Tuesday open thread: In praise of older women

Well!

Yesterday, Sports Illustrated unveiled its new Swimsuit Edition model. And it's no one else than 81-year-old Martha Stewart!

In a culture which values youth more than anything else, this is seismic. As good as Martha looks, she's still 81. She would not, in Donald Trump's parlance, be most men's "type".

But that's what's wonderful. As SI did with a plus-sized model a couple of years ago as its front cover, it is upturning convention. 

One thinks that once a woman ages past 40, she should go into seclusion and not be seen nor heard. But Martha is turning that on its head. 

Martha Stewart has turned herself from the woman who was convicted on a felony for stock fraud into a person who has rehabilitated and is now an icon of the younger generation. I'm sure that figured into Sports Illustrated's calculus. I mean, Snoop Dogg is her bestie. (I bet they're having a few libations of gin and juice in celebration.)

The Crone has wisdom younger people do not know. And we disparage that wisdom at our peril. I come from a culture where we honor our ancianos. That the broader American culture shuffles the old off to "OK Boomer" land is a travesty, and shows a lack of knowledge. 

Holla, Martha. Get on with your bad self.

This is your open thread.

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