Mirrors

by Christy Ward 
 It is interesting to realize how vain it may be to discover a dissonance in the use of mirrors in the United States compared to what I have seen in this part of Italy. In the majority of restrooms and establishments it is interesting to note the lack of a mirror being present in most areas including bathrooms. It is also interesting to recognize my own internal reaction to the inability of being able to check my hair or general appearance as I’m washing my hands to return to activities.

 It makes me wonder why this has become such a necessity in our own culture and / or why the same does not exist here in Italy. Is it that we are so engrossed in what our culture has deemed acceptable or attractive that we have to ensure that we attain a certain standard of physical acceptability at all times? Part of this may be how the American culture has evolved through media and so perhaps the culture in this part of Italy has not experienced as much of an influence at this point. Or maybe there is more of a sense of self-acceptability here that does not recognize the need for this personal moment. It has been an interesting observation and reflection regardless.