Barbara J. Andrews
©
TheDogPress
July 1, 2010 -
He is obviously well educated, well-spoken, mannerly, and weird! He
named a dozen female handlers who he talks to. He admits he’s been
called “creepy” and some men resent him for taking photos of their wives
or girlfriend’s legs. Some don’t. It gets stranger…
In his letter below, Webber says most of the women are flattered and
complimented. He takes notes and phone numbers so he can “call the women
and give them compliments.” Some female handlers want copies of the
photos. Webber told us “some are receptive to a photo shoot, apart from
shows, when they are not busy.”
He’s in New Jersey but plans to travel to California to take photos
there. He doesn’t work, has “money left to him.” Asked why he doesn’t go
to tennis matches to photograph legs, Webber quickly replied “because
they don’t wear shiny stockings.”
Webber says he doesn’t photo shop or enhance the pictures. He just enjoys
looking at them, they are his “own personal collection, like a stamp
collection.” Webber is good-looking, has “no trouble getting girls” and
doesn’t think there is anything wrong with a pantyhose obsession.
I discussed this with staff and a couple of dog show friends. Feedback
ran from “he doesn’t sound dangerous” to “must be as charming in person
as he is over the phone” and “what does this say about dog shows today?”
We decided to give you opportunity to
blog about
it.
The image projected by dog shows gives pause for thought. Call me old
fashioned but don’t call me jealous! There was a time when I could have
worn mini-skirts and “shiny stockings” but I chose not to. Dog shows are
a sporting event and whether running barrels, riding to the hounds, or
competition dancing, I believe the outfit should be traditional and
appropriate. If you feel differently, let us know.
Excessive cleavage, overly tight or short skirts are NOT APPROPRIATE for
dog shows. It doesn’t matter whether the mini skirt is on a shapely
young thing or an overweight woman living in a fantasy world. Male or
female, handlers have to bend over and/or kneel down in order to show
the dog. The image presented to ringside can be downright disgusting!
Men do not remove their sports coat unless the judge does so. They used
to wear ties. Female handlers wore skirts and “sensible shoes” and
finally came the day when sporty pants suits were accepted. This year
the blistering Myrtle Beach shows were sensibly billed as “beach wear”
attire which to the pros meant short sleeves and no stockings, but
certainly not
shorts and flip-flops.
Today’s dog show ring looks like the street outside a singles bar or hip
dance club. Sorry, but it does. When women handlers first began showing
legs and cleavage, some judges were offended and those who awarded them
were marked as suckers or crooks.
The shiny pantyhose problem is indicative of how our sport is currently
perceived. When Bob Webber called the second time to “see if The Dog
Press had received any complaints” about him, I asked him to send an
email and explain why he does this. What follows is his prompt and
reasoned response:
“My name is Bob Webber, I would like to address some comments that
were made on a dog handler's Facebook page concerning a photo album and
phone calls I've made to dog handlers. First off, I am not "creepy". I
am an ordinary guy that likes dog shows, attractive women, and yes,
pantyhose. These calls were made in an effort to compliment the handlers
on their nice outfits, including their shiny pantyhose, and to wish them
future success in their upcoming shows. I don't believe anything
inappropriate was said. I'm not a stalker, I'm just a fan of the
handlers, a lover of pantyhose, and it seemed like the perfect match,
since so many handlers wear shiny nylons. I meant no harm. I have a long
list of handlers that I've contacted that appreciated and thanked me for
the compliments. Once again, I apologize if I've offended, or even just
bothered you.
“I agree, there are certain parts of a woman's body that a gentleman
doesn't address to an unfamiliar lady. The breasts and the buttocks are
areas that have to be covered in public... by law, even. Complimenting a
woman on these parts could be seen as lewd, or inappropriate behavior.
But the legs are like arms. If you told a woman her full-length satin
gloves were a nice touch to her outfit, would that be crossing some
line? Of course not. So why then, is it inappropriate when you tell her
that her shiny nylon clad legs are a great addition to her ensemble? Is
it because pantyhose are considered an undergarment? Perhaps. But a
compliment on a woman's shiny nylons are a reference to the legs that
are exposed, not the part that is concealed by clothing.
“I've been a fan of shiny pantyhose ever since I was a kid, and I hate
when people try to shame you into thinking it's weird or creepy. There
was a time when a man could compliment a woman on what she was wearing,
without it being odd behavior. Remember the "Gentlemen Prefer Hanes" ads
from the 70s and 80s? There was even a jingle with lyrics too. Women
look good in skirts and pantyhose... sorry for noticing. Bob
Webber phbob@mail.com
How do you feel about this? Are some of us out of touch? Women once
paraded their little dogs wearing big hats, heels, and long full skirts
with bustles!. Do you
feel our sport, like polo or rodeo has tradition that should be
respected by appropriate clothing? Do you think women handlers are at
risk?
The Dog Press Blog
appreciates your opinion, and please, mention how
long you’ve been in the sport, your primary breed or group. You can sign
your comments as “anonymous.”
http://www.thedogpress.com/SideEffects/Pantyhose-Problem_Andrews.asp
Side
Effects
