're silently communicating!
Hope that gives you a smile or a laugh today. --Elise

Librarian said...

Elise's little anecdote about her sister made me smile - thank you, Elise!
Us bloggers want to project a certain image of ourselves, be it via our own posts or when we comment on other bloggers' posts.
I have come to terms with what I look like, but admittedly, I used to be a bundle of insecurities with very low self esteem until I was about 30.
For my clients, I want them to perceive me as an expert who is part of the solution, not part of the problem; at the same time, I want them to know they can talk to me on an eye-to-eye level and even throw in some humour, when appropriate. Being open-minded and not relying on a certain image without knowing the person has served me well.

Derek Faulkner said...

Pretty much the last time that I created an image with my dress was in the 1960's. My best friends and I were heavily in to folk music and we all played guitar as well and therefore we all had to be seen in Levi jeans, Levi jackets and desert boots - only Levis would do. Having said that, I guess most of us if we're honest, if we're producing a photo of our lounge would arrange things a tad, by making a certain book, newspaper or painting in the foreground - don't we?

Melinda from Ontario said...

Since my retirement one year ago I've been delighted that I no longer have to wear my "teacher clothes". My uniform of choice was a long loose skirt with a comfy shirt on top. Several months ago I bundled up everything I considered "teachery" and sent it off for donation. I'm now wearing leggings with long loose plaid shirts most days. My new image is "retired, gardener lady".

Ursula said...

What an impassioned and eloquent post. You made me laugh, Weaver. I hasten to add, in a good way.

Whilst I agree that some people cultivate an "image", style themselves, or are styled (by their stylist! HA!) others just are. Themselves. One can't hold against anyone to have taste and/or the wherewithal to drape themselves in cashmere, slurping a Martini (two olives) and, unselfconsciously, quoting the Classics.

Truth is, Weaver, Rishi Sunak is eye candy. With an attitude to match. When he succeeds the windswept bumbling perfect dinner guest (Boris Johnson), he'll provide these isles with a rest, a lull, an interlude. Till the next tidal wave.

U

Heather said...

As we are all so different from one another it is probably unfair to compare images. The saying 'you can't judge a book by it's cover' comes to mind. We each have our own chosen style of dress, some purposefully cultivated, others more natural. My own style is clean and tidy. I'm not interested in trends but do like colours that go together.
As for politicians - as long as they are honest, clean, tidy, reasonably well spoken and have our country's interests at heart they'll do for me.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Ursula - Rishi is my constituency MP and a good one at that.

Derek - and most of you - I gave the wrong ipression in that I didn't mean just dress - I think we create an image with our behaviour, our haircutt,he car we drive, everything really - it is in our nature to do so.
It did make me smile Elise and it reminded me of years ago when going into Darlingtton I drove down a street and noticed a lot of car horns pipping. I noticed why - a lady on the pavement had the back of her skirt tucked into knickers - there was heavy Wtraffic and there was no way I could stop and tell her.
Wundadbez One of my favourite poems - thank you for the reminder.
Rachel - that made me laugh - didn't notice so expect the answer is no. There's life in the old girl yet!
Well said Carruthers
Rachel - You are right in what I would do if someone said they were coming to see me. Sorry but appearance is important to me - I admit it

Sorry for any errors but at this time of night my eyesight is poor.

Rachel Phillips said...

No need to apologise. I would put my makeup on.

Rachel Phillips said...

What are pants?

Debby said...

I plead guilty...

Susan said...

Appearance does matter and it is a reflection of the individual person. Remember, a picture speaks a thousand words. We are generally visual people and like it or not we do make judgments based on not only what we hear but also what we see.

DUTA said...

There's nothing like a leather jacket to make one look good.( Sorry to say this as I'm not for slaughtering animals for their skin).

Brenda said...

I don’t wear leather and do t eat animals...
Started as health (vegetarian 30 years ago) but now just the thought. It does not bother me at all that others eat animals. Also the pandemic has brought about a relaxed look. I love it.

jinxxxygirl said...

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about Pat in this post. lol You lost me... Maybe its an English inside thing? or shows or news that i just don't watch but everything you wrote came across as gibberish... ?? Maybe its me.. i'm tired...lol Happy early Birthday.... Birthday card on the way to you! Hugs! debs

Cro Magnon said...

I had a 'lightbulb moment' when I was at school, about my image. Most boys at that time would stand in front of the mirror trying to shape their hair into an Elvis style quiff. I suddenly realised how stupid this was, and have never really bothered about how I look ever since. I can assure you that it has never held me back.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Love it Cro - and although we have never me 'in the flesh' I am sure you are right!
Jinxy dear - we'll just agree to differ. Thanks for Birthday wishes.
Brenda I agree about relaxed look and the pandemic - we are going out so much less so no need to make an impression on anybody - does make life easier.

Frances said...

I always put on some make up....nothing flashy, to walk the dog in the mornings in a place where I often see no one at all ! Makes me feel ( and look) better.
Apparently those " flip flops" Rishi was wearing are called sliders.... No, I didn't know that either!

sussexvron said...

My first comment here and I much enjoy following your fascinating blog Weaver. I'm with Melinda above having also just retired as a teacher, I am also much enjoying not wearing my professional garb. Yet to discard those outfits and to find a suitable new image9not trying really), although I have acquired a new car but have never been interested in my own image, very much a case of take it or leave it. Thanks for all the interesting stories.

Anonymous said...

I can also relate to Melinda's comment, but yesterday saw an ad on the back of the bus for a funeral director and his family/staff advertising their service (Berry's Funeral service ironically). The three men looked very smart in their suits, and I thought 'if this was your life's work and profession, what a relief it would be to retire eventually and not have to wear a suit every single day.
EM Griffith's comment made me laugh. On a shopping expedition once, I noted that people were exceptionally kind to me, one lady even giving my hand a squeeze as she placed change into it., and smiling gently. .On returning home I saw that I had unknowingly smudged charcoal from my busy artistic endeavours on my face and it looked exceptionally bruised! - Pam.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Pam - this made me laugh.

Thanks everyone - you have provided me with some interesting and amusing reading.

gz said...

Image is an interesting thing.
Makes me think of my grammar school motto...the actual I can't recall, but it was in Latin and said "to be, not to seem"
One of the few good things that I got from that school

Tom Stephenson said...

Rishi Sunak did not only allow the world's press to photograph him beavering away on the budget, he told them what was in it too.