Sarong or So Wrong?

[Tobus]

Ahh, but there's the rub. You, me, everyone, all have the choice to participate in any culture -- whether it be by attire, food, language, dance... By eating at an Italian restaurant you are participating in Italian culture. I have never heard anyone say: "Um, can we not go to Luigi's Pizza? I just don't feel culturally entitled to eat Italian food. I'm not Italian." That would be really odd.

So why are there such hang-ups about attire? ith:

That's a very interesting sociological question, and I think it really boils down to whether a person feels like they belong to a particular culture that is their "home base", or whether they feel free to roam amongst other cultures (in the context of food, language, dress, religion, or what-have-you).

Most people grew up in a particular culture and that is who they are. They might identify with other cultures that are a part of their family history, or cultures that they have lived in (like you, CDNSushi, living in Japan and being immersed in that culture). But it does seem a little odd for a person to randomly decide to identify himself with a culture that he has zero ties to. Eating their food is not really applicable, as it's simply a form of enjoying what the culture has to offer for an evening, and not identifying oneself as a part of it.

And really, that's what this comes down to. Clothing is an identifier of who you are. It always has been. And while there is no particular "rule" against it, wearing the clothing of another culture that one has no ties to is, as Jock Scot might say, "just not done" in most circles.

For example, I might go to an Italian restaurant and enjoy an authentic Italian meal (which pizza is most definitely not). But that's not quite the same as walking around speaking with a fake Italian accent, saying "Ciao" to everyone I know, and riding a Vespa while wearing a long scarf. (OK, OK, I know that's a pretty laughable stereotype, but you get my point.) People would likely look at me funny and ask if I'm part Italian or if I lived there. Not that there's any rule against it, but it's just "not done" amongst normal people.

*shrug* That's just the way it is in the world. I think it's great for people to explore and enjoy other cultures, and partake in the "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" mentality. But that's quite different than doing as the Romans do when one has never been to Rome, doesn't know any Romans, and just arbitrarily decided to act like a Roman because it's fun.

I would never engage in, nor condone, the type of berating that some people do over these things. But surely you understand why people might hesitate to adopt the dress of a culture that they have no ties to, simply out of a sense of common social grace?

[ForresterModern]

Not sure I could get into the sarong per se, but during college I did sew up a cotton calf length kaftan to wear around the dorm in lieu of pants and shirts all the time. Much more comfortable than PJs and a robe too, but appropriate for just kicking around the house, dorm, pool, etc... Still have it somewhere in storage and I bet it would still fit. Now you have me thinking that maybe I need to get it out and start wearing it again.

[Tobus]

I know the garment doesn't care, but I would feel weird. It's the same reason I don't wear a kimono, non quai thao, ushanka, or other ethnic clothing that I have absolutely no ties to. I would feel like an impostor. Not saying I take issue with anyone else doing it, but it would just make me personally feel like I'm trying to be something I'm not. Especially without a "when in Rome" excuse.

[James Hood]

There ARE American variants on the sarong:

American Samoa is a part of the USA and the lava-lava (even sometimes in near-canvas weight as military uniform bottom) is a man's form of unpleated kilt.

In addition, the Hawaiian men's pareo is a legitimate American variant of unbifurcated tropical garment.

[Bugbear]

There ARE American variants on the sarong:

American Samoa is a part of the USA and the lava-lava (even sometimes in near-canvas weight as military uniform bottom) is a man's form of unpleated kilt.

In addition, the Hawaiian men's pareo is a legitimate American variant of unbifurcated tropical garment.

I've worn a Hawaiian shirt, canvas khaki kilt, sandals and a straw hat a bit in that spirit. I wear the Hawaiian shirt open and over a T-shirt.

[GG]

I know the garment doesn't care, but I would feel weird. It's the same reason I don't wear a kimono, non quai thao, ushanka, or other ethnic clothing that I have absolutely no ties to. I would feel like an impostor. Not saying I take issue with anyone else doing it, but it would just make me personally feel like I'm trying to be something I'm not. Especially without a "when in Rome" excuse.

So, Tobus, to your opinion I - and probably a lot of other members here - should not wear the kilt; because they are not Scottish or they have no Scottish roots - some hundred years back?

Or have I just misunderstood you?

[CDNSushi]

So, Tobus, to your opinion I - and probably a lot of other members here - should not wear the kilt; because they are not Scottish or they have no Scottish roots - some hundred years back?

Or have I just misunderstood you?

I didn't read it that way... I saw it as Tobus expressing his personal feeling that for HIM, having some connection to the kilt is important -- but not necessarily that anyone else should have to feel the same way.

[Tobus]

So, Tobus, to your opinion I - and probably a lot of other members here - should not wear the kilt; because they are not Scottish or they have no Scottish roots - some hundred years back?

Or have I just misunderstood you?

If you carefully re-read the statement you quoted from me, you will clearly see that I said I take no issue with others doing it. It's just my own opinion that I would feel weird doing it.


CDNSushi, I'm right there with you on that issue. I used to hold the purse with a thumb and forefinger as well, trying to make sure that everyone knew I was horrified at having to hold a woman's purse! Now I don't care. Same thing with buying feminine hygiene products at the store. I'm pretty sure people know that they are not for me, so it's pretty ridiculous to feel embarrassed by it.

With that said, though, I have to share this story. At the Renaissance Festival about a month ago, my wife and I saw a gentleman standing outside one of the vendor shops who was wearing a kilt and standing there with a parasol. It was obvious that his wife was inside the shop, so he was simply holding it for her while she was indoors. But my wife couldn't resist approaching him and telling him how pretty he looked with his skirt and parasol. They both got a good laugh out of it. I don't think anybody was actually concerned about his masculinity.

[GG]

If you carefully re-read the statement you quoted from me, you will clearly see that I said I take no issue with others doing it. It's just my own opinion that I would feel weird doing it.

Thank you so much.

I clearly see that you would feel it weird (wearing a kilt if not Scottish).

[Bugbear]

Actually, the term I used, "cultural right," is a bit too strong, and I'm sorry.