From Mr P. P. Dingli

I comment on Ms Benoit latest contribution addressing the issue of dressing appropriately for various functions and occasions (TMIS, 3 August). On one hand I agree that there is a dress for all occasions and that no matter the function, all guests must abide by the host’s wishes. However, we must always remember that no matter what you wear, a monkey in silk is a monkey no less, “Clothes do not make the (wo)man”.

And the government has every right to stipulate the choice of dress it deems suitable. However, this is where I part company with Ms Benoit. I am sure that as a professional, a journalist will be aware of his/her responsibilities to their employer and therefore, it’s the latter’s call to have a dress code for their employees.

Now to suggest that “women over a certain age “… whose arms are well past their sell-by-date” should know better, is not only insulting but a gross generalization of the best kind. All of a sudden we are calling for the Fat Police to stroll down ‘The Front’ (is it still called that? I’ve been away for a while) and fine fat 50-year-old women for wearing strapless dresses and the like. “Women past 50 should not expose their arms” Please!

Soon you’ll be calling for women to wear the Ghonnella again, which is only a small step to full body cover. I don’t think you want that. And besides, are only thin waifs the good looking ones?

What about those males who prefer the larger woman. Must they be only subjected to a parade of anorexic 30 year olds?

How easy we give away our thoughts: “Husbands and gynaecologists…” indeed. What about those who choose not to marry? Is marriage the only avenue to sensual pleasure? Again, I beg to differ!

Peter P. Dingli

VICTORIA

AUSTRALIA