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
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
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