Image courtesy of Archie Comics
Talk talk talk about role models for girls and all that. I don't know about you but my choice as a youngster in the 1970s was clear—you were either Betty or Veronica. Period.
For anyone who needs a little background, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge have been fighting over Archie's attentions in Archie Comics since 1942. Veronica, the quintessential spoiled rich bitch is yesteryear's Paris Hilton with brown hair. Probably sporting her very first Chanel purse at the tender young age of 12, Veronica has the duds, clearly. Great body, fabulous hair, emotional unavailability and a bottomless well of Daddy's money with which to spend on everything in her relentless pursuit of ab fab-ness.
Blonde Betty, on the other hand, is about perfectly fitted faded jeans and all-cotton boy briefs. She's the girl in the Pantene commercials, whipping her glorious locks around in a field of wildflowers. Sparkling with wholesome appeal, Betty relies on her natural good looks and good heart to get Archie's attention. Honestly, Betty is what you would call "wife material," while Veronica, a.k.a Ronnie, is the girl you want to... well, you know.
Wouldn't you love to think you are Betty Cooper living on Veronica's trust fund? The well-balanced, serene dreamboat who is brimming with self-confidence and empathy for others? Someone who can wash her face with Ivory soap and never get a blemish? Someone who has designer friends who dress her for free because she makes them look so good? Maybe you are but nobody could possibly be that perfect. Although it is something to strive for—the perfect woman. Until then, I find myself caught in the middle. I'm not young enough to be all the youthful freshness of Betty and I'm old enough to know that bitchy rivalry is ugly through and through. Maybe I'm just Barbara Gordon? Oh wait, wrong cartoon.
Madeline Meyerowitz is the owner of enokiworld.com, a website specializing in vintage designer clothing.
