THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511150069
SECTION: REAL LIFE PAGE: K3 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: REAL MOMENTS
SOURCE: BY MIKE HOTCHKISS
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
WITH THE HOLIDAY season there comes a phenomenon that seems as predictable as Christmas trees and presents: Red Socks Syndrome. Millions of men (usually middle age or older) pull out the crimson footwear to celebrate the holiday festivities right down to their toes.
Why would these mostly conservative fellows adorn their tootsies every December with a color that can be seen a block away? Closer investigation gives us some insight. These are men who can tell a bad joke - especially a pun - on command and wear ties with little pictures of pigs on them. They're the first to play April Fools' jokes. Jest is their trademark.
I first became conscious of Red Socks Syndrome several years ago. A man in my office proudly paraded around the halls wearing the colored apparel on many a December day. It made me uneasy. Acutally, it annoyed me. Men are supposed to wear blue socks with blue pants, brown socks with brown pants, white socks with jeans and shorts and black socks with everything else. Red doesn't fit in right above the shoe line.
Then I noticed my father wearing them. But Red Socks Syndrome wasn't quite as bad with him, because usually he wore them in the confines of his own home, at family events or at friends' homes during Yuletide festivities. People laughed.
Red shirts are often a partner of these foot coverings.
But are these men to be unduly looked down upon for their eccentric dress? Younger people criticize them for being different, for attracting attention, for wearing an item that doesn't go with anything. But maybe there is a bit of wisdom in these people who put on these threads. Courage and wisdom.
I think many wear red socks because they want to bring a smile to those around them. It is difficult to ignore the berry-red creations and not make a cheerful comment. These men know what they are doing. They are amateur psychologists helping people to enjoy life. Just as they wore the comic ties, told the terrible puns or pulled the April Fools' gags, so they continue to think of others and attempt to brighten their day.
The Christmas season is lighter because of these guys in colorful clothes. What might be a sartorial faux pas is a statement of joy and frivolity for these Santa Clauses of sorts.
In fact, as I approached 40 a few years ago I sensed a rumbling in me as the holiday season came closer. Red socks in stores seemed to attract my attention. Those foot coverings in the color associated with red traffic lights, warnings, red ink and bullfight capes began to remind me of warm and caring hearts.
I've been tempted to purchase a pair to join in the warm glow that starts at the feet of this select group and radiates up and out to others. Those socks that once aggravated me to the core might soon decorate my foundation.
Red socks, I think I'm walking in your direction. Send Real Moments to the Virginian-Pilot, c/o Real Life, 150 W. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, Va. 23510. MEMO: Mike Hotchkiss lives in Virginia Beach and will be pulling on his red
socks any day now. by CNB