Glamour, That Certain Something Rebuttal Paper

Professor Graham

Advanced Writing

Rebuttal Paper

October 14th 2012

Glamour, That Certain Something Rebuttal Paper

In the article, “Glamour, That Certain Something,” author Robin Givhan gives her opinion of what she believes glamour to be by describing the feelings it evokes, the characteristics displayed by those who possess it, and by explaining characteristics that appear to be closely related to glamour, but are inherently different. Givhan believes being glamourous is when one's life is seemingly perfect in all respects, and if any mishaps are to occur (no matter their perceived magnitude to the rest of us), they simply fall to the wayside, and the individual is ultimately unaffected. Nothing can shake these people from who they are; regardless of their life style, they appear to be always in control, and they never have to change. Through these various aspects, Givhan attempts to defend her description of glamour, which is:

“Glamour isn't a cultural necessity, but it's usefulness cant' be denied. It makes us feel good about ourselves by making us believe that life can sparkle. Glamourous people make difficult tasks seem effortless. They appear to cruise through life shaking off defeat with a wry comment. No matter how hard they work for what they have, the exertion never seems to show. Yet the cool confidence they project doesn't ever drift into lassitude.”

In part, I agree with Givhan's perceived value of glamour, particularly with her statement, “Glamour isn't a cultural necessity, but its usefulness can't be denied.” However, I believe there is more to it than what is described in her article and that glamour is comprised of some of the things that she says it isn't. Givhan gives the impression throughout her article that glamour is little more than something of an outward appearance; it can be seen, but one cannot attain it if they have not already had it from the start. Either you have it or you don't. I disagree with this and believe that glamour is something that can be replicated and taught to everyone in some capacity. I also disagree with the notion that those of whom she believes to have glamour do not 'make difficult tasks seem effortless', nor do they 'cruise through life shaking off defeat'. Lastly, I do not agree with the statement of 'glamourous people make us feel good about ourselves'.

In her article, Givhan states that, when describing George Clooney and Cate Blanchett, “There's something about the way they present themselves that speaks to discretion, sex appeal and glossy perfection.” In another portion of her article, Givhan states that glamour is not about the “nitty-gritty,” but instead it “celebrates