tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post686246848544534273..comments2024-03-29T05:47:30.107-04:00Comments on Salt Water New England: Reader Question: The Politics of StyleSalt Water New Englandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08940851375677714833noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-86909570849543709562021-06-28T11:48:02.189-04:002021-06-28T11:48:02.189-04:00Most people in New England would not accept jack b...Most people in New England would not accept jack booted Proud Boys in black Fred Perry polos marching around, nor are they willing to stand above the fray and say nothing. It doesn't take a genius to see the thin edge of the totalitarian wedge as it descends. It does take courage to speak out against it. Our town greens all have monuments to people who died fighting assaults on democracy (including my great uncle in World War II). In this post-literate age, symbols, including clothing choices, are very potent political tools that are being used to manipulate. Credulous types who are not capable of understanding the difference between patriotism and volk-nationalism are easy prey for indoctrination, including government officials, religious people, and members of the military and police forces. Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692960564097864113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-48079809980517597482021-06-26T14:36:12.718-04:002021-06-26T14:36:12.718-04:00Spot on!Spot on!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-7455608690304376972021-06-26T14:20:07.418-04:002021-06-26T14:20:07.418-04:00I am in total agreement. I don’t talk about my ped...I am in total agreement. I don’t talk about my pedigree, but it connects me to a libidinous king, a famous prime minister and several US presidents. I am far to the left politically, but was sickened by the antics of The Former Guy and his supporters. My own wardrobe, that of a former college instructor, is very traditional.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-61759068529062558792021-06-26T10:01:49.993-04:002021-06-26T10:01:49.993-04:00Standing above the fray requires an objective apol...Standing above the fray requires an objective apolitical view of the polis. The divisiveness you abhor is evident in your characterization of those you disagree with, not an accurate portrayal of "the other side" for that would be blind acceptance of whatever the media spoon feeds their audience. <br /><br />I like to think people here are more accepting of those they hold fundamental disagreements with absent the fierce tribalism that has taken over the public square. Grace for what this is worth still holds a special place in New England. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-87389227281490282242021-06-25T09:30:14.178-04:002021-06-25T09:30:14.178-04:00Other than some members of Congress, the only trad...Other than some members of Congress, the only trad-wear the facists and racists seem to have adopted are polo shirts as a uniform. Fred Perry just stopped making the black/yellow version because of this. It is important that we remember what happened in World War II and reject attempts to confuse and divide us with hatred and disinformation. Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692960564097864113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-62506003476270777842021-06-25T07:17:36.440-04:002021-06-25T07:17:36.440-04:00*sighs in Daniel Patrick Moynihan**sighs in Daniel Patrick Moynihan*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-3973966103549323182021-06-23T23:44:07.878-04:002021-06-23T23:44:07.878-04:00What a profound and insightful question. Thank you...What a profound and insightful question. Thank you! Yes, there are many, many subtleties. But, for myself, I will never again wear a pink or white polo shirt, and I'm even starting to have doubts about khakis, because of the people who have made these items their uniform. Followers of the British fascist Oswald Mosley wore black shirts, which would have been much better for me, because I own not even one black shirt.Mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-10647908582087515652021-06-23T20:53:57.512-04:002021-06-23T20:53:57.512-04:00Although attributed to Winston Churchill, though n...Although attributed to Winston Churchill, though not accurately so, there's a saying (in both English and French) that if one isn't a socialist by the time one is 25, one has no soul - and, of one isn't a conservative by the time one is 40, one has no head/brain. I'm not convinced that any of that has anything to do with one's anticedents, schooling, upbringing, or anything for that matter related to haberdashery. Though not an American, I do hail from the northern-most country on this continent (North America). And, my family are immigrants from central & eastern Europe. Though of meager origins, I have always admired American style, and particularly that of the traditional/ivy sort. I recall visiting the US as a young boy, and aspiring to the older crowd dressed in what many on this blog consider "Ivy" style. Though funds were always an issue, I continued with my admiration for both that style, and what it represented (particularly in terms of character), throughout my life -- even as styles changed. Time passed, and through the application of diligence and tenacity I was able to earn a graduate degree (which included research at Harvard in the 1980s), followed by some time in our military, then teaching at a technical college, and then civil service -- including time as a diplomat. All the while, indulging in American traditional style, mixed a bit with similar British and French pieces. Though not American, my politics have waffled somewhat over the years, but not greatly. As is the case with the majority of my fellow citizens, I sit firmly planted in the middle of the political spectrum - mainly because that's where sanity tends to live... and, I continue to admire American trad/ivy style, because it transcends age, fashion, and politics, and represents the best of what your country has had to offer. For that, I'm grateful.<br /><br />Your intrepid reader from north of the 49th parallel,<br /><br />BanacekAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-1237544694320220332021-06-21T17:26:07.364-04:002021-06-21T17:26:07.364-04:00Regardless of whether you are left or right, I hav...Regardless of whether you are left or right, I have noticed public dress overall has gone straight to heck in a handbasket. Seriously - since when are stretch pants, rubber flip flops, fleece, pajama bottoms, shower shoes considered acceptable dress for public? --Holly in PA Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-31100146132128445552021-06-20T12:07:53.361-04:002021-06-20T12:07:53.361-04:00In the interest of a bit of contrarian “diversity”...In the interest of a bit of contrarian “diversity” for this series of posts, this Trump supporting, MAGA Conservative American still enjoys traditional/prep styles for the most part, like I always have, whether dressed for business on the boat. I like the style on its own merits regardless of who wears it. I also still love the western cowboy styles stemming from the 70’s and 80’s (somewhat contrarian to the prep look both then and now!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-80565959725770211252021-06-18T10:42:50.383-04:002021-06-18T10:42:50.383-04:00I'm very much a lefty who was born in Maine an...I'm very much a lefty who was born in Maine and have lived in Minnesota since 1997, other than to attend a small liberal arts college before returning to Minneapolis for law school. My experience was that in Maine, the clothes (Maine preppy with the LLBean bent) transcends political affiliation and possibly is only distinguished by certain professions/socioeconomic statuses. But a lot really falls into that general category.<br /><br />In MN, however, it's usually a question of location. City/suburb you'll see more of the components of trad/Ivy dress, and it's a good bet the wearer is quite liberal. An outstate resident is unlikely to share that look or political affiliation. <br /><br />The one exception is for the CPAC crowd that has moved aggressively to the political right along with the Republican party, many of whom were card-carrying members of the Federalist Society in law school. However, it always seems to look like an uncomfortable uniform on these folks, of what they think they should look like. Which is, of course, the precise opposite of what the style actual is, so you can always sniff them out a mile away; never a good thing. David Carrierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13638149971491832499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-63959128664411336532021-06-16T15:30:49.446-04:002021-06-16T15:30:49.446-04:00Robert, immigrants from the Caribbean to the UK we...Robert, immigrants from the Caribbean to the UK well before the "Windrush" generation. Many came to work in the munitions industry and as household staff because of the labor shortage during and after the Great War. It is not beyond reason that some people may have ended up in Yorkshire and the industrialized north. Melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16487627682393719318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-80250200663052670982021-06-16T14:14:34.988-04:002021-06-16T14:14:34.988-04:00" Whatever my ancestors may have accomplished..." Whatever my ancestors may have accomplished, those accomplishments were theirs, not mine." Amen to that and thank you!<br /><br />Glad to see your comment after being saddened by others using the words "woke" or "anti-white racism" in their replies. While the idea of noblesse oblige may seem a little arrogant in contemporary terms (higher birth, powerful social position, etc...), the concept acknowledged privilege and reminded us that we have responsibilities to those who are less fortunate. It is disappointing to see others deny their privilege, but it is down right upsetting and infuriating that they can't see the struggles of others. <br /><br />~A New England W.A.S.P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-1561650431058098422021-06-16T10:46:33.587-04:002021-06-16T10:46:33.587-04:00Attended an Ivy, which is where I picked up my lov...Attended an Ivy, which is where I picked up my love of preppy clothing (yes, plenty of people still dress in a preppy fashion at our nation's top schools). I have plenty of school friends who are neocons or moderate conservatives, and plenty who are on the left. Across the spectrum, there are preppy dressers. It's that simple. I don't assume anything about the wearers politics, just that they care about how they look but not too much. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-27561442690837980552021-06-16T10:20:35.022-04:002021-06-16T10:20:35.022-04:00Similar situation here in rural PA. Prep is for th...Similar situation here in rural PA. Prep is for those who work in downtown Pittsburgh or at one of the universities in Oakland, not for those who live out here.David Hanssenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06050788124546288830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-54575531089173222022021-06-16T09:57:28.449-04:002021-06-16T09:57:28.449-04:00There is a practical business reason for dressing ...There is a practical business reason for dressing in Preppy outfits. Whenever I'm in Asia, I tend to receive preferential treatment and excellent service on airlines, hotels, restaurants, banks, etc. <br /><br />Conversely, the person who wears trendy outfits or hot street apparel don't usually get the same preferential treatment because knock-offs are common in Asia and secondly, Supreme or Prada is over-saturated. It screams ostentatious around classy establishments. It's harder to find Brooks Brothers or J. Press in Asia with the exception of Japan. <br /><br />Asians recognize craftsmanship of Preppy outfits because it conveys quality and sensibility. More importantly, Preppy outfits signal status and this is highly valued in Asian circles. <br /><br />This has nothing to do with politics but about a shared love for that's a part of our history in New England. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-16754678919136677872021-06-16T09:47:19.023-04:002021-06-16T09:47:19.023-04:00Interesting... I disaffiliated from the GOP upon t...Interesting... I disaffiliated from the GOP upon the nomination of Trump. Living in rural NY, those who still claim the party are often suspicious of people who are more traditionally dressed. You can only imagine the looks and comments my Volvo-driving, Orvis-clad self gets at the rod and gun club.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-51804187079812041452021-06-16T09:09:17.513-04:002021-06-16T09:09:17.513-04:00Yes, agreed. People have to choose a style they ar...Yes, agreed. People have to choose a style they are comfortable with. Comfort with traditional clothing can be found among a wide variety of mind-sets. Steven Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16240501209686816287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-61849563986500730862021-06-16T08:44:24.152-04:002021-06-16T08:44:24.152-04:00Yes, this comment is spot on. Yes, this comment is spot on. LoveLeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13257162733790371128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-1223070034237181952021-06-16T08:16:36.542-04:002021-06-16T08:16:36.542-04:00During the Ivy heyday in the ‘50’s, Eisenhower was...During the Ivy heyday in the ‘50’s, Eisenhower was in office. During the preppy revival in the ‘80’s, Regan was in office. During a preppy revival in the early 2000’s, W was in office. I’m not saying these things are directly correlated, but it is an interesting trend. However, I don’t see how these national trends could take hold any longer with the hyperindividualism brought upon by social media. As others have mentioned in comments, SWNE is a refuge for people who appreciate this aesthetic in both clothing and lifestyle. Given that the political views seem to run the spectrum, perhaps we can take solace that we have more in common then we think. At least at SWNE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-58366970917432926692021-06-16T07:17:25.147-04:002021-06-16T07:17:25.147-04:00I couldn't have put it better myself. I am not...I couldn't have put it better myself. I am not a WASP but I do come from an old Eurasian family that were part of the ruling class at one point in time. I have never ever, however, lorded it over anyone; to do so was and is considered crass. TwistyTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15127781091098128473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-56959950122335973902021-06-16T06:59:38.629-04:002021-06-16T06:59:38.629-04:00Traditional clothing transcend politics. No politi...Traditional clothing transcend politics. No political party can lay claim to the lifestyle. <br /><br />Averell Harriman, probably the original preppy was a Democrat. Prescott Bush and H.W. Bush were Republicans. Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld is a quasi- Libertarian/RINO. Film Director Whit Stillman is a Democrat. <br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-43922645301955213872021-06-16T06:34:52.459-04:002021-06-16T06:34:52.459-04:00I am about as yellow dog democrat as they come and...I am about as yellow dog democrat as they come and I, quite objectively, dress about as conservatively/preppy/traditionally as they come in the very traditional bank where I work in the deep south. The clothes I choose to adorn myself with are my personal style and have nothing whatsoever to do with my political leanings. Although I understand the question b/c there does seem to be a tendency to prejudge someone based on their vocation and dress as to their political leanings. But that, I believe, is a dangerous prejudice to have in a casual conversation with someone who is no more than a professional acquaintance. <br />-Scott in New Orleans.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-2337409661711004002021-06-16T02:46:27.248-04:002021-06-16T02:46:27.248-04:00It's an interesting question. I am European bu...It's an interesting question. I am European but also American, and Asian, and tend towards the Left. I have always been rather traditional in my style, and sometimes veer towards what I call 'updated classics' that sometimes make me look like a modern art gallery owner (according to friends). I echo the opinion of others above that say they just appreciate well-made clothing and don't want to, or have the need to have new items of clothing for different occasions. I have never been into trends and ostentation, and always preferred looking clean and well-groomed without calling attention to myself (I do have moderate vanity but I am not self-absorbed), and my clothes are functional with an occasional nod to things I like (the nautical lifestyle, animals, archaeology, all things Celtic...). There is nothing politicised about it. I only object to claims of superiority over others from arrogant types, and that can be anyone from Right to Left. TwistyTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15127781091098128473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-12342191477359182042021-06-16T02:24:44.510-04:002021-06-16T02:24:44.510-04:00I share Joe's political stance and agree with ...I share Joe's political stance and agree with his comment about refinement. It may be military influence, but I prefer to leave the house clean and pressed - even in a Colorado university town.Godanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09907962693941741610noreply@blogger.com