The Journal

Webster University was visited by the fashion police when one of our own was chosen to be the victim of TLC's "What Not to Wear," showing once again our nation bases all decisions on our physical appearance. It does not matter who we are, how intelligent we may be or what we've accomplished. Fashion trumps all.

On Oct. 13, Gina Jensen, the Assistant Director of the Forensics and Debate Team and Adjunct Professor at WU, was ambushed during a taping of "Meet Me in St. Louis" at the studio of KSDK-TV, Channel 5.

Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, the hosts of "What Not to Wear," came on the set as Jensen was describing what a person's clothing says about them, interrupting her, saying she had a clothing malfunction.

Many well-accomplished people throughout history were victims of fashion faux pas. Look at Albert Einstein, who is still considered a mathematical genius despite his frumpy outfits. His hair was never brushed, he didn't know how to tie his shoes and he dressed in a very unkempt manner.

George Washington Carver, the renowned botanist and inventor, was often seen in a disheveled suit. It was said he only owned one suit and it was covered in holes and dirt.

Kurt Vonnegut, an American novelist best known for his science fiction books including "Slaughterhouse-Five," "Cat's Cradle," and "Breakfast of Champions," constantly looked like someone had drug him out from under a rock. All of these people are still admired and respected, despite their lack of fashion.

So what if Jensen dressed casually. It didn't conflict with her ability to work. If the students who nominated her for "What Not to Wear" were so concerned about how she presented herself, they were obviously paying more attention to how she dressed than her lectures.

The idea of fashion being more important than comfort shows we are one step away from corsets and foot binding.

High heels, after years of use, can cause the Achilles tendon to shrink, making it impossible for women to be able to stand flat on their feet. They also are one of the causes of varicose veins, back pains and misalignment of the spine. High heels throw off the whole natural balance of the body.

How far are we going to let fashion rule our lives?

There is nothing wrong with dressing for comfort. If a person feels comfortable, they look comfortable and, in a way, it shows confidence to others. It can be taken to mean "I don't care what you think, I am happy with who I am."

Fashion is constantly changing. What was in style last year is now out of style. This past summer, ruffles and neon colors were the "it" thing. Leggings came back in style two summers ago. That doesn't mean that people have to dress like they are knock-offs from the '80s.

With bills to pay, an education to acquire and the economy not as strong as consumers would like, people should really be asking themselves what is more important to them: basic necessities or a new wardrobe.

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