On the side (sshh) I tutor a brother and sister in conversational English. Actually the job is ridiculous. I get paid pretty well to go play with two very cool little kids for an hour twice a week. Well today I brought my camera. They have seen the videos from home of the family - so I told them I wanted show my family video of them.
Here is some video. I so wish Jay and Corbin could meet these two. You all would have a blast.
I have been with them since November. I took over for one of the teachers at my school who was leaving. They family is very nice, and I have such a great time.
So I was very tired today and had lost my voice yesterday. I am not looking my best here. Sorry.
And now to close out the show. I give you an original song and dance by Miss Toni Lee.
I think she says it best with "The End"
Monday, April 14, 2008
My Take on Korean Fashion
April 13, 2008
Starting analysis of modern female fashion. I like clothes – not in the fashionista must have the latest or never seen before style kind of way. I like the history of clothing – the way clothing has affected cultures politically and socially and how clothing has been affected by these things. Seoul has proven to be quite the place for both men’s and women’s fashion. Now before I get further along, let me state that no, not everyone wears the same exact thing – there is evidence of individual personality, social and economic standing – the following analysis is coming from seven months of observation of the general population I see walking down the street. I will primarily focus on women’s fashion, but there will be a bit of men’s as well.
I will break the female population into two categories and they are basically young and old division – The Modern Woman and the Adjewma.
The Modern Korean Woman’s fashion is very interesting to think about. In a way it is almost like watching the western fashion of the 60s, 70s, and 80s and not in a retro kind of way. Here the mini-skirt is new and defiant kind of thing. Except for weddings, funerals, and holidays the tradition Korean dress (Hanbok) is not worn. Although I was told by my old tutor (who is in her 20s) that when she was young it was her school uniform. This being said – the Korean woman has only in the last 10 years had real freedom/ expression in her clothes. So here comes the really, really short skirt and the ridiculously high heels (I am not kidding – I have been women wearing heals on the beach – I get so excited and feel the desire to yell out “You so sister!!!” every time I see a woman in flats.)
This has actually led me to want to know about any kind of feminist movement in Korea. Are there any writers, artists, or political figures out there. Because even with the slightly hooker wear, there is this mixture of Channel, ironic modesty, and kiddy porn. Let me explain – For the majority of women here it is a criminal offence to walk out the door without the hair, the make-up, the heels, the bag, the works. I was telling some of my co-workers that when I lived in Houston particularly – if I was running sort on time, I would go to the store with curlers in my hair. My logic: I have a show to do tonight and 20 things to do by then and my hair is a pain to curl – Hold your head high and go get you bread and milk big whoop! They were shocked. The shock was then followed by the signature nervous giggle and a “oh no I can’t do that.” You should see my on my way to work for a Ren Fair: flip flops, bloomers, chemise, corset, and curlers pumping gas at 7 AM. Oh it is quite a sight!!!
So that is the Chanel factor I don’t quite get. Then there is the ironic modesty. Now I some of you will not have an issue with this – I am not saying wait they so is wrong, but it is ironic. So you have the mini-skirt but then they will wear leggings underneath and a shirt up to their chin and the hooker heels. Who are you kidding here? Yes you are covered up, but it is not like you are actually hiding anything. On top of that you are wearing shoes that force your lower back to push forward, your butt to go out, and your chest (if you have one) to push out. Heels are designed to be sexual!!! And they taller they are the more sexual it gets. Please they are not called Hooker heels for nothing – and that is the mildest of the nicknames.
Next layer. Kiddy Porn. You have your heels, short skirt with tights, fashionable bag that you could two small children in, the hair is perfect, yet you are wearing a Minnie Mouse shirt, your shoes have bows, and oh that skirt is Catholic School Girl style. And you are 24 years old. Are you kidding me? What corner of the bookstore did you get the inspiration for this one? That is one thing that has amazed me – is what grown professionals are willing to wear in public. Minnie Mouse, Mickey, Hello Kitty and these are not just women. Men – Men wearing Mickey Mouse sweaters with great pride!!!
Okay so let me talk about the men. To count the times I have wanted to walk up to a guy on the street or subway and say “ Excuse me sir but do you realize that you are wearing a woman’s sweater, jacket, jeans?” or “Why do you have your girlfriend’s purse?” This is true with Japan too – because they are getting these clothes without the same cultural history or gender stigmas, they use the clothes differently. I man will see a long belted sweater and like the color – like the feel and never think this is not something a man wears. It is funny to see a young couple walking down the street. Both in jeans and both with big shiny bags – it can actually be hard to figure out who is who.
Yesterday is the first time I have bought any clothing outside of socks here. I actually found a shirt that I really liked and looked good on me. It is very frustrating not to be able to shop here. First is the size issue: I do not have the Asian girl build. And even those that are not stick thin do not gain carry weight the same way I would. As the years go by and the children come, the women here are definite apples. All the weight goes to the middle and the arms and legs stay very thin.
This is as good a time as any to bring up the Adjewma. Adjewma is the name used for older married women. There is this strange metamorphosis that occurs to women here once they are married and especially after they kinds come. First it is they hair. Most women after marriage will cut their hair rather short (if they do not do it after marriage, it will usually happen after they kids come.) Now this is not unusual even at home, but here woman can actually be pressured and criticized by other women for not projecting the right image. As time marches on it is all down hill – there is a joke that in Korea there is three genders male, female, and Adjewma. All of that Chanel “it is a woman job to be beautiful” stuff goes out the window and here comes the track pants and the big sun visor. You should see them are they roam the city in their pack of four or five – they are a force to be reckoned with.
So buying clothes here. I mentioned the size issue. Even shoes – most store to not carry over an 8 or 81/2. And the fashion for shoes here is there thin and very pointed OUCH!!! You do not see many sandals also. Which is a shame because that is all I wear when it get warm (which it has been upper 60s – 70s for a few weeks now). And even when people do wear sandal like shoes they will wear sock. Oh it makes me laugh. They really do have a toe issue here.
Second on the shopping is the style. There are so many things I look at and laugh. I simple cannot bring myself to wear that – Hey it looks fine when you wear it but I can’t. Also is the cut of the clothes – even if it is my size the cut of the clothes looks ridiculous on me.
But it is very interesting to observe. They way the changing roles and views of women is seen in the fashion, but how it also collides with the traditional social norms. How what are seen as obvious gender categories at home – simple have no baring here. And how once you social responsibility is done you are then you can then – I do not know what to call it – you are then free of the requirement of being feminine or you are free to be comfortable. I am not sure what it is.
Ever once and a while you will find the artsy type. They are dressing for themselves, but for most people you go through school wearing your uniform (most students go straight from school to tutoring or academies so they wear their uniforms ten hours a day), in college you dress to impress and find a spouse, you then dress for your position and then for the kids and then you simple stop trying. Everyone is always in a group. Even at home – no one is as unique as they want to believe, but here just do not seem to be that may options to fall into. What would they do with the teen that changed her hair color like some people change sock – or decided to call her friend to come over because she wanted her to shave the side of her head. Or even got bored on night and cut her little brother’s hair. I am sure they would have loved the ripped up jeans to the family events (but then again my Grandmother was wearing an ever so fashionable yellow velour sweat suit). Oh the days of the striped sock, crinoline skirt, and Army jacket. Yet again pair that with the little boy in his plaid shorts (one of three pairs he is wearing), stripped t-shirt (also layered) and crocheted pink hat. You won’t see that walking down the street here. Sorry wait take that back – I have seen some pretty horrific pattern combos here – but they were being worn by a 30 year old not a 3 year old.
I am sure there have been plenty of odd thoughts and shaken heads over what I have worn. Dress as you wish – just don’t break your ankle in those shoes.
Starting analysis of modern female fashion. I like clothes – not in the fashionista must have the latest or never seen before style kind of way. I like the history of clothing – the way clothing has affected cultures politically and socially and how clothing has been affected by these things. Seoul has proven to be quite the place for both men’s and women’s fashion. Now before I get further along, let me state that no, not everyone wears the same exact thing – there is evidence of individual personality, social and economic standing – the following analysis is coming from seven months of observation of the general population I see walking down the street. I will primarily focus on women’s fashion, but there will be a bit of men’s as well.
I will break the female population into two categories and they are basically young and old division – The Modern Woman and the Adjewma.
The Modern Korean Woman’s fashion is very interesting to think about. In a way it is almost like watching the western fashion of the 60s, 70s, and 80s and not in a retro kind of way. Here the mini-skirt is new and defiant kind of thing. Except for weddings, funerals, and holidays the tradition Korean dress (Hanbok) is not worn. Although I was told by my old tutor (who is in her 20s) that when she was young it was her school uniform. This being said – the Korean woman has only in the last 10 years had real freedom/ expression in her clothes. So here comes the really, really short skirt and the ridiculously high heels (I am not kidding – I have been women wearing heals on the beach – I get so excited and feel the desire to yell out “You so sister!!!” every time I see a woman in flats.)
This has actually led me to want to know about any kind of feminist movement in Korea. Are there any writers, artists, or political figures out there. Because even with the slightly hooker wear, there is this mixture of Channel, ironic modesty, and kiddy porn. Let me explain – For the majority of women here it is a criminal offence to walk out the door without the hair, the make-up, the heels, the bag, the works. I was telling some of my co-workers that when I lived in Houston particularly – if I was running sort on time, I would go to the store with curlers in my hair. My logic: I have a show to do tonight and 20 things to do by then and my hair is a pain to curl – Hold your head high and go get you bread and milk big whoop! They were shocked. The shock was then followed by the signature nervous giggle and a “oh no I can’t do that.” You should see my on my way to work for a Ren Fair: flip flops, bloomers, chemise, corset, and curlers pumping gas at 7 AM. Oh it is quite a sight!!!
So that is the Chanel factor I don’t quite get. Then there is the ironic modesty. Now I some of you will not have an issue with this – I am not saying wait they so is wrong, but it is ironic. So you have the mini-skirt but then they will wear leggings underneath and a shirt up to their chin and the hooker heels. Who are you kidding here? Yes you are covered up, but it is not like you are actually hiding anything. On top of that you are wearing shoes that force your lower back to push forward, your butt to go out, and your chest (if you have one) to push out. Heels are designed to be sexual!!! And they taller they are the more sexual it gets. Please they are not called Hooker heels for nothing – and that is the mildest of the nicknames.
Next layer. Kiddy Porn. You have your heels, short skirt with tights, fashionable bag that you could two small children in, the hair is perfect, yet you are wearing a Minnie Mouse shirt, your shoes have bows, and oh that skirt is Catholic School Girl style. And you are 24 years old. Are you kidding me? What corner of the bookstore did you get the inspiration for this one? That is one thing that has amazed me – is what grown professionals are willing to wear in public. Minnie Mouse, Mickey, Hello Kitty and these are not just women. Men – Men wearing Mickey Mouse sweaters with great pride!!!
Okay so let me talk about the men. To count the times I have wanted to walk up to a guy on the street or subway and say “ Excuse me sir but do you realize that you are wearing a woman’s sweater, jacket, jeans?” or “Why do you have your girlfriend’s purse?” This is true with Japan too – because they are getting these clothes without the same cultural history or gender stigmas, they use the clothes differently. I man will see a long belted sweater and like the color – like the feel and never think this is not something a man wears. It is funny to see a young couple walking down the street. Both in jeans and both with big shiny bags – it can actually be hard to figure out who is who.
Yesterday is the first time I have bought any clothing outside of socks here. I actually found a shirt that I really liked and looked good on me. It is very frustrating not to be able to shop here. First is the size issue: I do not have the Asian girl build. And even those that are not stick thin do not gain carry weight the same way I would. As the years go by and the children come, the women here are definite apples. All the weight goes to the middle and the arms and legs stay very thin.
This is as good a time as any to bring up the Adjewma. Adjewma is the name used for older married women. There is this strange metamorphosis that occurs to women here once they are married and especially after they kinds come. First it is they hair. Most women after marriage will cut their hair rather short (if they do not do it after marriage, it will usually happen after they kids come.) Now this is not unusual even at home, but here woman can actually be pressured and criticized by other women for not projecting the right image. As time marches on it is all down hill – there is a joke that in Korea there is three genders male, female, and Adjewma. All of that Chanel “it is a woman job to be beautiful” stuff goes out the window and here comes the track pants and the big sun visor. You should see them are they roam the city in their pack of four or five – they are a force to be reckoned with.
So buying clothes here. I mentioned the size issue. Even shoes – most store to not carry over an 8 or 81/2. And the fashion for shoes here is there thin and very pointed OUCH!!! You do not see many sandals also. Which is a shame because that is all I wear when it get warm (which it has been upper 60s – 70s for a few weeks now). And even when people do wear sandal like shoes they will wear sock. Oh it makes me laugh. They really do have a toe issue here.
Second on the shopping is the style. There are so many things I look at and laugh. I simple cannot bring myself to wear that – Hey it looks fine when you wear it but I can’t. Also is the cut of the clothes – even if it is my size the cut of the clothes looks ridiculous on me.
But it is very interesting to observe. They way the changing roles and views of women is seen in the fashion, but how it also collides with the traditional social norms. How what are seen as obvious gender categories at home – simple have no baring here. And how once you social responsibility is done you are then you can then – I do not know what to call it – you are then free of the requirement of being feminine or you are free to be comfortable. I am not sure what it is.
Ever once and a while you will find the artsy type. They are dressing for themselves, but for most people you go through school wearing your uniform (most students go straight from school to tutoring or academies so they wear their uniforms ten hours a day), in college you dress to impress and find a spouse, you then dress for your position and then for the kids and then you simple stop trying. Everyone is always in a group. Even at home – no one is as unique as they want to believe, but here just do not seem to be that may options to fall into. What would they do with the teen that changed her hair color like some people change sock – or decided to call her friend to come over because she wanted her to shave the side of her head. Or even got bored on night and cut her little brother’s hair. I am sure they would have loved the ripped up jeans to the family events (but then again my Grandmother was wearing an ever so fashionable yellow velour sweat suit). Oh the days of the striped sock, crinoline skirt, and Army jacket. Yet again pair that with the little boy in his plaid shorts (one of three pairs he is wearing), stripped t-shirt (also layered) and crocheted pink hat. You won’t see that walking down the street here. Sorry wait take that back – I have seen some pretty horrific pattern combos here – but they were being worn by a 30 year old not a 3 year old.
I am sure there have been plenty of odd thoughts and shaken heads over what I have worn. Dress as you wish – just don’t break your ankle in those shoes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)