Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)

Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)
Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Crocs

Now, I don't want to rustle too many feathers, and I know that probably a considerable portion of you will be a bit sore at me for saying this. But I have stayed quiet on this for long enough. Sometimes you need to speak the truth, even though it hurts. Through tears comes healing.

My problem is to do with these--

Come on, guys. What's going on here? Seriously, what is going on? I have many friends and loved ones who put these strange objects on their feet, and it breaks my heart to see them rushing down this destructive path.

What is the Croc? Where did this fashion originate? Hades is my guess. Let me try and understand, because I dearly want to. Do you wear these because they look good or because they are comfortable? I just can't imagine that either reason is plausible. A big wad of rubber that's been attacked with a holepunch, and then wrapped loosely around your foot. How can this possibly be comfortable?

Everybody's argument for Crocs, whenever I try to intercede and call them to account, is the same: "They are very comfortable, have you tried them?" No. Bicycle pants are probably very comfortable too, but I'm not going to wander around town in those. Comfort does not make you exempt for normal rules of living in a society.

I saw someone wearing them this morning, even though it's the middle of winter. Surely they can't keep you very warm? Or can they..

And did you know that there are also Crocs for the formal occasion? Look at these little rippers, ladies.

Just like nice shoes, except crapper and made out of rubber! Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is, it's your life, but I just really want better things for you. There must be another way. Don't give up on it all just yet. There is hope.

9 comments:

Christine said...

haha you make me laugh Ben :)

onlinesoph said...

ben, the more I read your blog, the more I realise that Sam and I have a lot in common with you:)

Yes, what is the deal with Crocs??

Also, people who wear polo fleeces in Sydney. They should be banned unless you're going camping in cold conditions or sailing.

Ruth said...

the deal??? Simple - my kids can put them on by themselves, and I don't have...eight shoe laces to do up!!!! (and that's not including 'E's or my own!!!!!)

Apart from that - totally agreeing with you - and yep, my kids are wearing them today in the cold because let me say it again....I'm NOT DOING UP ANY SHOE LACES TODAY!!! (I know, I have shoe lace issues!)

I'm not a fan of adult crocs.

Ben McLaughlin said...

Hmm. I hadn't given the polo fleece much thought, but now that you mention it, I concur. It is sort of the equivalent of city housewives driving their pristine, massive 4WD's to drop the kids off at school.

Well, I get your point Ruth, and I can see that sometimes exceptions must be made. I guess for me what it comes down to is creation, biology and survival of the fittest. Allow me to explain.

There has been some value found in crossbreeding-- two species of dog for example, may come together to make a new and improved dog. But the other side of the coin, is that some species shouldn't, for moral reasons, be crossbred. For example, a hippopotumus bred with a dog would only create a monstrosity.

Following on from this, the Croc is the sobering result of what comes of cross breeding a thong with a gumboot. Sometimes, science goes too far, and this is an example.

Drew said...

I'm wearing polar fleece next time I see you.

Ben McLaughlin said...

well, wear your fighting shoes too.

lu said...

You're comparing the comfort of crocs to the comfort of wearing biking shorts!?! You obviously haven't worn either of these!

Its called a 'fad' and this too shall pass.

trish said...

but I totally love my polar fleece!?!?!?! I don't know where I'd be without it. All I can say is, wait till you have to run around with kids and take them to school/sport etc on cold mornings, and then you'll realise their virtue.

Ben McLaughlin said...

Well, this is evdentally a heated topic. Who ever said that I don't blog about the big issues? This debate could even be televised it's that good. The program could be called "Fleeced by a Croc of..

or not.