Clothing mirrors society

gulfportdoc

gulfportdoc

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
There's been some discussion in several threads about the way people dress these days. I'll be happy when the current "styles" pass: rumpled T-shirts with idiotic messages on them, ghetto outfits, baseball caps worn backwards, and the like. Also, women dressing like two bit whores is getting old.

But clothing is an expression of a society's collective mentality. Over the past 25 years self respect seems to have been replaced by "you'd better respect ME..." But many people do not present themselves in such a way as to justify any respect.

I wonder if today's average slob would be impressed by seeing his doctor walk into the exam room in an old T-shirt and levi's? If his bride showed up at the altar in a 12 inch skirt and tank top with no bra? If he went to buy a car, and the salesman walked over in flip-flops and dirty shorts?

When character, personal standards, and good education return to society, you'll see the clothing improve as well.

Doc
 
I work in a hotel, so the turn over for employees is high. I do a lot of interviews because of this, and it is really depressing how poorly the bulk of people come dressed for an interview. It is not as if they come dressed in 'business casual', most look like they just finished doing yardwork... hopped in the car, and show up in my office. But my favorite are the people that show up in baseball hats; nothing tells a potential employer your strong work ethic like a baseball hat at an interview. :rolleyes:
 
This is nothing new...every generation has slobs and slackers...including yours. A social historian of mine wrote a book about this topic...Dr. Mulligan...I think he went to notre dame...can't remember. He says that clothing does dictate the metallity of the society at the time. However, if is not always the best indication because every generation goes through the period of rebelious dress around the the ages of 15-25. Its just a fact of life. He says the better indication is to look at how the 40 year olds dress when they leave the house for entertainment purposes and see where they go for their entertainment. He says this will give you a much better image of a society...or to say it simply: kids will always be kids. take a look at the adults, that is where the true social image lies.
 
the one that gets me is these morons that wear their pants just about at their knees so they can hardly walk across the room.

i haven't met one yet that looks like he could spell his own name.

M.C.
 
curlyscues said:
the one that gets me is these morons that wear their pants just about at their knees so they can hardly walk across the room.

i haven't met one yet that looks like he could spell his own name.

M.C.
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I notice that you are a Montesquieu fan. This is one of my favorite Montesquieu quotes...i think that it fits very well in this discussion.


"It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption." Charles Montesquieu
 
Ah yes...always quick to judge. I suggest having a conversation with some of these kids. You might be surprised.

As pool players who hang out in pool rooms, I'd expect every person on this forum to know. Sometimes people are a product of their environment. Maybe I should rephrase. People are ALWAYS a product of their environment. There's probably a reason those girls look like whores. Maybe they're searching for love and attention. Maybe they've found a quick fix. Or maybe...
It's those guys (probably about your age) at MTV, Cosmo, and Playboy telling kids how to act and dress. Telling kids that promiscuity is good. If you're not having tons of sex, something's wrong with you. If you don't have a boyfriend, it's because you're fat.

We've all heard this tune. "The kids aren't alright," "They're out of control," "I never acted like that." But the truth is that you did. You were once a rebel too. So don't walk around like you're some kind of saint. If you're offended by the way people dress, then don't leave your house. I assure you, it's only going to get worse. Rebellious teens will always push the limits of society.
 
curlyscues said:
the one that gets me is these morons that wear their pants just about at their knees so they can hardly walk across the room.

i haven't met one yet that looks like he could spell his own name.

M.C.
Click to expand...

I don't wear my pants quite that low, but I'm sure they're not up to your standard. I can spell my name just fine. I can probably spell some words that you can't. In fact, I'd bet I know more about the English language than you do.

PS: I rarely leave my house without a baseball cap: usually backwards.
 
gulfportdoc said:
When character, personal standards, and good education return to society, you'll see the clothing improve as well.
Doc
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Yesterdays hippies who attended events like Woodstock in the 60's (like my parents) are todays doctors, lawyers, bankers, etc.

Take the time to get to know and understand younger people; you may learn where they are coming from.
 
Right ....

I grew up in the 60's, and I sure don't want the picture with me wearing multi-colored hip hugger jeans with suede fringed boots, and a leather vest with no shirt, and a goatee with shoulder blade length hair to show up on the internet someday ....... :D My Dad just shook his head and called me 'Buffalo Bill' back then.

Or when I was dating an exotic dancer, and forgot to come home for 6 months .... :rolleyes:

Kids grow up when they have to support themselves, and get out in the business world.
 
Another of my favorite quotes...this one by Mr. Albert Einstein:

If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies.... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it.
 
I'm staying out of this one.

No, I'm not adding anything, some are close - others are swinging in the wind...

The Woim
 
Drew said:
I don't wear my pants quite that low, but I'm sure they're not up to your standard. I can spell my name just fine. I can probably spell some words that you can't. In fact, I'd bet I know more about the English language than you do.

PS: I rarely leave my house without a baseball cap: usually backwards.
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you are making an assumption that i prejudge these people. i see the same ones most every day in the room that i work in and i do talk to them all the time. that is where i make my assessment from.

and i also was speaking close to literally when i said almost to their knees. they even have to use one hand to hold them as the walk around.

i also have several kids that come in that wear them maybe six to eight inches lower than i would wear them and most all are good kids.

the fact that i don't like that particular fashion is my personal opinion. you infer that your intellectual accomplishments are greater than mine, well they my be, but by the way you responded to my statement you might be wrong.

but i will not debate with you on this as this is not my thing.

M.C.
 
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gulfportdoc said:
There's been some discussion in several threads about the way people dress these days. I'll be happy when the current "styles" pass: rumpled T-shirts with idiotic messages on them, ghetto outfits, baseball caps worn backwards, and the like. Also, women dressing like two bit whores is getting old.

But clothing is an expression of a society's collective mentality. Over the past 25 years self respect seems to have been replaced by "you'd better respect ME..." But many people do not present themselves in such a way as to justify any respect.

I wonder if today's average slob would be impressed by seeing his doctor walk into the exam room in an old T-shirt and levi's? If his bride showed up at the altar in a 12 inch skirt and tank top with no bra? If he went to buy a car, and the salesman walked over in flip-flops and dirty shorts?

When character, personal standards, and good education return to society, you'll see the clothing improve as well.

Doc
Click to expand...


Doc,
Agree on your version of GQBilliards dress etiquette. :D But I must add something.
Personally speaking, I'm not important enough to spend $1,000 on a pair of shoes for myself. I have a wonderful wife, 2 kids in college and 2 step-daughters, all of who I love way more than I love myself. So, I prefer the WalMart look for me. Neat, always clean. But clothing for me has to be "less expensive" than some others who have money to throw away.
Me and my 3 brothers grew up with a mom who worked 2 part time jobs to support us. We even ate our leftovers, imagine that. I encourage my family to always buy what THEY like, but they're very reasonable also. My wife likes clothes like I like Accu-Stats. Be she too has her own line in her head on what's overboard. Other than that 2 piece flamingo pink bikini some of you may remember from a previous avator, she dresses conservatively. Always neat and clean also.
The point I'm trying to make is, and this is just my opinion, if someone wears cheaper clothes but they are always clean and neat, they always have their pants up high enough to cover their underwear and they pride themselves in being polite and respectful and others see that as well, what difference does it matter how rich they dress? Plus, I wear something one time, I don't throw it away, I throw it in the laundry. I always have a fresh and clean set of clothes on. I'm OCD with cleanliness.

Plus, and this is a bigee,...the cheaper my clothing, the more money I have for Accu-Stats.:D

Doc, you always look nice because you're a doc. :)

"Hi. My name is Terry & I'm a bargain shopper" (chorus)- "Hi Terry"

Interesting post you've got going here.
 
curlyscues i haven't met [B said:
one yet that [/B]looks like he could spell his own name.

M.C.
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Kinda hard not to make that assumption.


I wear a tie to work everyday...when I leave work the tie comes off and on go my sandals, bob dylan tshirts, and very baggy cargo shorts with a backwards baseball and off I go!!! I bet if you met me you would probably think I was a real dummy...perhaps I am a real dummy...hmmm.

Also, I do not shave nor cut my hair during the summer unless I must attend an important meeting...razors and haircuts are getting expensive...and I have the utmost respect for myself. :)
 
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Snapshot9 said:
I grew up in the 60's, and I sure don't want the picture with me wearing multi-colored hip hugger jeans with suede fringed boots, and a leather vest with no shirt, and a goatee with shoulder blade length hair to show up on the internet someday ....... :D My Dad just shook his head and called me 'Buffalo Bill' back then.

Or when I was dating an exotic dancer, and forgot to come home for 6 months .... :rolleyes:

Kids grow up when they have to support themselves, and get out in the business world.
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went through those times and fashions and sometimes wondered what were we thinking.:rolleyes:

i also think of that when i see these current trends, but i must be getting old because i think i'm turning into my dad. (or maybe even my grandfather):(

M.C.
 
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curlyscues said:
you are making an assumption that i prejudge these people. i see the same ones most every day in the room that i work in and i do talk to them all the time. that is where i make my assessment from.

and i also was speaking close to literally when i said almost to their knees. they even have to use one hand to hold them as the walk around.

i also have several kids that come in that wear them maybe six to eight inches lower than i would wear them and most all are good kids.

the fact that i don't like that particular fashion is my personal opinion. you infer that your intellectual accomplishments are greater than mine, well they my be, but by the way you responded to my statement you might be wrong.

but i will not debate with you on this as this is not my thing.

M.C.
Click to expand...


I didn't mean any disrespect in regards to your intellectual accomplishments. I've worked hard to perfect my written language. My formal writing is flawless (grammatically). But you wouldn't know just by looking at me.

I've seen geniuses who haven't showered in weeks. And I've seen complete idiots look very professional. If you want my honest opinion, I'd rather the good doctor than the good-looking doctor.
 
terry, exactly, on the money!

It doesn't matter, at all, the brand or price of clothing someone wears, but if they are neat and clean that counts. I am 41 now. I used to be in a suit everyday, up until I retired 3 years ago. Now i find that not only am I dressing more casual, but also less conservative. Always neat and clean, but often jeans (even Capri style pants) and tee shirts.

Also, I don't care at all for the "gangsta" look some people referenced. The negative perception, right or wrong, that exists in todays society for those that portray the thug life, is the very thing that holds them back from advancing in todays society. (with the exception of those in the music or spprts fields)

Rg
 
gulfportdoc said:
There's been some discussion in several threads about the way people dress these days. I'll be happy when the current "styles" pass: rumpled T-shirts with idiotic messages on them, ghetto outfits, baseball caps worn backwards, and the like. Also, women dressing like two bit whores is getting old.

But clothing is an expression of a society's collective mentality. Over the past 25 years self respect seems to have been replaced by "you'd better respect ME..." But many people do not present themselves in such a way as to justify any respect.

I wonder if today's average slob would be impressed by seeing his doctor walk into the exam room in an old T-shirt and levi's? If his bride showed up at the altar in a 12 inch skirt and tank top with no bra? If he went to buy a car, and the salesman walked over in flip-flops and dirty shorts?

When character, personal standards, and good education return to society, you'll see the clothing improve as well.

Doc
Click to expand...

I pretty much agree with you Doc, except the one about the 12 inch skirts LOL.

Seems like many of our posters are into giving famous quotes. Here is one that you should enjoy. John Henderson

WITHOUT DEVIATION FROM THE NORM, PROGRESS IS NOT POSSIBLE --- FRANK ZAPPA
 
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