Now this here frownsmile, provided by Sister Sarah, sparked a little debated between Mr. and Mrs. Frownsmile. Mrs. Frownsmile was unsure as to whether it qualified (note that the mouth is not turned down very much at the edges [the true frown indicator]). Mr. Frownsmile pointed out that the Diane Sawyer frownsmile (see earlier post) was strikingly similar, and Mrs. Frownsmile had said of that one, “It doesn’t get much frownsmilier than this.”
Dear readers, IS this a frownsmile or not? More or less frownsmilier than Diane Sawyer?
8 Comments
November 25, 2007 at 2:12 pm
This frownsmile seems to emanate more from the eyes than the mouth. Is that possible?
November 25, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I’m seeing in Paris more of a “seductress/siren” smile here than a frownsmile. I think it’s fantastic that this picture has been posted, so that the definition and perimeters of the frown smile can be debated. It’s clearly one of the most meaningful issues in our culture today and it NEEDS this space to be fully explored. Bring ‘em on!
November 25, 2007 at 11:28 pm
what a great and important discussion!
i was concerned when i first saw that diane sawyer photo, and i thought that maybe i didn’t understand the frownsmile or that i was too new to the frownsmile world to pick up on such subtle examples, but this paris pic makes me think i was right to question mrs. frownsmile’s recent posts.
the first thing i notice in a picture (if i’m looking for a frownsmile) is the mouth, and neither paris nor diane has a mouth that’s turned down very much. then i try to notice the eyes. mr. and mrs. frownsmile have lectured quite a bit on the importance of the eyes (and i notice that mr. raised the question of the eyes regarding this paris picture). paris’s eyes do not seem to have the condescension and patronizing encouragement that seem characteristic of frownsmiles; rather, she seems to be thinking more about herself and her jewelry than about her audience. and diane’s eyes confuse me a bit more; her emotions and thoughts seem a bit more hidden. without a clear turn-down of the mouth and without a clear (condescending) message, the face (in my opinion) does not show a frownsmile.
initially, i was upset and thought, “those aren’t frownsmiles at all!” but now, mrs. frownsmile, consider me frownsmiling with you, as i think, “i understand the expression quite well, and i know you’ll figure things out and get this blog in shape. i’m right there with you.”
(that frownsmile attitude, by the way, is not real (i love the blog!). i was just trying to create a frownsmile in words. did it work?)
November 26, 2007 at 12:10 am
I have given great thought to the frownsmile, what it means and what inspires it. I think there are TWO feelings that bring the frownsmile to one’s face. The FIRST is a “sympathetic smile.” It says, “Hang in there, we know it’s tough, but we love you” (See Robyn’s smile). In this situation, one wants to convey support through a smile, but an upturned, happy smile might show insensitivity and lack of genuine concern, thus the frownsmile. The SECOND expression of the frownsmile comes from “humble acceptance of praise” (see Bishop Wuerl’s smile). If one is acknowledging a compliment, or receiving an honor, and wishes HUMBLY to accept, one frownsmiles as a way of saying, “I can’t believe you think I’m worthy of this. I am so honored.” (This surely inspired the frownsmile Mrs. Drew (original inspiration for this blog) would have given at the end of a Christmas program at Glendaal School.) However, if in this situation one beamed with upturned mouth in the face of such praise, it might appear that the person believes he truly is worthy of the honor and might appear to be arrogant. Thank you, Em and Ken. I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity to express my feelings about the frownsmile (she says with a frownsmile).
November 26, 2007 at 1:56 am
We are deeply appreciative of all the time and thought you have put into your responses. You have helped us see that the frownsmile designation must not be bestowed lightly. I motion to remove the frownsmile crown from both diane sawyer and (sniff sniff) paris hilton.
They may stay on the blog, but we should all recognize the flaw.
And friends, keep the frownsmiles coming.
November 26, 2007 at 9:58 pm
I share Ken’s reaction to Paris’ frownsmile….the eyes are definitely doing the frownsmiling.
Not sure I’d go so far as to remove Paris and Diane. Perhaps have a space for a modified frownsmile? Frownsmile wannabe?
November 27, 2007 at 3:00 am
Upon reading this blog and the intense discussion surrounding its subject, I immediately thought of a well-known and proven frownsmiler… the Church Lady! Yes, that’s right… who better to fill ALL frownsmile criteria (the eyes, the mouth and both the reasons that Lauriannjane gives us – humble acceptance AND sympathy) than Dana Carvey as the Church Lady. What do you think? http://usversusthem.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/church_lady.jpg
November 29, 2007 at 5:35 am
Well isn’t that special! Wow, I nearly forgot how hilarious the Church Lady is! And quite the frownsmiler, at that ;(