Dub women and make up

MsMcDucket

When I became a witness, the sisters were on me about not wearing make-up. It seemed like every sister in the hall wore make-up. I, coming from a "holiness" background, didn't feel comfortable in make-up; so, I usually didn't wear any. It seemed that some of the sisters felt like this was bad. Did any other people/ladies experience this? It, also, seemed like a lot of the brothers and sisters were very materialistic. They had to have the latest suits, dresses, shoes, book bags, what have you...Did any of you notice this?

prophecor

I noticed some were very particular as to how they dressed. Though I didn't see it much of a problem, I just thought they wished to look there best and make-up was the thing to alleviate whatever frustrations, where you wern't too pleased with what God gave you.

After looking at it, though, I imagine we all needed something to, if nothing else, make us appear better looking on the outside. There are a lot of damaged people in the KH. Inwardly damaged and destroyed. Helps you to better be accepting of yourself, in case you run across a mirror.

anewme

When I became a witness in the early 70s the mindset was for the ladies to look very plain.
No lipstick, rouge, or eye makeup. We were all clean faced, scrubbed smiling dubs back then.
Just good plain folk.
We all drove humble cars and wore clothes that covered our bodies and did not draw undue attention to ourselves. The ladies kept their hair long or short, but always neat and innocent looking.
The brothers too all looked like serious minded and earnest gentlemen.

Something happened in the late 80s I think.
Alot of the witnesses started making more money or started to imitate those making more money.
The older modest cars were replaced one by one with more showy late model cars. Sport cars and brand new cars started to fill the parking lot.

Tight skirts and tops, high heels, textured stockings, thick eyeliner, colored hair, or all black tight skirt suits started appearing on the sisters. Designer purses and bookbags, European suits and shoes.
Home gatherings were photo opportunities for the wealthier witnesses. We took off our shoes to enter their homes to the tinkling of the keys on the grand piano, while the caterer glided through the crowd and out the French Doors to the patio and pool and guests.

Now there were articles appearing in the magazines about the care of our bookbags and the literature.
Do not stumble others with your appearance. Cars should be kept neat and clean, houses should be the nicest on the block if you a witness. (This was the message you felt) There was increased pressure to be the thinnest, richest, most popular, all the while Pioneer.
Maybe it was just me. But I too felt the push to look successful, all the while being the slave of all.

You get alot of messages at the Kingdom Hall. But the one you really need to focus on is to
"Love Jehovah God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength,....and your neighbor as yourself"

blondie

Makeup on women depended on the community opinion. If you lived in the Bible Belt and women with makeup on were considered Jezebels, then the sisters were cautioned not to stumble the householders.

In one congregation though, the PO gave a talk on makeup and said if used in good taste, there was nothing wrong. Some women even looked better with makeup.

Also, because the man is considered the head of the house, husbands had the final decision as to whether their wives wore makeup or not.

When one CO said that dark nails and lipstick were inadvisable; the PO's wife wore black nail polish on Sunday.

There is a CO wife's out there still on the road that wears enough makeup for 5 women and when she shows up in a circuit, she shakes up the makeup rules.

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w04 9/1 p. 11 Glorify God "With One Mouth" ***

12

For example, a Christian woman may once have belonged to a religion that emphasized plainness of dress and appearance. When she accepts the truth, she may find it hard to adjust to the idea that it is not forbidden to wear modest, colorful clothing on appropriate occasions or to make tasteful use of makeup. Since no Bible principle is involved, it would not be proper for anyone to try to persuade that Christian woman to violate her conscience. At the same time, she realizes that she should not criticize Christian women whose conscience allows them to make use of such things.

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w99 6/15 p. 32 Something Better Than Cosmetics

AFTER referring to "outward aids" that women used as beauty enhancers, the apostle Peter advised: "Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God’s sight."—1 Peter 3:3, 4, Today’s English Version.

Interestingly, when the apostle wrote of such external adornment, he used a form of the Greek word ko´smos, which is also the root of the English word "cosmetic," meaning "making for beauty esp[ecially] of the complexion." Was Peter imposing on Christian women a prohibition relative to the use of makeup and other similar beauty aids? There is nothing in God’s Word that suggests that. Rather, it allows for personal decision on this matter, so a degree of variation in taste can be expected.

However, if the application of makeup is overdone, or done to a degree that disturbs many others, what message is conveyed? Is it not one of harshness, brashness, gaudiness, ostentation, or narcissism? Indeed, it can cheapen a woman’s appearance, possibly giving the wrong impression as to moral character.—Compare Ezekiel 23:36-42.

In recognition of this, a woman "professing to reverence God" will endeavor, if she chooses to apply cosmetics, to have her face reveal the signatures of soundness of mind, gentleness, kindness, and modesty. Such qualities will enhance her grace and charm. In fact, whether she chooses to wear makeup or not, she will manifest a dignity and inner beauty. This will reflect her knowledge that, as Peter’s words quoted above imply, there is something better than cosmetics.—1 Timothy 2:9, 10.

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Young People Ask chap. 10 p. 88 How Important Are Looks? ***

Sharp, angular features can likewise be softened by wearing "a wavy or curly hairstyle," and judicious use of makeup can downplay a girl’s facial flaws. Male or female, you can also accomplish much with your choice of apparel. Choose colors that enhance your complexion and styles that flatter.

sir82

If you will permit a comment from the male perspective....

It strikes me that the JWs often manifest a very competitive streak. If you are very good-looking, and can get away without much make-up, and Sister Bad-Complexion needs a half-inch thick layer to just look presentable, that could cause resentment.

If Sister Look-At-Me shows up with a Gucci bag, well, maybe I should buy that Fendi I saw last week.

Of course it is not just sisters, brothers compete with their material goods, and even with assignments. "Well, guess who's head of the rooming department at the District Convention this year!"

Of course not everyone is like this. But for those who come into the organization, and have this type of personality to begin with, the situation is greatly exacerbated by the particular JW culture, related to "theocratic activities". How much time did you put in last month? How many magazines did you place this morning? My son is a pioneer, and is going to Gilead--what are your children doing? I had the CO over for lunch, it was such a wonderful privilege, blah blah blah...It is a short step from competitiveness in "theocratic" endeavors to competitiveness in other areas.

katiekitten

Something happened in the late 80s I think.

Yup. Dallas and Dynasty.

In the UK we'd been used to humble soap operas about poor folk from ordinary backgrounds (Coronation Street et al). Then in the 80's we got those american soaps. It was all fantasy stuff about super rich people with mega bucks, enormous shoulder pads and big hair. Well we couldnt handle it. We wanted huge shoulder pads, eyelashes thicker than a donkeys tail, and nails so long you couldnt do the house work.

It all went down hill from there really.

LittleToe

We wanted huge shoulder pads, eyelashes thicker than a donkeys tail, and nails so long you couldnt do the house work.

And that was just us boys!!!

katiekitten

LMAO @ LT,

Do you remember pencil thin leather ties, usually with a piano pattern down them? Boy were they cool!

diamondblue1974

Do you remember pencil thin leather ties, usually with a piano pattern down them? Boy were they cool!

Almost as cool as flourescent socks!!!

Scully

A lot of JWs are into "appearance". In fact, the whole religion is about "appearing" to be normal and happy, when in fact it is a fanatic cult and many members are downright miserable.

Since they are really nothing more than unpaid salespeople for the WTS, they have to appear to have the trappings that indicate success (aka God's Blessing™) on their sales performance. That would mean new clothing and shoes and bags. But don't let the designer labels fool you... I knew some JWs who were extremely competitive about finding designer clothing at second-hand stores... they would brag about what a great deal they got among their friends, but at Circuit Assemblies™ they made a point of bragging that they were wearing designer labels that nobody else could possibly afford.

A lot of JW women view wearing makeup as part of their total Happiest People On Earth™ uniform.

Dub women and make up

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