THERE IS NO GREATER CAUSE, no better dream, than the total elimination of sexual and domestic violence against women, and for that matter, the elimination of all kinds of violence against anyone and everyone.
But must we work to do this by engaging in a purely symbolic activity that is virtually guaranteed to injure anyone who participates in it? We refer to the "Walk a Mile In Her Shoes" organization and activity, which is right around the corner in most american locales.
The activity consists of walking a mile in high heels, and it is intended for everyone, but especially men. Associated with this is undoubtedlly the raising of money to fund the cause, to educate the public; the primary purpose of the event is to simply draw awareness to the problem.
It is of course well known that high heel shoes are dangerous, and unhealthy. Dangerous because of the increased chances of sprained or broken ankles, or broken necks, unhealthy because repeated use as intended results in a stooped posture, back problems, ankle and knee problems, an orthopedic nightmare.
Makes you yearn for the good old "Race For the Cure", in which participants wear running shoes, and the most dangerous risk is dehydration and exhaustion. Not only that, but there is an associated activity called "sleep in for the cure", in which participants merely send in their entrance fee, and show up for the run in spirit only. This appeals to millions of americans.
Must one bring one's own high heels? If one breaks one's ankle or one's neck, is the walk a mile in her shoes organizatoin liable. or does one sign a waver before adorning one's feet with stilletos? How long, one wonders, does it take someone to walk a mile who has never even come close to wearing high heels? Hours, perchance, crawling or barefoot at the end?
I would almost rather wear a miniskirt and pantyhose...
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