Drag Shows

 The older I get it seems that the more things I don't understand.  Maybe that is just the way of nature.  I don't know. 

The latest thing that perplexes me are drag shows and all the controversy that surrounds them.  I see snippets of drag shows on the news now and then and it doesn't look remotely like something I'd be interested in.  I wanted to make sure I got it right so I looked up a definition.  Here's the clearest one I found.

A drag show is a form of entertainment performed by drag artists impersonating men or women, typically in a bar or nightclub.

The modern drag show originated in the speakeasies and underground bars of 1920's and 1930's Prohibition America, in what was known as the Pansy Craze. Drag became a part of gay culture and a form of entertainment usually enjoyed by adults in bars, for example the famous gay bar Stonewall.

Typically, a drag show involves performers singing or lip-synching to songs while performing a pre-planned pantomime or dancing. There might also be some comedy, skits, and audience interaction. The performers are often given cash tips by the audience members. The performers often don elaborate costumes and makeup, and sometimes dress to imitate various famous opposite sex singers or personalities. Young male dancers have often been included. Some events are centered around drag, such as Southern Decadence where the majority of festivities are led by the Grand Marshals, who traditionally are drag queens.

And there is a decidedly sexual component to these shows.  I saw a news story the other day and the performers were doing some pretty risqué routines.  I might add that most of the performers aren't very attractive.  I mean...they just aren't. 

But...we live in a free country.  If adults want to go to one of these shows and pay money to see it, well then that is their choice.  I don't have a dog in that fight.  Like I said...I don't understand it but different strokes for different folks.

But what I don't remotely understand is the desire to put these shows in libraries or restaurants where there are kids or other venues that will result in these erotic and bawdy shows being exposed to children.  I see some states are moving to ban that, and I applaud that.  It shouldn't come to the point of government intervention, but it has.  Along with not understanding people putting these shows in places where children can see them, I really don't see a parent allowing their child to view one of these shows.  

This is another one of those things that doesn't impact me.  I won't be going and I don't have any little kids or grandkids who I have to protect from these lewd and disgusting shows.  But it certainly is another symbol of he coarsening of our culture.  I always believe that the pendulum swings and I really hope the pendulum swings back to a culture that is more protective of our kids one day.  I probably won't see it, but I hope it happens.