Just had a Brain Fart

[dreamaker]

My question is, why do people get tans, excluding wanting to look like a dried prune or give themselves a melanoma and cancer. What is its point, what is the objective behind it?  I never understood it, even though I have done it in the passed. Is it to give the false impression of wealth and freedom. What do you think!!!

[Jess from VA]

Well, for us terminally Caucasian folks, there used to be the idea if you tanned off a little, it would help prevent sunburn.  Mostly I just got sunburned.... and later, skin cancer.

[Wizzard]

My skin wont tan even it I want it to!

[WintrSol]

Once upon a time, only the rich had the time to play in the sun, so having a tan was associated with being wealthy enough to have leisure time. Therefore, the new middle class had to take time to get a tan, so the Joneses would know that you did more than keep up. Those who actually worked outdoors didn't count, hence the somewhat derisive 'farmer's tan'. Also, tanning causes the release chemicals in the brain that some find addicting, so are truly addicted to tanning.

[Patrick]

Its all about the look. Some need to look marvelous !

[old2soon]

Worked outside a good portion of my life. Even when I was a LOT younger never went out with the express purpose of getting tanned. It just happened. When I work outside and it's warm shots and a T-shirt are plenty. Even riding in colder weather will tan yer face up. RIDE SAFE.

[dreamaker]

Its interesting you said that, in my younger days, I was dating this Mexican girl, she was basically light skin, just slightly brown. Her and I spent the day at the beach, and no kidding by the time we left she was all dark brown. She looked like a Sister, never seen anything like it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

So.... Did you have this flatulence while you were tanning ? 

[Oss]

Waiting for the.cab to take us to the airport in aruba

We are here on a timeshare trade

Floating in warm water watching secty candidates with a without top

.no pics 4 u.

Oss

Ps Bonnie looks great with her tan but I am way darker

[Bighead]

Once upon a time, only the rich had the time to play in the sun, so having a tan was associated with being wealthy enough to have leisure time. Therefore, the new middle class had to take time to get a tan, so the Joneses would know that you did more than keep up. Those who actually worked outdoors didn't count, hence the somewhat derisive 'farmer's tan'. Also, tanning causes the release chemicals in the brain that some find addicting, so are truly addicted to tanning.

Back in the early days only the help had tans because they had to work out in the sun tending the grounds and gardens and was thought that if one had a tan the were not proper. The wealthy had Lilly white skin and that was a sign of wealth. So how times change.

[bigguy]

Definitely a social thing. Back in the day (1800s and back) pear shaped and pale was the rage. Check out 'William Etty Nude paintings
You had to be high up on the social food chain to be plump and pale. Most folks were tanned (At least the parts that weren't perpetually covered by clothing) and slim.
By the second half of the 20th century, things had changed. Industrialization meant that most middle class workers were inside, away from the sun. Additionally, there was less physical labor required by an increasing number of jobs assisted by machinery.
Finally the abundance of high calorie foods meant that without leisure time to work off the McFat patties and playing in the sun, plump and pale indicated middle and lower income.
I can't say I know from personal experience, but it seems logical that not being tied to a 40+ hour work week at a desk, and having the financial resources to spend my days chasing scantly clad beauties in the sunny surf would lead to a thinner body and darker complexion.

[dreamaker]

Good explanation!! Now thinking back in my younger days, a babe with deep tan lines would defiantly get my attention,