Brave New World

I was in the lunch room at work the other day when the subject of conformity came up. It seems to me that in this day and age practically anything goes. I pointed out that, whilst eyelids  would indeed be batted if I  turned up in in a dress, I don't think anyone would dare say anything derogatory to my face. The management would certainly not say anything as they consider themselves to be all -embracing and non- discriminatory. I think it's only a matter of time before weekend transvestites begin asserting themselves and  flounce out of the cupboard into everyday life. I am not saying this is right or wrong, however, It did lead me to consider where all this gender-bending is leading.
These days both genders regardless of sexual orientation are happy to cover themselves with tattoos, a custom that used to belong almost exclusively to soldiers and sailors. In most town centres the over-riding fashion for all ages and sexes is jeans, trainers and a hoody or fleece, usually in muted colours. Our work uniform allows for women to wear skirts but it's extremely rare to see one being worn. The pupils from our local secondary school also seem to prefer trousers, not that I spend a lot of time looking at schoolgirls. It's probably because it's just more practical. Jewellery seems to have become almost unisex as well. I am sure there are chaps out there with belly bars.
Persons of mixed race heritage are the fastest growing social minority in America these days. So much so that some commentators are heralding it as the end of the race issue. According to the Office of National Statistics for the UK, the same phenomenon was recorded in Sheffield where there is a large Asian population. Not so long ago it was considered shameful to be of mixed race - a throwback to the illegitimate children born to prostitutes and sailors in the worlds ports which became melting pots as trade flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. These days, people of dual heritage are proud of their ancestry and have no problems describing themselves as such.
Another modern social trend is the decline of marriage. A 32 year study shows the proportion of married women has fallen from 74% to 47%. More women are getting divorced and choosing not to remarry, while the number of women choosing not to get married at all has risen steadily.
If things continue as they are,In 500 years or so our descendants are all going to homogenise into androgynous, brown hued singletons who living in apartments blocks and wear a natty line of matching overalls. Now that sounds like a Buddhists' view of paradise.