Generation X

Trish Doyle

Eng 101D

May 5, 1995

Hearts and Soles

Statistics have concluded that Generation X
is the most sexually active generation of
modern history (Boston Globe, 85). This
single factor has repercussions on nearly
every aspect of our culture: entertainment,
the arts, marketing, education, and
especially health concerns are affected
by this increased preoccupation with sex.
One of the prime dictators of fashion trends is
sex; clothes and accessories comprise a medium
through which people express their sexual
styles, and shoes play a major role
in this expression. A study conducted in
Sacramento, California, concludes that
Rshoes provide a means for applying
sex-typed attributes." (Kaiser, 187).
Accordingly, Generation X and its sexual
attributes can be analyzed through shoe styles.

Generation X is particularly concerned with
gender equality, and the transition of
gender-distinctive shoes to those which are
unisex exemplifies this. Sneakers, boots,
bucks, loafers, and sandals have become
androgenous in this era, and this "equality"
amongst shoes reflects the changing role of
women in the bedroom. No longer are women
defined by the passive mentality of
pumps and slippers, no longer do they
conform to the wishes of wingtipped executive
males by dusk. When the lights go out,
the four shoes lying haphazardly by the bed
may be equally worn-down and hot after a
long day's work.

This is not to say, however, that all women
prefer combat boots to heels as a means of
demonstrating sexual vigor. Some
women choose the look of platforms, which
boost their height to that of males and
advertise a confidence appealing to potential
partners. Other women endure platforms'
four-inch soles because they are what Chanel
designers would call "sexy, perverse,
and delicious" (Grimes, 8). Women may use the
sexual connotations of these shoes to their
advantage, as a means of
captivating the attention of males and
impressing housewives who rely on ordinary
Keds to shelter their feet. Other women slip
on open-toed shoes, revealing the toe cleavage
so appealing to men. Exposing the line of
division between two curvaceous
entities is an absolutely daring and
provocative move which might cause some
men to lose their breath. Clogs and mules grab
attention by sound, and draw the eyes to a
vulnerable, naked heel. Exposure of this sort
is extremely alluring; the women who
wear such skimpy shoe attire on a regular
basis may be the same who rip the slits on
their evening gowns to show more of their
thigh.

While these types of shoes outwardly convey
a seductive quality about the female, other
shoes offer a more implicit display of
sexual character.Running sneakers indicate
an energetic person who has the stamina
for long nights of passion and the flexibility
to accommodate virtually all "positions."
Metallic gold Filas show extravagance and
a liking for the finer things in life, but a lack
of money to indulge in truly luxurious
items (like Italian leather shoes, for example).
The sight of these gilded shoes may conjure
images of a love scene in the whirlpool
at a Days Inn. The Mary Janes and T-Straps
characteristic of this generationUs unique
"baby-doll" phase demonstrate a submissiveness
which is most likely misleading: these shoes
often complement extremely sexy
attires.

Shoes worn by men and women alike are indicative
of sexual attributes. Birkenstocks have made a
huge comeback from the sixties to accompany
a rebirth of promiscuity; the openness of
essentially bare feet carries a message
of an open attitude towards sex. Cowboy boots
demonstrate a forward and perhaps even rough
sex approach. The men who wear these are likely
to be inventive and dominating in the bedroom
(in the stable and backyard as well); those who
attach spurs to their boots are
labeling themselves particularly wild, and
are likely to implement toys, ropes
(to affectionately lasso their partners) and other
"equipment" in their sexual endeavors.
The meaning behind Chuck Taylors varies
according to color and condition: a beat up
pair of black high tops shows a relatively
casual approach to sex, whereas a spanky-new
pair of fluorescent yellow low tops may indicate
a distinctly vacant sex life. The feet occupying
the latter belong to one whose style must appeal to a
distinctly low percentage of fellow Xers.
Doc Martens, essential to "altern-attire,"
usually signify an active sex life with
many partners (solely because they represent
the punk-rock culture, which indulges in such acts).
Bass Bucks and their family of preppy shoes all fit into a
category which is hard to read:
they may specify a conservative nature or a
liking for privacy, they also may serve to
disguise sex fiends and dominatrix lovers
who delight in surprising their prospects.
The "water-shoes" created and worn by Xers
are perhaps the most sexual shoes
available in stores. They are slipped on for
the purpose of ensuring protection upon entering
a wet environment, in the same way that a condom
is donned prior to the sex act. As this
association is blatant, the shoes cannot
be glimpsed without a stream-of-consciousness arousal.

Generation X's insatiable longing for sex cannot
be quelled even by the threat of AIDS and
other venereal diseases. Xers everywhere are
seeking out partners who will consent to sex,
but who also seem "clean." To accommodate
this dualistic expectation, the majority of
Xers have chosen to display their sexual
nature with subtleties. While a painted
blond with high hair, a sequined bra, and
leather pants could be an easy date, her
appearance screams the possibilities of
contracting the HIV virus. Xers have chosen
to hide the secrets of their sexual activities
under clothes which convey safety: Gap clothes, so
distinctive of this generation, serve this
purpose perfectly. Shoes, as a finishing
touch to an otherwise conservative outfit, are
implemented as the whisperers of sexual
preference; Xers funnel their sexual messages
into shoes because they are the quietest
indicators available.

WORKS CITED

Kaiser, Susan B, Howard A. Schutz, and Joan L. Chandler.
"Cultural Codes and Sex-Role Idealogy: A study of Shoes."
American Journal of Semiotics, 1987.

"UN Surveys Global Sex, Fertility Trends." Boston Globe, 25 June
1992, p. 85

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