Diamonds and Pearls

Over the years, I’ve watched society change.  Some would say for the worse.  I can’t say that.  I believe that change must remain consistent with growth throughout time itself.  Old paradigms shift and those of us with OPRAH, well, we’re regularly left behind the newest curve in ever evolving societal standards.

Before going on, I should explain what OPRAH is.  For those of you guessing, it isn’t a slight to the Queen Of Talk.  In fact, it’s an actual homage to the same, and others of the ilk.  I’ll add it up this way – see if you can follow along.

‘Oppressive Paradigm Recognition Acceptance and Hindrance.’  The older we become, the less we accept new realities and social norms of new generations.  We also have difficulty realizing that we’re out of the loop.  Our growth is hindered by the oppressive social advancement of youth that pales us due to the shifting of old paradigms we’ve grown used to.  OPRAH.  Me?  I’m nostalgic on this subject as it pertains to BEAUTY.  I like Pearls.

What?  Sure.  I’d be more than happy to tell you what I mean.

It goes like this; Sophia Loren, Lola Falana, Ruby Dee, Jane Seymour, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Kennedy, Alpha Mate Russell, and so many more – these women and others like them are Pearls, while the newbies are merely Diamonds.  And to be sure, both gems are to be highly regarded, protected and respected.  However, Diamonds are just pretty, even if found in the mud.  Because of her own magnificence, a Diamond will always stand out, no matter the circumstance.  Unfortunately, stacking a diamond gem on a Diamond is not necessarily complimentary.  Instead of beautifying one with the other, what stands is two separate pretty gems.  But gems, nonetheless.

A Pearl, on the other hand, she radiates beauty from her natural elegance and would, otherwise, still be beautiful without a diamond gem’s decorative attributes.  However, a Pearl and a pearl together are stared at, idolized, loved, and highly desired by the many.  Forever.  That’s class.  It takes Diamonds years to get to Pearl status.  Additionally, a Pearl’s inimitable stature is characterized most often by the endearing title, “Mom.”

The distinction I’m trying to make is that beauty is suggestive as much as it’s temporary, as in, we all grow older.  But beauty with class is timeless.  Now, we all have individual tastes and standards, and mine isn’t better or worse than anyone else’s.  It just happens to be, well … mine.  See, I’m old enough to have seen three shifts in beauty standards for women.  Nonetheless, Pearl Class is a standard that never changes.  And it happens to be my favorite.

Here’s my example.  Pam Grier is as hot today as she was several yesterdays ago.  While age and … gravity … have reduced her Diamond status, she’s a Pearl all mutha … day.  And you know what else?  Pearls are the standards against which all Diamonds are measured.

If it seems a bit confusing, look at it this way; Scarlett Johansson’ is a Diamond – fresh, sparkly, lithe, and bright.  But, when another Diamond walks by, you can’t help being distracted.  Now think of Raquel Welch.  (If the name doesn’t ring a bell, google it.  You’ll see what I’m talking about.) As for me and men of my generation, her image is ingrained in our minds and has been for years.  Nobody walking by is a distraction when she’s the subject.  Even today, us men, even women pause to look at Raquel when she’s on the screen.  She’s the distraction.  Timeless.  Yeah.  Anyway, if you’re a guy like me, now you see the difference between a Diamond and a Pearl.

But then, all of this is my idiotic opinion.  #justsayin.

However, my examples notwithstanding, this is fact – and I want to add ALL girls, ladies, and women to this post.  The names I threw in here are not reflective of you at all.  They professionally represent caricatures of life, but you ARE the heart of homes around the world and the beauty of life itself.  You are ALL precious jewels and as wonderful as a brand new day.  So, “Happy Mothers Day to all of you.  May you shine, glisten, sparkle, and glimmer eternally – like my mom, grandma, and Alpha Mate Russell does for me.”

Oh yeah.  The period of time when Diamonds transition to Pearls, they are reflected as Rubies, or maybe even Emeralds.  My example would be …