OH MY BODY!

The compact challenge is still in motion and I have not purchased anything new from any clothing stores. I do not think the compact challenge is very hard. For someone like me who rarely buys anything unless I need it, the compact challenge is simple and easy. I think the compact challenge would be considerably difficult if I was willing to drive and visit the local malls and outlets to shop. Since I am lazy and hate driving, I rather sit at home and relax. I predict that I can probably not buy anything new for about another three months and still be completely sane.

I agree with Homa Hoodfar that the treatment of veiling represents the oppressive patriarch in Muslim societies. The veil has been mimicked and seen in weddings cross-culturally as a method to conceal a bride’s face from the groom until the ceremony and/or exchanging of vowels. I never noticed it before, but grooms are able to clearly display their faces while brides must conceal them. The contrasting dress codes do not blur the social differences, but more so makes them distinct between men and women. To further Hoodfar’s argument, I wished that he incorporated more cultural knowledge into his article from other groups like the Filipinos portrayed in Mina Roces article, which emphasized on the different clothing that men and women wear to work. By including more ethnic similarities with the notions of veiling, I believe that the oppressive and patriarchic feelings can be captured and experienced within all societies of different races and ethnicities.

Today, women and men are capable of gender bending and switching roles. Women can choose to go to work wearing a suit, while men can stay at home and comfortably wear an apron and complete household duties. Although clothing is still a method of symbolic communication that indicates age, class, gender, and ethnicity, the modern communication is a person’s body and physique. Celebrities are constantly ridiculed and spotted by critics and cameras. They must to be in shape and always ready for action (extremely abnormal and unnatural) regardless of the weather and location. If celebrities do not look healthy, fit, and tone and are “accidentally” seen by the paparazzi, then they are black listed and known for having the worst body. The magazine, Starz, is famous for their yearly issue of “Best and Worst Beach Bodies,” which highlights those that look aesthetic appealing and degrades others that do not. The emphasis on the body shows that the clothes are less important and almost invaluable. The primary concern is to look muscular, fit, and tone because the thought behind this thinking is that you will look good in anything you wear. This magazine shows that clothing is a secondary concern and something of the past. The interest now is in the body, and the popular culture creates additive pressure for the public to look like Greek Gods.

Andy Le

Blog #4

Inside Source

Mina Roces. “Women, Citizenship and the Politics of Dress in Twentieth-Century Philippines.” Reader.

Homa Hoodfar. “More Than Clothing: Veiling as an Adaptive Strategy.” Reader.

Outside Source

http://www.celebitchy.com/4023/star_magazine_best_and_worst_beach_bodies/