In Aimee Bender's collection "The Color Master: Stories," the narrative reflects a judgmental perspective on aging and appearance. The description of an elderly man in overalls suggests a disdain for how certain clothing choices can alter perceptions of age. The speaker compares the elderly man's clothing to that of a shriveled toddler, implying a regression or loss of dignity associated with age. This statement encapsulates a broader societal tendency to critique how older individuals present themselves, reinforcing stereotypes about aging and fashion. The use of the term "shrivelly toddlers" highlights a discomfort with the intersection of youthfulness and old age, suggesting that clothing choices can evoke feelings of vulnerability and childishness in the elderly.

In Aimee Bender's collection "The Color Master: Stories," the narrative reflects a judgmental perspective on aging and appearance. The description of an elderly man in overalls suggests a disdain for how certain clothing choices can alter perceptions of age. The speaker compares the elderly man's clothing to that of a shriveled toddler, implying a regression or loss of dignity associated with age.

This statement encapsulates a broader societal tendency to critique how older individuals present themselves, reinforcing stereotypes about aging and fashion. The use of the term "shrivelly toddlers" highlights a discomfort with the intersection of youthfulness and old age, suggesting that clothing choices can evoke feelings of vulnerability and childishness in the elderly.