Racism, Sexism, and Comfort

The other night I was lying there waiting to fall asleep when I had this thought about the Klan: I could never be a member of the KKK because I would never be able to keep from spilling food on my white robe. I don't secretly want to join the Klan but, here's the thing; whenever the Klan is portrayed on TV or in the movies, the rank and file racists are all in the white canvas robes. The leaders; however, are always wearing much snazzier robes that are red and gold and silky. They look like big Kimonos. When I see them I think, those despicable characters sure look comfortable in their silky Grand Wizard robes... It's a shame that I can't wear such a light breezy garment without people thinking that I'm a racist. Isn't that reverse racism?

I spoke with Steph about this and she pointed out that I might just want to wear a moo-moo. Of course she's right. I can't wear a moo-moo though because they are only for Golden Girls and morbidly obese men. So, I fall prey to another cruel stereo-type. That's sexist AND whatever it is we are calling it when people discriminate against the obese... Why can't moderately over-weight men (men like me that stand a good chance of being assigned a “health coach” by our employers) be allowed to wear moo-moos? Steph says Samoan men can wear whatever they want and they look very comfortable. I think that there is more to the Samoan look than a desire for comfort.

When will it become socially acceptable for me to wear a long loose fitting silky outer garment day after day, all summer long? Not. Soon. Enough.