Highstreet Honeys: A dream come true?
JO BLOGS:
www.thisiscornwall.co.uk ran a story today of local ‘beauty’ Charlotte Thompson being shortlisted in FHM’s Highstreet Honeys competition.
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Jo Wood
The first two comments realised word for word what both sides of my brain was thinking.
The first was less outraged, more disappointed, that the ambitions of a young woman with her whole life ahead of her should rest soley in being conceived as a ‘honey’ in the eyes of men.
The second ran the ‘good on her’ line. Why shouldn’t she make a buck or two out of her looks?
But the idea of becoming a ‘Highstreet Honey’? Just because I’d rather peel my eyes out and set fire to my breasts before I did such a thing, doesn’t mean Charlotte has the same ideals.
Charlotte has been brought up in a world where being a ‘celebrity’ is a career choice – something one aspires to be alongside ‘doctor’, ‘lawyer’, ‘musician’, or ‘journalist’.
But making one’s fortune in Cornwall is a tricky business. Opportunities are fewer and further between than elsewhere in the country. So I wish her luck, while holding tight my reservations.
I hope she remembers herself for something other than looks alone. I hope she doesn’t take personally the comments against her choice, for women have had the vote not yet a century, and have fought hard for her freedom. I hope.
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by thisiscornwall.co.uk, Truro
Friday, March 20 2009, 4:15PM
“Please note we do not publish comments posted under a false identity.
Nor do we publish comments which cross boundaries of personal abuse.”
by Jo Clair, Near Truro
Sunday, March 15 2009, 10:47PM
“Dear Charlotte,
I think what you're doing is great, and should be supported.
I'm doing a competition as well at the moment, I'm definately not a model, but its more based on personality, determination and intellectual ambition, alongside studying for a degree.
I have found this competition so fufilling, as it has given me so much confidence and has made me more passionate about persuing my career choice when i finish uni.
As a result of entering, i am now through to the grand finals in London in June, which never in my wildest dreams would i have expected.
These competitions take real guts to even enter, let alone participate to the end, and shows real dedication to a career choice and shows good buisness sense, and in that respect are not degrading to women.
I just wanted to say that i probably wouldn't have entered my competition if it wasnt for hearing that another girl from Cornwall could actually go out and do something and do well at it.
Go on and inspire others to get off their backsides and make something of their lives!
Well Done, hope you win
Jo xx”
by Julia, St Agnus
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 2:09PM
“You dont understand???
If I could be bothered, I would explain¿but I¿m sure you'd fire some witty and sarcastic idiom back at me so i¿ll refrain. Your argument is so so boring Jo¿ enjoy the rest of the day!”
by Jo, Truro
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 1:36PM
“Hi Julia, I'm sorry I don't really understand 'its transparency is pitiful', but that's ok. We're obviously talking a different language.
Bob - sounds fabulous - in fact it just so happens I'm wearing that today ... very In Vogue...”
by David, Penzance
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 1:30PM
“Blimey, that Jo's a bit deffencive. Don't put the option of comments on here if you don't want to take them on board. I thought they were quite constructive but you actually turned it petty with the initial sarcastic response. The irony behind this, however, is that it will most likely get a sarcastic response!”