I went out to Tisane’s last night and was in awe of how deserted the city was. CF and I were trying to decide if people were just partied out, all having to go back to work after a solid week of holiday indulgence, or deterred by the somewhat icy roads. Well, lucky for us because we were able to get a prime parking spot, a choice of tables, and fairly quick (or quick for Tisane’s, anyway) service. I like going out between semesters because it means that the people who are actually in the bars are closer to my age. Being around a bunch of kids with fake id’s isn’t my idea of fun.
So, I’d been a Tuesday Night Tisane’s virgin, since I hadn’t much reason to go on that night before. I’d seen and heard some reviews of the night before, so I didn’t expect much. But then I realized that most of the complaints about Tuesdays didn’t apply to me. I wasn’t there to hook up with someone. I was there to dance! And I think I was supposed to be collecting phone numbers for a friend or something. That part of the deal wasn’t really clear.
What struck me, and I guess this was because it was boys’ night, was the wonderful absence of the women who try too hard. This is what depresses me about nightlife– female desperation and distorted body image that’s displayed for all to see. When I want to have a good time, I find it hard when I’m surrounded by women who find it necessary to jam all of their cleavage up and out, get fake tans/apply loads of bronzer, wear skimpy outfits in the winter, etc. It’s a lack of imagination, style-wise, and it reminds me that there is so much more work to do so that women can feel comfortable in their own skin.
Last night, the handful of women out at Tisane’s were dressed nicely and responsibly. I didn’t fear any would catch death of pneumonia walking from the bar to their cars. And they all seemed to be there for the same reason as I was– helpful friend. I like low pressure environments like this, where I don’t feel ogled or threatened.
So, it’s a new year and I’m still on vacation. I’m thinking about how this blog has transformed and what the balance of it should be for the upcoming year. There’s sure to be a lot to write about with the grand jury, new blood on the council, and a presidential election. But, if you haven’t noticed, some of the writing has taken a more personal turn. I think that context is vitally important, and that’s something newspapers aren’t willing to give. I don’t feel like it’s fair to write about strictly political happenings without showing what else is going on in the community too. Why? I know that people are prejudiced. I read plenty about how Hartford is worthless, blah blah blah. Most recently, I saw a comment dissing the Hartford Public Library for having renovations. There are so many ridiculous contradictions happening, it’s like people want to see Hartford fail. Violence, incompetence, bribery, and corruption does happen here, but so does a lot of other things that get no attention. So, if we’re going to talk about the antics of a Napoleonic mayor, we need to also talk about the actual place that he’s affecting.