Culture Wars
“The Pee-Wee-Hermanization of the American Male”
by Clay Staggs
It’s not often that I have the occasion to link one of Tim’s sermons with fashion trends, but I think this qualifies.
Check out this offering from Brooks Brothers (yes, Brooks Brothers!) and this one.
Glenn Reynolds calls it the “Pee-Wee-Hermanization of the American male,” and I think he and Tim are onto something. There seems to be a definite trend in pop culture to make men effete. What’s wrong with men dressing like men, and, by extension, acting like men? Women out there, would you be attracted to a man who dressed like this? Personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead in it.
Then again, I don’t know anybody who would, really. Am I out of touch, or is Brooks Brothers?
Posted by Clay Staggs at January 19, 2008 11:59 AM
I have to wonder if a man would expect to be taken seriously in that get-up! Personally, I would find it very difficult to visualize him as strong, a leader, authoritative or anything else that conveys manhood. Throw one of those spinner beanies on him and you’re good to go somewhere—I just wouldn’t follow!
Dana -
Maybe that’s the point. Dressing guys up like Pee-Wee makes them unbelievable as a strong leader, authoritative, or manly. The question is who would want that. Without meaning to suggest conspiracy theories, radical feminists leap to mind.
Clay,
While I agree with your premise that there is a “neutering” of the American male, I don’t see that the clothes to which you refer give significant credence to that premise. These look similar to what C. S. Lewis probably wore in his younger years. We know that fashion trends are cyclical so perhaps Brooks Brothers is just ahead of the curve.
However, if your legs are not as good looking as mine, I can certainly understand your objection! :)
Patrick,
That would be a pretty long fashion cycle (thankfully).
And for the record, at the risk of immodesty, I’ve definitely got the legs to pull it off. :)