Teenagers have worn peer-imposed “uniforms” as long as there have been teenagers. Back when I was a kid (during the Lincoln Administration) tight-fitting slacks were all the rage. Only a few years ago, no self-respecting teenage boy would have left the house without a ball cap - worn backwards, of course. Nowadays, hoodies seem to be the most important item in the young American male’s wardrobe.
I have no objection to the hoodie (aka, hoody). For one thing, it has the advantage of being designed in such a way that even a kid would never wear one backwards. But it is a source of amusement. Presumably, the brooding, taciturn wearer believes he is showing the world that he's his own man, when in fact this supposedly rebellious fashion statement is the ultimate sign of conformity . . . to what his pals are wearing.
The thing that really gets me, though, is that the hoodie set is so lacking in independent judgment that some kids keep their heads hooded when it’s 60, 65, even 70 degrees outside. They may be sweating up a storm under those cowls, but as long as everyone else they hang out with is equally uncomfortable, they are, so to speak, cool.
I have no objection to the hoodie (aka, hoody). For one thing, it has the advantage of being designed in such a way that even a kid would never wear one backwards. But it is a source of amusement. Presumably, the brooding, taciturn wearer believes he is showing the world that he's his own man, when in fact this supposedly rebellious fashion statement is the ultimate sign of conformity . . . to what his pals are wearing.
The thing that really gets me, though, is that the hoodie set is so lacking in independent judgment that some kids keep their heads hooded when it’s 60, 65, even 70 degrees outside. They may be sweating up a storm under those cowls, but as long as everyone else they hang out with is equally uncomfortable, they are, so to speak, cool.
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