Essay on Youth Identity Through Fashion and Culture

Published: 2021-06-22
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Carnegie Mellon University
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Identity and dress code relate intimately like two peas in a pod. With much focus on shape and expression, the type of clothing offers insights into ones identity. This new trend marks the hallmark of postmodernism with certain subgenres such as pop culture influencing not only dressing but music and architectural designs. Therefore, the youths today play an integral role in the perpetuation of artistic and cultural driven fashion ideas, not just bound to clothing but also the general aspect of lifestyle.

Clothing and fashion remain two terms that are commonly confused. Therefore, empirically, one should first distinguish the propensities of each of the two aspects. To begin with, clothing refers to the reality of dressed up bodies, whereas fashion refers to anthropological and sociological transition in a tradition through adoption and rejection of new ideologies. Thus, dressing as a genre falls squarely under the study of fashion trends.

`The rise of postmodernism prompted the emphasis of identity. One of the key features of postmodernity remains the ability to diverge from elitist tendencies through personal expression. Therefore, the aspect of individuality alongside application of technology panoply the freedom to express culture, religion, and personal sentiments. The ramification of such bold moves irked with the influence of social media singlehandedly promotes the diffusion of artistic expression among the youth.

Interestingly, gender and sexism remain one of the two greatest fortes when it comes to fashion and clothing. The aspect of clothing, for instance, has long been used to disguise the biological sense. Fashion, therefore, helps reproduce the facet of gender through body style incorporating an interplay of sexed beings and gendered identities (Gracious & Sibanda, 2013). The literary adaptations apparently perpetuate this advancement in ideologies in the form of movies, songs, and print media.

Over time, the rebellious nature of the youth influences the culture of shagginess and ruggedness. This aspect has resulted into the fashion observed in rough and rugged jeans and tank tops. Additionally, the adoption of these clothing as a dressing attire remains an encouraged move in the environmental circles as it makes a use of old material (Twigg, 2009). Moreover, the acceptance of rugged hair in the todays society brings to light the recognition of the trend in the society.

In the discourse of identity, the matter on individual versus collective selves remains essential in understating the culture. However, the key aspect of the domain in alignment or dismemberment bases on similarities or differences with other members of a clique. Thus, adoption of a more rugged outlook guarantees acceptance and recognition among peers. The signification and establishment remain the two most important steps in attaining the plastic identity. However, maintaining this form of identity requires that one expresses themselves to a particular group of people through fashion and a certain kind of lifestyle.

In conclusion, the age of postmodernism signifies the period of freedom in expression and arts. The adoption of the aspects of modernity in clothing and fashion remain the driving force when expressing ones deep sentiments and affiliations. The expression of this feeling consequently allows an individual to fit in certain groups of people acting by a particular code. Additionally, the globalization of the world into one digital market coupled with tendencies of consumerism have made most youths to struggle in finding the perfect identity mold. Hence, fashion and dress code of the youth today remain vital in the expression of gender and sexuality.

References

Gracious, M., & Sibanda, E. (2013). Global Youth Culture. Greener Journal of Social Sciences, 3(3), 128-132. doi:10.15580/gjss.2013.3.012213402

Twigg, J. (2009). Fashion and Age. Representing Ageing. doi:10.1057/9781137009340.0016

 

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