Is the men's suit a vestige of colonialism? - Page 4

It would rather interesting in most countries of the world...

from what i have gathered, the chinese and japanese beg to differ -- these treaties established a quasi-colonial rule. their uniforms became widely popular in france, yes ... however, the necktie/cravat still originated in croatia, the fact that it was recognized by non-croats somewhere else isn't a contradiction. actually, it's perfectly fine to stick to the u.s. when it comes to oppression and state-sponsored terrorism -- no need to point elsewhere.

I'm getting far too old. It will be a sad day when men stop wearing suits for business, some already have. Hopefully it will take longer than the article mentioned suggests.

No, it isn't a vestige of colonialism.

For most of the worlds population it represents an aspirational goal and token of secular modernity. No one is obliged to wear a suit on pain of criminal sanction, surely? No one is obliged to conduct international business in English.

By contrast, in the 21st century, oppressive regimes driven by political or religious ideology frequently target non native (especially 'western') modes of dress and language as a threat to their tyranny.

Take a stand for freedom. Acquire a bespoke suit, ideally tweed and discuss the weather over a cup of tea.

Sartorialists of the world unite!

Please? Thanks awfully.

Tell us what you really think, mate.

Just being a little home-country centric. To be honest, I think trying to correlate suits to colonialism is just stretching a worn out (and currently derogatory) concept no longer relevant in our age. Linking it to a suit is a stretch. If there is some evidence substantiating this concept, I would love to read it and re-evaluate my thinking. It wouldn't impact my decision to wear them, but knowledge is knowledge. A suit is about clothing, appearance, and holds some other social implications. Sure, there are links to military uniforms. Suits are a very niche item even over here these days. They are definitely related to western civilization, but the origins are far more complex than I have investigated. It would be nice to know more of the specifics though.

"from what i have gathered, the chinese and japanese beg to differ -- these treaties established a quasi-colonial rule."

The Japanese were never subjected to quasi-colonial rule, as were the Chinese.

I think it's more like imperialism.

Many nations were never subject to colonial rule yet took on the look of Anglos. Look at Japan. That is sartorial imperialism at its finest.

I for one like it as an neophyte Anglophile of sorts. I can't imagine wearing traditional Asian garb.
Edited by bringusingoodale - 8/9/11 at 7:35pm

LOL.

Hey you could pretend you know something about NBA, NFL and NASCAR as well.

Why are we still feeding the troll?

C'mon: Pocket squares in right-side breast pockets and now... this?

...

Basketball, the one with the rugby ball and the cars that go in circles right? I'm set!

I proposed this thread be retitled 'Confessions of insecure persons of colour'.

Anyone to second?