Page 14 - To Dragma March 1932

Z4 To DRAGMA
just an arresting caption to an inane story. I t is really an important
chapter in our present history of readjustment.
Dr. Charlotte Easby Grave ' 2 1 ) , consulting psychologist, took
a cross-section of humanity, and microscopically and scientifically ex-
amined the effects of personal appearance upon its present-day slump-
ing morale.
"The one thing most necessary to a happy adjustment at all times,
and especially at the moment, is that thing called 'security,' " Dr. Grave
said confidently. "To some persons that thing means success, to others
it would mean just keeping up socially to others' achievement. Hut the
fundamental basis is 'security.' One of the things that makes for a feel-
ing of security is the assurance of the affection of those around us. With
woman security very often lies in her personal appearance. That has
probably been her weapon of attraction in the first place, in her business
life or her marital sphere.
"Some business men never tire of arguing about the way women
get ahead in the world by using their femininity to advance their busi-
ness positions, yet these very men are the ones who require an orna-
mental stenographer. While this attitude is becoming obsolete and
greater understanding and less coquetry is the code of business rela-
tionships, this does not mean that there will not always be an inde-
finable something in the relationship between man and woman, wherein
personal appearance plays a big part, be it on the ballroom floor, at the
country club, where they play together, or in the office, factory, hospi-
tal, or laboratory, where they work together.
"Attractiveness widens the woman's choice of a job or of a life com-
panion (which is in itself a big job), and it is important to all parties con- isn't so much that her good looks and well-fitting clothes and well-kept
cerned that her choice cover a wide expanse of humanity. And the im-
portance of looks upon one's job is not confined exclusively to the female
of the species. Do you know," said Dr. Grave intently, "that there is an
organization which actually spruces men up, gives free baths and shaves,
before sending them out job-hunting?
"Today the woman who is employed has many angles to consider.
Having obtained the coveted job, which daily seems to be less rooted, how
to inspire within herself a feeling of greater security? Anything that
makes her feel more uncertain makes her work less efficient. And what
causes greater uncertainty than a shabby appearance? Her salary is less,
her expenses and responsibilities as great, she has suffered severe losses.
What to do? There is only one answer," continued Dr. Grave emphati-
cally. "She must make a good show window display. She must never
neglect her clothes budget for something else. A man may appear in a
well-cleaned, well-pressed, three-year-old suit and, in the parlance of
the day, 'Get away with it.' A woman must wear the length skirt and the
lines of today's fashion dictatorship. Most employers don't want women
down at the heels. Her dollar must do twice as much work today. She
must put some of it on her person.
"Then there is the angle of the unmarried woman whose hardboiled
shell still contains the making and desires of a potential wife. Let's be
MARCH, 1932 t$
frank," laughed this altogether uninhibited young woman. "Men are
much harder to attract to marriage today. Many men consider it a dis-
tinct economic disadvantage. Does she attract or frighten a man away
matrimonially when she is well dressed? If she is not attractively dressed,
she doesn't even get a 'buzz.' That's not very scientific sounding,"
parenthesized Dr. Grave, "but it says what I mean exactly. On the other
hand, if she is well dressed she may scare him away. Men realize today
that it takes management—good sound management to be well dressed,
and any good business man admires efficient management on the part
of a woman.
"At a dinner party the other night, a married man said to me, 'What
an exquisite white gown—you look like a million dollars—how do you
do it?' I frankly told him how. I bought out of season, paying less than
a third the original cost. And he was as frank in his admiration of my
management. I t immediately exceeded his superficial flattery about the
dress. We had quite a discussion on budgets and the importance of ap-
pearance, and the like. Woman no longer need simper and evasively
giggle away a man's compliment. She may meet it on its own ground—
juggle with it and balance it perfectly in her scheme of things.
"Whether a girl works for a salary before marriage or receives an
allowance from her father she should definitely plan a clothes budget.
Knowledge of just what clothes cost will be of great assistance after mar-
riage. She will have a fair idea of what can be bought with the money
her husband will allow her, and she will know something of how to plan
other expenditures.
"The emotional background of the entire family depends upon its
woman. I f she slumps, there is little chance for the man and family. I t
hair and nails make her vain or superior in her attitude, as that they
create or re-create in her renewed courage. When her mirror tells her the
sorry tale of vanished good looks and an accompanying 'nobody cares'
wardrobe, she feels a sense of inferiority, and her whole attitude to the
marriage situation gets the wrong slant. Instability is always existent,
if in the background of most lives. This depression brings it to the break-
ing point. It's the woman's job to be the mental hygienist of the family.
And she can do that job to much better advantage if she looks her best,"
concluded Dr. Grave.
Alpha O's Jiave f§pace in Sh(ew Huilding
(Continued from page 17)
Showers opening off the modern and well equipped gymnasium on
et n ground floor make it possible to freshen up and slip into your best
frock in that harassed half hour between the last class and the after-
noon tea for the parents or faculty advisors.
So it is—comfortable, convenient, charming—and our great apprecia-
tion is extended to Mrs. William H . Stockham for this very valuable
Edition to the convenience and happiness of the students of the college.