To the editor:
Re: “Salon butts up against complaints,” March 26.
I raised my family in the Commercial Drive area and, as a responsible adult, recognize the importance of teaching children that some parts of their bodies are private and usually off-limits to others.
I am glad that I no longer have to walk my children to school at Britannia elementary, just past Waxbar’s anal bleaching sign because I’d be hard-pressed to come up with an answer to the inevitable questions: “Why would someone have their anus bleached? Isn’t one’s anus considered private?”
Remember, kids are usually shorter than we are, and this sandwich board is closer to their eye-level than yours. Believe me, they’d notice it. I resent the attempt to normalize this procedure by advertising it so blatantly in a family-oriented neighbourhood mere steps away from the elementary school, library and community centre that we all use.
Reading between the lines, it is a veiled comment that says “your body is disgusting and needs to be treated with harsh chemicals that whiten/sterilize to render you more acceptable.” I have to go past there at least 10 times a week and now I can’t help looking at the people in the salon, wondering whether they’re there waiting to get their anuses bleached — eeeew! Wow, some people must feel really bad about themselves!
I’m glad I don’t have to do that sort of thing to make a living. I wish the business owner in question would have enough class to promote this type of service more discreetly (if at all), in keeping with community standards.
As for the parent advisory council’s position — “they don’t have a problem with it’” — well, I really have to wonder what they exist for if not to ensure the best possible environment and education for their children.
Gina Michaels,
Vancouver
