fashion as a form of resistance

          The way one dresses has always been a point of observation. In English class we learned how the clothing choices of Jackie Kennedy were very closely scrutinized, yet this is evident in a numerous of other cases as well. From royalty to public figures, clothing is an indication of not only identity, status, and wealth, but also an individual's values and beliefs. One example of clothing used as a medium to send a message is the Civil Rights Movement, where fashion became more than just fabric and threads, and instead became a statement for defiance.

Amidst the calls of justice, fashion played an integral part in African American's reclamation of their cultural identities. It started off with small things, like using African fabrics such as kente cloth, but this eventually transformed into the deliberate integration of African aesthetics into the everyday attire of African Americans. This served a much larger purpose than could be imagined. By asserting their identity, African American supporters and activists raised awareness and sent a clear message to white supremacists. This created a wave of much needed cultural pride, and even directly challenged cultural hegemony.

The power of one's clothing choices is widely underrepresented. Beyond a mere visual appreciation, it is a visual language though which individuals can fully display their values and beliefs. Understanding the depth of meaning that could be possible allows us to appreciate the diverse complexities of our society.




Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 28, 2024 at 1:14 PM

    I like how you use multiple transitions throughout your blog to make all points connect well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 30, 2024 at 3:32 PM

    I like your idea of people using fashion to send a message. I think this is something that is often overlooked and shows that even something that may seem as minuscule as a piece of clothing, can actually have a message behind it.

    ReplyDelete

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