For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for May 10, 2017

And just like the young boy in the Emperor’s New Clothes, Elly and Connie attempt to send a message to the young ladies wearing 1988 swimsuits that they are naked. Unlike the Emperor, I expect that not only did they not care, but they were pretty happy to have the kind of bodies where they did not feel embarrassed showing them off. If this were published today, I expect Lynn Johnston would get a few comments about body shaming. The idea of women being ashamed to show off their bodies is no longer fashionable.

@howtheduck: I disagree with that interpretation. I think the message shows the ease by which one can be convinced that something is good for him/her. A play on one’s own personal desire to project a more youthful and lively image, and a display that says, ‘This is YOU.’ We ignore the image in the mirror that says, ‘No. This is you. Get used to it.’

The strip also reminds me of a certain recent national election, the actual effects of which are likely to be as disappointing as when Ellie sees herself in the mirror in that swimsuit.

And that’s the naked truth, Ellie!

Thankfully, I’ve never been good at being a puppet. If it is comfortable, clean, and modest, I don’t care if it’s “in fashion” or not. I still wear dresses I got 15 years ago…and still get favorable comments on them!

“If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And if you don’t got it? Flaunt it. ‘Cause what are we even doing here if we’re not flaunting it?” – Mindy Kaling

I have little interest in whatever the fashion of the month is. I have my own fashion. But not being rich, I can’t indulge in it.

Dressed for comfort, not for speed !

Lynn’s Notes:

I went from store to store trying to find something that was both youthful and attractive. It wasn’t an easy task. The choice was “fogey” or “fatale.”

There was a cartoon of a shapely young lady walking by in a bikini.

On the park bench were two women in their 80s "When we had it they wouldn’t let us flaunt it!!