Quote:
Originally Posted by jean-ji  So reading this, I realize some people think hanging clothes out to dry is a low class thing to do. It doesn't surprise me, as people become more affluent they like to distance themselves from the old ways. Being more modern (the fifties) to being more technological savvy (now) has been sold so well by ad agencies. Nothing works like being told you are behind the times or old fashioned to get people to abandon common sense and part with their money.
Breast feeding was portrayed as being old fashioned, lower class and unsanitary. That sold a lot of bottles, sterilizers and later manufactured formula. It's a fact that breast milk is superior for babies, but how many years did it take for that information to come out?
Scientists and research money had to prove what your grandmother already knew.
We been sold a lot over the years, with industry and advertisers trying to tell us how to make our lives better, only to be find out what they were selling wasn't in our best interests, but theirs.
The greening of America is selling very well lately because the advertisers are finding out where to get the money out of it. It may backfire on them as people realize they can do with less and may be happier for it.
|
Your post reminded me of a conversation I was a part of at a BBQ last weekend. One particular person is apparently on the board for their neighborhood's HOA and quite proud of it. They were discussing the rules and what not that they have (things like no above ground pools, etc). Really, they were quite proud to say what people can and cannot do there. The neighborhood is on the nice side, but not nearly the best or most expensive around. At first I couldn't believe this person who's oppinions I usually agree with without hesitation thought that way. But then I remembered that this person came from a very poor background where they didn't have nice things. And what things they did have weren't kept with care either. I've known this person a long time and over the years I've learned that that is what drives them to be so particular about their home and belongings. And it's probably why they want to be in a neighborhood where everything is top notch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by katiemae1277 my trailer park is like a mini HOA  we are not even allowed to have clotheslines- a trailer park without clotheslines, imagine that |
I don't think they are allowed in mine either. We're not allowed Satellite dishes either, though they don't enforce that one. But we all do have small lots, so there really isn't any privacy around here. I just use the collapsible racks inside the house.
I have to hang dry a lot of clothing so things don't shrink. Ever since I 'developed' I've had trouble with shirts in particular becoming too tight after being in the dryer. One reason I didn't like drying everything outside as a kid was because I always seemed to get flying ants in my socks. But we also had our clothing line about 15' from a 200 acre forest. At my Gram's I don't ever remember having that problem. Gram also has a line in the basement that is constantly in use. DH and I plan to have one like that too if we have a basement when we buy a house.
I too give the clothing a good 'snap' when hanging them and wrinkles aren't so bad.
I understand why some people might not like hanging things outside to dry or seeing others things outside and to each his own. But I don't really agree with banning them altogether. Maybe banning them from front yards so long as people do have a reasonable space for it behind their homes. But then if you delve into who and what defines "reasonable"; you open a whole other can of worms right?
I personally want to do everything I can to avoid a HOA when we do buy. I know they can do a lot of good, but I just plain don't trust people being put in charge of things like that. I guess I've heard too many stories where it seems like HOA's go on a 'power trip,' if you will, and focus on nit-picking every little thing. If I'm going to spend X amount of money on something that is supposed to be
mine, I'm not going to want my neighbors scrutinizing my every choice. Having studied Interior and Architectural design in college, I have very specific ideas of what I'd like to do with my home. Nothing outlandish, but my home is my canvas. I don't quite know how to say it, but basically I wouldn't be happy. When I'm not being creative, I'm not being myself.
I met a woman at Home Depot last Christmas replacing all her regular white lights for white LED lights because her HOA threatened to fine her. And I know they are supposed to be more energy efficient and all, but really, fine her?? At least give people a full year to replace things like that. Instead it was either their way right now or no way. I say just no!
banning clotheslines LOL
