The Politics and History of Pockets Revealed
핵심 개념
Pockets have been symbols of power and privilege throughout history, revealing deeper political implications in fashion choices.
초록
In a detailed exploration of pockets, the author delves into the historical significance of these seemingly mundane accessories. Pockets are revealed to be more than just functional elements in clothing; they carry political weight and reflect societal norms. From suffragist pamphlets hidden in pockets to the fear associated with certain groups having their hands inside them, pockets have been a symbol of power and privilege. The evolution of attitudes towards pockets from being seen as disrespectful to now being embraced as a relaxed stance is highlighted. Hannah Carlson's book uncovers the intimate history behind how we use pockets, shedding light on their complex role in society.
What Should Men Do with Their Hands?
통계
"men’s) clothing five hundred years ago"
"an 1862 article in Godey’s Lady’s Book"
"Galateo (1556), Giovani Della Casa"
"Darwin’s publication of The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals in 1872"
"Late nineteenth-century books began to characterize the wayward appendages as monstrous."
"The 1888 Social Mirror included self-help treatment"
"Mrs. M.L. Rayne in Gems of Deportment"
인용구
"Read this." - Jina Moore Ngarambe for Guernica
"There are moments which come to a young man who doesn’t know what to do with his hands when he longs to climb a tree and be a monkey." - Gems of Deportment
더 깊은 질문
How have societal views on pockets evolved over time?
Societal views on pockets have undergone a significant evolution throughout history. Initially, pockets were seen as symbols of power and privilege, with only a select few having access to them. Pockets were considered political, with fears surrounding what individuals, particularly women, may be hiding in them. The anxieties around pockets led to restrictions and regulations on their use in public spaces.
Over time, the perception of pockets shifted from being symbols of power to practical accessories that made garments useful. However, even then, there were social norms dictating how one should use their hands and where they should place them in public settings. Resting one's hands in a pocket was deemed disrespectful due to concerns about hygiene and sexuality.
In the late nineteenth century, Darwin's theories on innate movements influenced conduct books' perspectives on hand gestures and body language. Hands-in-pockets stance was viewed as monstrous or regressive down the evolutionary ladder by some etiquette books referencing Darwin's work.
By the twentieth century, the once-vulgar act of putting hands in pockets transformed into a relaxed and unpretentious gesture associated with sleek metropolitans and rebel figures like hip-hop stars. Today, while hand-in-pocket is generally perceived positively as a sign of relaxation or nonchalance, for some individuals it still serves as a refuge or shelter against awkwardness.
What other everyday items carry hidden political or social meanings?
Just like pockets have been imbued with political significance throughout history, several other everyday items also carry hidden political or social meanings. For example:
Clothing: Clothing choices can convey messages about identity, status, beliefs, and affiliations within society.
Hairstyles: Hairstyles have been used historically to signify cultural identity or resistance against dominant norms.
Accessories: Accessories such as jewelry or watches can symbolize wealth or social status.
Footwear: Shoes can indicate occupation (e.g., work boots), fashion preferences (e.g., designer shoes), or even rebellion (e.g., combat boots).
Technology: Gadgets like smartphones can reflect socioeconomic status while also influencing communication patterns and behaviors.
These everyday items serve not just functional purposes but also act as vehicles for expressing individuality and navigating complex social structures through subtle cues embedded within them.
How does fashion continue to reflect power dynamics within society?
Fashion has long been intertwined with power dynamics within society by serving as a visual representation of hierarchies and identities. Here are ways in which fashion reflects power dynamics:
Branding & Luxury Goods: High-end brands often signify wealth and exclusivity; owning luxury goods becomes a display of affluence.
Uniforms & Dress Codes: Uniforms establish authority (like military uniforms) while dress codes enforce conformity within certain groups.
Cultural Appropriation: Fashion trends sometimes appropriate elements from marginalized cultures without proper acknowledgment—a reflection of unequal power relations.
Gender Norms: Traditional gendered clothing reinforces societal expectations regarding masculinity/femininity—challenging these norms through fashion can be an act of subversion.
Fashion continues to shape perceptions based on appearance; those who adhere closely to current trends may be seen favorably compared to those who do not follow prevailing styles—an indication that appearances still hold weight when it comes to asserting influence within various spheres of life.