To shave or not to shave: Why we started removing our body hair
Women around the world have expressed the benefits of not having to shave or wax during the pandemic. This task is often painful, expensive, uncomfortable, and time-consuming. However, societal pressures have led many women to believe that shaving is a choice they must make. In reality, these so-called choices have been influenced by decades of social expectations. Although many women begin hair removal at a young age, only a few understand the origins and reasons behind this trend. Throughout history, body hair has played a significant role in shaping gender roles, delineating social classes, defining femininity, and exerting control over women through shame. However, these notions are now undergoing transformation. This article, based on information from CNN, explores the origins of hair removal, its proliferation, and the challenges it faces today. It sheds light on how societal expectations have influenced women's grooming habits and the current movement towards questioning and challenging these norms.
2023-09-22T09:38:02Z
Furniture that has disappeared in the modern era
You might not have given this fact much thought, but as technology and our lifestyles evolve, so does the need for certain furniture. For example, telephone tables were built with a specific, practical function in mind, which is no longer necessary with our smartphones of today. In addition to its functionality, furniture can also contribute to the style or decor of a space. Secretary bookcases, for example, provided the benefit of both storage space and a convenient work surface. And while many of these items were highly fashionable in the first half of the 20th century, they have now disappeared from contemporary homes. Click on to discover pieces of furniture that were once popular, but you'll probably never see in most modern homes today.
2023-11-28T10:07:41Z
Minimalist hacks to declutter your life
There's a reason that changing seasons always seem to be accompanied by donation bags—we have too much stuff! Shows like 'Tidying Up with Marie Kondo' gained attention worldwide because this is a common problem that both unites and buries us. Whether it's one too many stops for retail therapy, the inability to give anything up due to sentimentality, or simply not enough time to go through it all, many of us struggle with household clutter in our day-to-day lives. However, did you know that owning less can actually improve your quality of life? In 1978, researcher Phillip Brickman from Northwestern University conducted a study to see if wealth truly brought happiness. He found that the happiness of those who had won the lottery was no higher than the control group who only met their basic physical needs. Yet another psychological study was done by LN Chaplin and DR John, which found a strong link between materialism and low self-esteem among young people. Not only has it been shown that clutter detracts from our mental health, it's also been suggested that our mental well-being actually benefits when our houses aren't cluttered with things. According to Psychology Today, clearing our closets of possessions that we don't absolutely love can reduce stress and foster peace of mind. In an added benefit, spending less on material things also cuts back on financial stress, as well as taking away the pressure of always having to earn and buy more. While buying your favorite pair of pants in three colors may feel right in the moment, this doesn't ultimately lead to long-term happiness. By embracing a minimalist lifestyle, you can make your life less complicated and stressful—all while saving money. Perhaps less really is more! While this is all great to talk about, it's another thing entirely to actually get down to business and clear the clutter to make way for minimalism. But never fear! These minimalist hacks will make your life a whole lot easier. In honor of Use Less Stuff Day, click through this gallery and start maximizing your life today!
2024-03-05T11:40:51Z
How to protect your children from sexual abuse
Parents don’t hesitate when it comes to teaching children to look both ways before they cross the street or to stay away from a hot stove, but body safety is often put aside until they’re much older, and sometimes after it’s too late. It’s a horrifying and sad reality, but a reality nonetheless, and taking measures to protect your child from sexual abuse—which does not discriminate in terms of race, class, religion, or culture—can be a lifesaving matter. Of course, there is no exact way to protect children from sexual abuse, but there are simple, communicative steps recommended by the Child Mind Institute and other child health resources that can reduce the risk. Knowledge is a powerful tool, so click through and arm yourself and your dear ones.
2024-01-15T20:06:14Z
Bizarre status symbols through history
As a social species, humans spend a lot of time distinguishing themselves within their society. For centuries, we have asserted our social status through the use of recognizable, sought-after symbols, even though they may not serve us any real purpose regarding our survival. Nowadays, the symbols that come to mind are jewels or nice cars, but status symbols from history show that the things we value are constantly changing and are somewhat arbitrary. Even contemporary luxury items can seem downright counterintuitive. Symbols of luxury have also changed according to how much of a novelty they were and how difficult they were to procure at the time, so there are things that you probably have in your home right now which, a few hundred years ago, signified that you were wealthy and important. Click through this gallery to see the strangest, most outlandish status symbols from history to present day.
2024-02-06T20:35:09Z