It's been said that clothes make the man. We are all aware of that story. I was scrolling Facebook when a video from the 1970's appeared. It was a clip from Soul Train hosted by Don Cornelius. I was smiling as I looked at the outfits the people were wearing. Bell bottoms, platform shoes, big collars on their shirts and the ladies with their boots and big hair. Everyone "getting" down. I couldn't help but think, look at what the kids are wearing today. Yes, that show was targeted at the black community showcasing black artists, hailed as a breakthrough. I understand that. I would occasionally tune in myself to appropriate a bit of that culture, although I didn't realize I was being racist or enjoying some white privilege in doing so. I simply liked some of the music the same way I like some of just about every genre of music.
Now I'm certain some sociologist, behavioral scientist or some such highly educated person has studied all of that. I expect I could do my research and cite resources to support my thesis. Well, first I would have to have a thesis, which I don't, I just have an opinion. In my opinion fashion reflects the attitude of society in general. Looking at todays fashion we are in the I don't give a *hit generation. The clothing looks like crap, all torn up, holes in it and very poorly fitting. In short, to me it just looks sloppy. I'm no expert on fad or fashion that much is certain. I have seen pictures of guys wearing Zoot suits. All the rage in the 1920's through the 1940's. They were quite baggy but at least neat and clean looking. I did read where they were almost banned in LA once. Today I see signs regarding "sagging" pants. What is the message being sent? I don't care about anything at all. That's the message I get anyway.
I'm old enough to remember Nehru jackets and Leisure suits. I remember the hippies with their outfits featuring peace signs and embroidered mushrooms and marijuana leaves. Jesus sandals were a popular choice when not wearing boots of some kind. At that time the rest of us were wearing jeans, lettermen jackets, and that sort of thing. Button down shirts were still the predominate choice with a nice pair of slacks when going out, unless you were a cowboy. Then you wore button down shirts with jeans and maybe a hat if you were fashion forward. Of course that was only in my neck of the woods, it did vary across the nation and I expect it still does.
Now just when we started wearing out pajamas to the store I can't say. What does that say about us? I'm so lazy I won't even get dressed. I don't care what I look like and you shouldn't either. Yes it is that attitude. It is a more aggressive attitude than in years past. That's my feeling about it anyway. Look at the messages that are being sent. I mean literally. The things that are written on tee shirts and other articles of clothing are certainly a reflection of that hostility. All sense of decorum and good taste is being thrown aside because, well, it's my right. It's a constitutional right guaranteed by the first amendment! There are no "conventions" to be observed, no appropriate behaviors. There is only what I want to do, say or wear!
I admit I'm out of the social loop these days. I do not go out clubbing or attend many social events at all. Do the kids these days dance? I haven't heard about any great dance crazes lately. Do they have parties at each others homes like we did in the 1960's? Just what are they doing? I really have no clue beyond all the organized sports I see then engaged with. Lots of that these days, not so much back in mine. We just did pick up games at the park or neighborhood wherever we happened to be. No parents around yelling at the kids or the officials. Well, we didn't have any officials really, might be someone that couldn't play right now, most of the time we just all knew the rules and that was good enough. Yeah sometimes you would get mad and just go home.
I really don't know what the majority of the kids are wearing these days, what's hip. I don't think they say that anymore either, I think today they call it the "drip." Heard that in a commercial so it is probably outdated too. I knew I was getting old when my favorite songs showed up in commercials, you know what I mean. Apparently it is all about sneakers these days. I do see the kids waiting for the school buses and they seem to be dressed fairly nicely. I'm guessing their parents are reigning that in some, and the style may change a bit when out of sight.
Well I've rambled on a bit and went off topic a bit, it happens. I was just thinking about how I see these folks going to work today and the way they are dressed. The only ones wearing a uniform of any type are the fast food workers. Even those people going to work in an office might be wearing shorts or tank tops, whatever. We even have a senator that had to be censured for his clothing choices. Going into the senate chamber in shorts and a hoodie! No sense of propriety whatsoever and there were those supporting that. If that doesn't reflect the I don't care attitude what does? It's just all about me. Well, as a baby boomer I've heard that said before. That is what was being said about us by out parents. If true, it's their fault, they raised us. John T Molley wrote a book "Dress for Success" in an attempt to explain why being properly dressed is important to your success. He wrote a follow on New Dress for Success as well. Apparently, no one is paying attention.
No comments:
Post a Comment