tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post1880160307567692432..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Retro and RaceGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-12200287387408815552012-07-26T15:11:52.781-04:002012-07-26T15:11:52.781-04:00Quoting Beth: "Women did not have to be asham...Quoting Beth: "Women did not have to be ashamed to be shaped the way God made us, and the styles exaggerated the hourglass figure. Of course, this is a stark contrast to modern fashion where models look more like very tall children and less and less like real women"<br />If I'm not a real women because I'm tall at 5'10", would you please inform my uterus to stop sending me cramps every month? Can you also tell jack-ass men not to assume they should tell me how to workout at the gym because I am a girl and therefore "need" a man's help with athletics? Pear shaped body types are actually more common than hourglasses, although none of the common body types has a large predominance over the others. I like older sewing patterns precisely because they do have sizes that fit A and B cups instead of assuming I have enormous breasts like a lactating Holstein. What's so unfeminine about having a shape of someone like say Debbie Allen in the 80's in Fame?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79947436639303548702012-05-03T14:23:06.798-04:002012-05-03T14:23:06.798-04:00Fashion is for all of us. Wear want you want. In t...Fashion is for all of us. Wear want you want. In the world of fashion, you are free to have your own style.Be creative in your own way. Ignore those you thinks you bad on your fashion way. Fashion reflects your personality.fashion emohttp://wearangels.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-22074818555964270242012-02-01T16:00:55.486-05:002012-02-01T16:00:55.486-05:00Way too late here, but what the heck. First off: i...Way too late here, but what the heck. First off: in no way do I mean to equate being lesbian with being a woman of color in this post. But my instinct with this discussion is of course to consider my own experiences and try to find common ground. <br /><br />That is, in the comments I recognize hints of the conflict I feel between my love of vintage fashion and the fact that I’m gay—I would in NO WAY want to go back in time and have to navigate old-fashioned sexual politics, I don’t want to glorify those politics, plus there can be a feeling of alienation in the vintage fashion world because if you’re dressing in a 50’s style skirt people automatically see you as girly and straight. For all these reasons, it can sometimes be confusing trying to dress “out and proud” and vintage at the same time.<br /><br />That said, I don’t think my draw to vintage is connected to political or cultural nostalgia so much as it is to my fascination with history, to those stand-out figures who landed into what was often some crappy stage-settings, but still managed to pull off an awesome performance. You say vintage, and I think of Marlene Dietrich in a tux. That’s definitely not straight!<br /><br />It also angers me, like it has other commenters, that when popular media remembers culture in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s it doesn't publish images like those of the Savoy Ballroom. It’s no surprise vintage fashion is seen as straight, since gay women had to typically stay underground during this period. But African American culture was so monumental, how on earth is it surprising when Beyonce, a singer, films an homage to a period where women of color became some of the most influential artists of recent history, and had legitimate control over the direction of American (so, world) music, dance and style? Many of these singers faced tragic lives at the hands of caustic racism and sexism, but that only serves to highlight their remarkable personalities and achievements. Vintage fashion isn’t white, any more than it’s straight, and if this is how we see it, I think it’s high time that all of us set about changing the perception. History should belong to all of us. <br /><br />But…how does one do that? When I’m sporting girly Bettie Draper outfits, I do kind of relish holding hands with a girlfriend. It’s probably an exercise in futility, but it makes me feel better, like I’m snatching back some sliver of gay history. I think it’s natural for younger generations to seek role models among our predecessors, and it doesn’t mean we’re idealizing the times in which they lived. If young women of color feel like when they wear vintage they're implying support for racist politics instead of evoking the bravery of their grandmothers, there's something very wrong. Maybe Beyonce’s video helps merely by dressing vintage? It’s certainly prompted recognition of black history/fashion on this discussion board, and I think that means something in and of itself.Cusshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06615483114226643986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6794749740033084712011-09-05T09:40:35.980-04:002011-09-05T09:40:35.980-04:00Wow, this was a fascinating post--truly fascinatin...Wow, this was a fascinating post--truly fascinating!<br /><br />I've never associated vintage/retro images & glamour with solely White women, personally. It's never even begun to enter my mind to do so. The image of vintage glamour and style has always been emotionally tied in with my African-American grandmother, aunts and cousins on my mother's side. They were all very beautiful and stylish Black women who were the epitome of the middle to upper middle class 1950's housewife. My grandma was a seamstress who made the most beautiful clothes which would now be called "vintage". She passed on this love of looking good to her daughter, my mother, who passed it down to me! My mother is also a great seamstress and I love vintage/retro style! :-)<br />One of my aunts was an incredibly stylish woman and was the wife of a prominent Black surgeon and lived that 50's American Dream--complete package; the home in the 'burbs, maid, social club membership, etc. So, for me, this era has always well-represented the lives & experiences of middle class and well-to-do Black women. Someone could've knocked me over with a feather if they had told me that vintage glamour was considered by some in society to be in any way, not the 'norm' for Black women! <br /><br />However, an interesting thing happened when I started to archive my family pictures into an online album...the images I shared of simply, my family members, particularly my Black female family from the 50's and 60's, seemed to draw a little more attention from some users compared to the countless White users who shared their own vintage family pics. I've had all these Flickr users email me, requesting to use my pictures for one project or another.<br /><br />I was even harassed by certain prejudiced individuals at one point, on a social network forum, who claimed that the vintage family pictures I had were scanned "from textbooks"! Unbelievable.<br /><br />So, after reading and learning a little more, I can only come to a similar conclusion as yours, that history has most DEFINITELY been white-washed and images of well to do, prosperous, beautiful, and coiffed Black women from past eras are not as well-represented as their White counterparts--not by a long shot! Therefore, some people in society find it harder to get used to when they do see these images. <br /><br />I've been trying to do my own little part and dispel stereotypes by sharing my vintage family photographs of my African-American female relatives, as well as creating something called the "Vintage Black Women" galleries, which anyone can see by clicking on my Flickr. These galleries have gotten a lot of positive feedback and I feel, does some good by presenting beautiful, truthful images of the Black woman of the past. BTW, anyone can see my own Black female vintage imagery by clicking on my name.<br /><br />Great and insightful post!!Victoriahttp://www.flickr.com/photos/retro_rose/sets/72157625458842192/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31389466744352184262011-06-01T19:36:36.721-04:002011-06-01T19:36:36.721-04:00A year late but not too late... I think I was look...A year late but not too late... I think I was looking for something on sewing and came across this.... <br /><br /><br />I am a beautiful American woman who's ancestors are from African and right here ... and I disagree... in the 50's 60's and 70's black women where the center for fashion and culture... hair style, choices of clothing was influence by music or the time and the southern style.... it is silly and sad that many women here think of 50's retro as white history ... I am happy to see many agree that it just not shown/ as with media today sometime the beauty of any culture is lost in the hype (afghan women are absolutely delightful gorgeous) yet all we see is that they are poor if we see anything at all… but they are rich in culture .<br /><br />The pomp!(and the flip) the style we use the bump it for today was an African American style made famous by Jacki o and other women and my grandmother. The cute little finger wave on Marilyn Monroe oh boy did we wear that one too it actually start on men of color who like to have waves in there hair and would use lye to start then a gel to wave it( hair dress history book) lol. <br /><br />My grandmother (born in the 20's in the upper middle class) while not a pin up girl (there was no market for her to be anything other as there where not even movie house for her until after the depression) was a beauty and her mother( American Indian) also... Both where the "cleaver type of mother"as was my mom and me today – neither work outside of the home until there children where in school. <br /><br />However my favorite picture is one of her in a red satin dress with gloves and a knock I dead clutch. She had her hair in cute little pomp style and side swept bang. Our family’s and style weren’t different you just didn't see it on TV just like today to make you believe that the black family was tired worked to death hungry and etc sadly but no! the truth is that we rock retro when retro was hot and mod when that was hot we rock the tan before many of you thought it was hot and in my family we embrace it all with grace and charm.<br /><br /><br />I myself rock it retro or modern or what ever I feel that day I like to think of my self and embodiment of style theirs my own and the world. <br />This week I am rocking an AFRO! And skirts and dress like the flower child I am.<br /><br />lol where else would they shop ... besides Ward or pattern shop! so yep we wore it did and made it ...Baby Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13810456387864595224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-12171016887761769582011-06-01T19:34:41.454-04:002011-06-01T19:34:41.454-04:00A year late but not too late... I think I was look...A year late but not too late... I think I was looking for something on sewing and came across this.... <br /><br /><br />I am a beautiful American woman who's ancestors are from African and right here ... and I disagree... in the 50's 60's and 70's black women where the center for fashion and culture... hair style, choices of clothing was influence by music or the time and the southern style.... it is silly and sad that many women here think of 50's retro as white history ... I am happy to see many agree that it just not shown/ as with media today sometime the beauty of any culture is lost in the hype (afghan women are absolutely delightful gorgeous) yet all we see is that they are poor if we see anything at all… but they are rich in culture .<br /><br />The pomp!(and the flip) the style we use the bump it for today was an African American style made famous by Jacki o and other women and my grandmother. The cute little finger wave on Marilyn Monroe oh boy did we wear that one too it actually start on men of color who like to have waves in there hair and would use lye to start then a gel to wave it( hair dress history book) lol. <br /><br />My grandmother (born in the 20's in the upper middle class) while not a pin up girl (there was no market for her to be anything other as there where not even movie house for her until after the depression) was a beauty and her mother( American Indian) also... Both where the "cleaver type of mother"as was my mom and me today – neither work outside of the home until there children where in school. <br /><br />However my favorite picture is one of her in a red satin dress with gloves and a knock I dead clutch. She had her hair in cute little pomp style and side swept bang. Our family’s and style weren’t different you just didn't see it on TV just like today to make you believe that the black family was tired worked to death hungry and etc sadly but no! the truth is that we rock retro when retro was hot and mod when that was hot we rock the tan before many of you thought it was hot and in my family we embrace it all with grace and charm.<br /><br /><br />I myself rock it retro or modern or what ever I feel that day I like to think of my self and embodiment of style theirs my own and the world. <br />This week I am rocking an AFRO! And skirts and dress like the flower child I am.<br /><br />Beside where they buy there clothes - the same place all people did Montgomery Wards lol now that is retro.Baby Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13810456387864595224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-1587849507284127632010-06-06T00:13:08.069-04:002010-06-06T00:13:08.069-04:00So glad to see this sort of discussion spreading a...So glad to see this sort of discussion spreading and evolving. I've been thinking and writing about this for a little while too: <br /><br />http://iheartthreadbared.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/in-vintage-color/slanderoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06988786887256098344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-26411706008745451332010-06-05T16:57:37.637-04:002010-06-05T16:57:37.637-04:00Hi! I just wanted to say that I came across your b...Hi! I just wanted to say that I came across your blog from Definatalie's blog and I love love love love everything you've written. This post is so important to me (shallow aside: Beyonce is so ridiculously sexy and hot in this video!) and you've brought up so many wonderful and important issues about the implications and connotations of 'retro' and as well as the implications of vintage nostalgia. Thanks so much. xo JennyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-33970155777746879762010-05-31T08:18:36.611-04:002010-05-31T08:18:36.611-04:00Okay, I am totally coming to this late, and althou...Okay, I am totally coming to this late, and although I didn't read everything, I tried to get some of what was being said.<br /><br />Having been 'in the vintage scene' for some years, I get asked this question constantly. And my answer is, respectively, people of color cant, or rather wont differentiate the nostalgia of the era with the reality of the era. And I cant blame them.<br /><br />It makes my teeth bleed when I hear people (white) say, "Gosh, I wish I could go back to 1945, dont you!?" <br /><br />NO! No I dont. Not at all. My love of the eras I choose (1930s-1945) lies with my understanding of the struggles that my people went through to get me the rights and privileges I have today. I choose to pay homage to that more so than simply mimic the style of yesteryear.<br /><br />Its not just black people. I remember last year I was at a vintage party with a few other women of color (one was Chinese, one Japanese and one Hispanic) and we just had a synergy about this whole topic.<br /><br />The nostalgia for how women (white) were treated during the time has fairly been overcome to the point of being romanticized. People of color, not so much.Shelleyjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05223944949880318245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-63801167063200892562010-05-29T17:45:18.307-04:002010-05-29T17:45:18.307-04:00Minorities are just usually not mentioned a lot fo...Minorities are just usually not mentioned a lot for "style".dewfallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11875328949746628182010-05-29T01:16:17.645-04:002010-05-29T01:16:17.645-04:00some of the best-dressed, most stylish, and gracio...some of the best-dressed, most stylish, and gracious women i've met have been african-american. and other women of color. women everywhere like to dress up and be stylish.MarieBayAreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10882733672272949625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-59859756020972718392010-05-26T21:38:46.070-04:002010-05-26T21:38:46.070-04:00Isn't history something that all people should...Isn't history something that all people should learn? Not only that-girl-in-the-vintage-dress? <br /><br />Most women I see in vintage look elegant. (No matter what color her skin happens to be.) I so wish my english was better right now. I'll try to make myself understod. <br /><br />My grandmother is my greatest inspiration, not for how she looks, but for who she is. She is what all people should be or try to be, elegant, wise, accepting and understanding.<br />She's been through rough times, instead of being eaten up by anger she took what she got and became a better person for it. This woman NEVER gets angry, not even a little bit upset. But she wont let people walk all over her. She talks, you listen. <br /><br />This is what I see in 60+ years old clothing, my grandmother. Even the simplest dress scream ELEGANCE. (..or maybe grace, maybe both.) <br /><br />We should all learn from the past, and to not wear that 40s dress because someone might not like how things were during the forties? We're all where we are because of history, the good and the bad. <br /><br />I will end my incoherent ramblings with this: All you women wear what you love whatever shape or color you are, if you are happy and comfortable with what you wear your confidence will amplify your beauty!Jennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-2488374132064560592010-05-26T12:48:38.238-04:002010-05-26T12:48:38.238-04:00"can we separate the style from the time?&quo..."can we separate the style from the time?"<br /><br />what this can possibly mean is "can we separate the clothing from the history that took place when people wore it?"<br /><br />my first question is "are we sure we want to, and if we do, why?" not even from a good/bad or right/wrong perspective, but a place that truly examines why we find a particular style so fascinating. would one choose to wear a particular style in order to "reclaim" it somehow? are we, by choosing to wear a style, choosing to emulate the era that it came from?<br />part of the answer of course lies in personal taste, aesthetics, and design. the other part comes from research and a wider breadth of knowledge.<br /><br />i think this question would be interesting to answer if it extended to more than just American fashion from the middle of the 20th century. <br /><br />for instance, what would you (we) think of if we saw someone walking down the street everyday in a full hoop skirt and corset and all the bells and whistles that come from a Civil War era gown- and this outfit was intended as daily clothing and not as a costume?<br /><br />what if someone chose to have their feet bound, in the name of interest in the fashion, despite what they would be doing to their feet?<br /><br />or if someone in public office stood at a podium wearing a ruff, doublet, balloon breeches, and a codpiece?<br /><br />how bout a suit inspired by an SS uniform? i'm pretty sure anyone wearing something like that would need to be prepared to defend their fashion choice whether they wanted to or not.<br /><br />while i believe that everyone is absolutely free to make their own fashion choices, and in my book, that includes mutilating their own body- if you wear clothing based on designs from an era that is not one you lived in, people are going to react. one cannot control what others' opinions would be.<br />AND, depending on what culture they came from and from which you took your inspiration- some make not like it, and not understand why you would choose to wear clothing that for them heavily of something VERY unpleasant (as specifically in here- whitewashing, or women's lib issues). point is- not everyone will see your fashion inspiration the same you did.<br /><br />Fashion isn't about making other people happy. But when taking styles from other eras, and even other cultures- then making them your own- it would be very wise to consider all the cultures and eras that style encompassed- read: research. at the very least you've given yourself a history lesson if nothing else!<br /><br />Perhaps delving into vintage styles deserves more effort that saying "ooo! pretty!". (NTTAWWT) of course it's pretty! but- what *else* is it? For me, looking into the history and the cultures of the eras can either hinder my desire to wear clothing inspired by it, or fuel it even more. it makes fashion a far richer experience no matter what. <br /><br />EACAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-9529918970896894202010-05-25T20:36:51.267-04:002010-05-25T20:36:51.267-04:00Oh boy, I've lost track of which Anonymous is ...Oh boy, I've lost track of which Anonymous is which! There are so many . . . I'm sorry if anyone feels attacked. That is a risk with sensitive topics like this, about which many feel passionately. I'm not even sure which comment you're talking about at this point, but I would like to add that I don't think it's fair to say I don't allow people to have their own opinions. I started the op/ed column with just that hope. (Still looking for more contributers . . . hint hint!) People may passionately disagree with each other here, or even feel offended by what one says, but that does not equate forbidding one to have opinions. (That's what the delete comment button is for :) Okay, that is all. I need to go have some ice cream and watch Glee.Gertiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-33914633840271383962010-05-25T20:22:33.513-04:002010-05-25T20:22:33.513-04:00Wow, I feel kind of attacked now. Apparently I am ...Wow, I feel kind of attacked now. Apparently I am dismissive of others points of view and guilty of stereotyping people who look like they may belong to a certain sub-culture. Just because I disagree with you doesn't mean I haven't heard you or think you don't have a right to your opinion - I just disagree with you. <br />The stereotyping comment? I can't quite see where you got the idea that I want to put people in little boxes. What I was trying to say is that some people are trying to say something with what they wear but that I don't think most vintage wearers are. I could be wrong. Daiyami - your turn around - I don't wear vintage clothes. I often wear old clothes of my mother's or father's but they are not old enough to own anything vintage. The fifties skirt was an example not actually something I am likely to wear. If I did I wouldn't expect anyone to think anything of it. I met a girl at a wedding who was wearing a vintage inspired outfit. I thought she looked pretty. <br />I'm not going to comment again and will stop reading the blog. It's not that I don't like social and political commentary - I read several blogs and belong to communities which are about issues of race, feminism and sexuality etc. However, in those blogs and communities, whilst the debate can get pretty heated, everyone is allowed to have their own opinion. Something I have noticed is not the case here - even for Gertie!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-3485651362566728022010-05-25T11:02:39.125-04:002010-05-25T11:02:39.125-04:00I have to say I don't know much, but I know a ...I have to say I don't know much, but I know a little about the time frame. It was a predominantly white culture. I remember watching a show about a black jazz singer who was one of the first black women in movies (not just as a side, or playing the role of a servant), she even said the only reason she got as far as she did in the time is because she looked white. It's wrong and we all know that now... but I will say pin-ups are popping up all over (of all races). When I was stationed in Texas, it was mostly Hispanic girls on the rockabilly scene. I loved it. I always thought pinup/ retro clothes were perfect for all women (regardless of race) because it is about BEING a woman. Yes, back in the day they had awful stereotypes and rules. We don't know. I think the thing we celebrate in the clothing is about being sexy women with curves. I think we should all wear it proud to show how far we have come when it comes to race and women's rights and liberties.Whitneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18043343638155868613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-5436674709674625012010-05-25T11:00:39.999-04:002010-05-25T11:00:39.999-04:00Gertie, comments like this make one think they hav...Gertie, comments like this make one think they have to defend their choices: "whenever I see a younger woman dressed in an outfit from the 40s I want to ask her if she really understands the struggles and the day-to-day realities of racism and how it shaped & affected a black woman's life at the time." Not so much your post, but the discussion that followed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-67932352556991255422010-05-25T10:49:24.297-04:002010-05-25T10:49:24.297-04:00Just as a resource for real vintage snapshots of p...Just as a resource for real vintage snapshots of people of all types in clothes, Square America is a great resource. <br /><br />http://www.squareamerica.com/search/?tag=african-american<br /><br />I found it to be extremely useful when I was doing costume design, and it's also just a good way to see a cross-section of American life through personal photographs.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18320582584992779669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-61752081014352918782010-05-25T10:32:45.913-04:002010-05-25T10:32:45.913-04:00I find it interesting that in discussions about ho...I find it interesting that in discussions about how race intersects with "fun" cultural output, there tends to be a lot of defensiveness and strawman arguments. No one said this analysis is mandatory, that people are forbidden from engaging in a hobby some people find problematic, or denouncing people for it.<br /><br />I sometimes find myself not wanting to engage in a discussion I find super interesting because of that.<br /><br />Which is *totally* not your fault Gertie. I'm glad you brought it up.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16558271291899670360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-30630609665267092462010-05-25T10:11:07.294-04:002010-05-25T10:11:07.294-04:00dayiami- I do not think vintage is exempt from wha...dayiami- I do not think vintage is exempt from what you called social interplay of meaning - I agree with you that every way a person dresses can lead to interpretation. I do think, however, that today vintage clothes show a lot of other things about the person wearing them, which do not include that s/he is a racist (and I know you agree with me, but for the sake of argument...). I mean, does loving '40s fashion make me identify with that era? because most chances are I would be dead or very close to dead if I were to live in Europe at that time. (Though I did cringe when Seth Aaron of Project Runway said he was inspired by the clothes of the German and Russian armies of WWII).<br />I do agree that we need to be more aware of the history of the time, and to educate ourselves rather than rely on the partial info that we often get.Chedva @Rooms and Wordshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02455663512696981450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-72904191078701182422010-05-25T09:52:09.391-04:002010-05-25T09:52:09.391-04:00Anon 7:59am 25 May: I don't think you're e...Anon 7:59am 25 May: I don't think you're engaging with my question, although I didn't ask it very well and did lean overly on stereotypes. Part of what I meant to say is that even when you think you are wearing something just because you like it (and I'm sure that goths, businesswomen, etc, also all *like* the clothes that they wear), you cannot help sending signals about who you are, because there *are* so many pressures at play. What we like is socialized. Clothing is not just self-expression but a public signal. I don't dress within any known subculture, I have a fairly individual look (colorful & frilly, because that's what I like) within the subculture I belong to (professors in the Northwest US), and yet, every time I get dressed it is part of a particular persona or impression that I will make. I don't think clothing can avoid being so, not even a tee-shirt and blue jeans.<br /><br />Does that mean I think vintage sends the signal that you're racist? Absolutely not! But to claim that vintage is *exempt* from this social interplay of meanings? I'm skeptical, and I'd honestly like to understand the counterargument. (Gertie, I apologize if this is a threadjack, feel free to shut me down--I know I'm a new commenter, been lurking for just a couple months)<br /><br />I don't mean to attack--maybe if I turn the question around....it's not about what it means to you when you put on the clothing, but how do you think other people perceive you when you wear vintage?<br /><br />And am also really enjoying the Australian, NZ, and UK viewpoints!daiyaminoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-788423844208057222010-05-25T09:34:46.282-04:002010-05-25T09:34:46.282-04:00Who's saying this sort of analysis should be c...Who's saying this sort of analysis should be compulsory? That *would* be rather weird indeed.Gertiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-92032040663458625782010-05-25T09:23:35.682-04:002010-05-25T09:23:35.682-04:00Mexicans and other Hispanic groups also experience...Mexicans and other Hispanic groups also experienced separation. Even in larger towns, like Houston. My father came from Mexico as a child, went to live in a small-ish German community with relatives to go to school. Now he looked white, German, with blond hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and recalls not knowing any better, went into the main part of the movie theater with the German kids. Afterwards his Mexican friends looked for him, and corrected him that he sat in the wrong section. They were not allowed to speak Spanish at school but the German kids could speak German. It was the sign of the times, early 1950's, rural Texas. I don't get too caught up in that in the present day or with my love of the vintage clothing. I cannot change the past, I just love the fashion. I am what I am (Popeye just came to mind typing that :)) and I don't worry about being a Mexican American married to a Polish Anglo with 4 kids in a small German/Polish town.Myrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16163175961766563965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-182669498760295282010-05-25T08:06:49.725-04:002010-05-25T08:06:49.725-04:00LOVE love love the video. Never been a beyonce fan...LOVE love love the video. Never been a beyonce fan, but i might be converted. But, since when was Betty Page "Upper Middle Class"?? <br /><br />Also, to weigh in on the race/vintage debate, I think the vintage image is based on magazines and not the exact reality of the times. Just like if someone was looking back at 2010 in 50 years time they might think we all look like the our current, sanitized and plasticized celebrities.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-9021983342406387842010-05-25T07:59:28.759-04:002010-05-25T07:59:28.759-04:00"daiyami said...
To Anon 7:38 and Anon 8..."daiyami said...<br /><br /> To Anon 7:38 and Anon 8:09: So---environmentalists wear natural fibers and earth shoes, and goths dress all in black, and corporate businesswomen wear heels and tailored skirts, and "butch" lesbians wear trouser suits, and all these things are part of signaling their self-identity and social location within the US---but vintage clothing means nothing but that one likes the clothes?<br /><br /> What makes vintage operate so differently from all those other styles?"<br /><br />So an environmentalist will never wear heels and a suit to go to work; a 'butch lesbian' is purposefully making herself hard to identify if she dresses as a goth instead of in a pantsuit; and a cooporate businesswoman can't wear natural fibres due to her allergies (not to mention, I dare you to spot clothes made of ethically harvested, environmentally responsible fibres at ten paces!) There are so many other pressures at play here that you cannot safely say each of your examples dresses that way because she wishes to present that persona to the world as her particular identity. The fact that you have such trouble accepting that sometimes people just 'like' a particular mode of dress says a lot more about says a lot more about your need to categorize people into tidy little stereotypes based on the clothes they wear than clothing as a method of self expression.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com