Makes sense to me, Tobus. What I'm referring to though, isn't the incremental shifts that are normal progress in fashion, it's the total abandonment of everything traditional for an in-your-face look almost like the rock band "Kiss" did, or the original response to the now relatively short hair of the Beatles when they started.
I also see the societal deification of "casual" as if it's obviously far better than "nicely-dressed" which I prefer. A simple male example of that is the number of fellows who asked me, when I was a teacher and school administrator how I could possibly stand to wear a tie all the time, and didn't it choke me. The answer was deceptively simple: they were wearing shirts with a collar a half-size or even a full size too small, so of course doing it up or putting on a tie was uncomfortable for them.
It reminds me, when I was almost ready for ordination. (I think I may have told this story before on XMarks,) I asked a female priest and friend about clerical collars. Her answer was "Same size or smaller than your normal dress suit makes an unhappy priest. Preaches hell and damnation. Half a size or a whole size larger makes a happy priest. Preaches love and salvation." Then jerking her thumb at her very skinny and incredibly laid back priest husband lounging in the adjacent door with a big and silly smile, she said, "Rob wears a collar two sizes too big," and there was Rob with his incredibly loose collar and big grin, silently nodding agreement.
Yup.
But he still looked good in it - just comfortable. And yes, Rob always preaches love and salvation.
Rev'd Father Bill White: Mostly retired Parish Priest & former Elementary Headmaster. Lover of God, dogs, most people, joy, tradition, humour & clarity. Legion Padre, theologian, teacher, philosopher, linguist, encourager of hearts & souls & a firm believer in dignity, decency, & duty. A proud Canadian Sinclair with solid Welsh and other heritage.
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