Now, I celebrate humanity’s penchant for self-decoration. Our own children spent many years mixing up gloppy hair dye in every psychedelic shade from Manic Panic pink to cobalt blue. I even Vaselined a few ears along the way, as the willing assistant.
But many women in our youth-focused culture dye their hair not for fun or pleasure, but to hide the gray — an act that also, I’d argue, hides their experience and wisdom.
...
I went to see Senator Elizabeth Warren this summer when she spoke in Elkhart at the RV Hall of Fame. She raced from the wings, high-fiving folks and bounding onto the klieg-lighted stage. I was both impressed with her youthful energy … and a little bummed by the necessity of the performance. Must she bounce and smile to please us? Aren’t her years of study and experience enough? Can’t we focus on her plans instead of her self-presentation? Based on this campaign cycle, I’d say: Not yet.
Perhaps this ruffles my silvering feathers because I’m leaning into croning pretty hard these days. I like the definition of the crone as a powerful, wise woman. And I like the idea of electing one for president. However this election turns out, I hope we’re sailing toward a moment when women candidates — and women everywhere — can simply be themselves, with all their wisdom, undisguised, on full display. Continue here....
-- April Lidinsky
