Somehow, I have lesson plans and homework done on the same evening. So...
I've been pondering a theory in my head. It could quite possibly be preposterous, but we'll see what you guys think. I've been mulling around the idea that there are two types of jobs in this world--those you do because they mean something to you and those you do to earn money to buy nice things that mean something to you. I guess you could have a job that fulfills both needs. But I think maybe people, whether consciously or unconsciously, pursue one route or the other. Maybe it is still the novelty of my career that has presented this possiblity. Any comments?
Alright, so I've been investigating a sociological mystery to me at school for the past couple of weeks. One of my students from last year who likes to hang around and harass me has also been participating in these observations. I've convinced her I'm returning to grad school and writing a dissertation about these musings. I have cafeteria duty during my fourth period this year, so this means I stand in the cafeteria and attempt to keep order for an hour and a half each day. This gives me more than ample time to observe these strange creatures we call "teenagers."
I've noticed that a great deal of teenagers are fond of the "hoodie." When I was in high school, way back ten years ago, we simply called these things "sweatshirts," regardless of whether or not they had a hood attached. The hoodie has become the clothing staple of all teenagers, regardless of peer group or socioeconomic status. I've come up with a ton of observations about this staple, but I'll paraphrase here, as my observations continue.
So, today as my student partner (who we will call T) and I were standing in the gravelteria (this is what we call the area where students are currently enjoying lunch during the renovations at our school) I bet her that 5 out of the next 10 students to walk through the doorway would be wearing hoodies. I was exactly right! Although I think the number of students who wear hoodies each day may be a little higher in reality. Teenagers wear hoodies regardless of the weather. If it is 110 degrees outside with high humidity, you can still go to the mall and find a plethora of hoodies. If it is snowing outside, chances are you will find teenagers wearing only a hoodie as their primary means of warmth. So, I'm thinking weather has nothing to do with the hoodie.
Initially, my hypothesis was that the emo kids were the primary users of hoodies. And I proposed to T that these students wear hoodies to stay warm because of their cold, cold hearts deep inside. But turns out there are two types of hoodies. We will call these "band" hoodies and "preppy" hoodies. Band hoodies usually have some pop culture reference. Preppy hoodies are things you would buy at American Eagle or Aeropostale, or maybe even a sports team. The other variable is whether or not you wear a hoodie randomly, and have several hoodies to alternate or you have one or two primary hoodies that you were everyday.
T and I have decided the hoodie is now an integral part of the teenage identity. One wearer of the band hoodie informed that her hoodie was "like a security blanket." Now, I'm pretty sure most teenagers would not acknowledge the importance or social status implied by the hoodie. It's just "cool" or "comfortable" or "I get cold at school." But I am becoming more convinced with each day that I observe these creatures that the hoodie is identity. T demonstrated for me that if its a bad day and you want to hide from the world or indicate to others to leave you alone, you simply utilize the hood of the hoodie.
I know that some readers are thinking this post is shear cynism. It absolutely is not. I'm seriously fascinated by the hoodie and how attached teenagers are to it these days. I own hoodies and I'm trying to figure out if I'm cool enough to have a hoodie identity or if my old age has caused my circulation to slow down and led to me being colder. I have a different student, CC, who is currently composing a list of uses for the hoodie. She was just today informing me how much contraband can be stored in a hoodie.
I will continue my research into the hoodie and its various functions in our society. I love my student informants--I think we share a mutual awe of one another. They think I am crazy to be interested in this and I am intrigued by their unique perspectives.
Keep on rockin' out the hoodie...or looking good, depending on which group you fall into.
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2 comments:
When I was in high school dudes (yes dudes ) wore an item known as a parka not to be confused with the coat of the same name.The parka was much like the hoodie except made from some mutant form of nylon/rayon/plastic and I looked very cool in mine. Of course this was back when cars were made of steel , seat belts were only in airplanes , smoking was not dangerous , and rock and roll was really ROCK AND ROLL.
Good point about the meaning of career choices. I think you're absolutely right. The hoodie- yes a phenomenon. I like the groups you put them into. Perhaps, for some at least, it's the cool way to look shabby and ultra-casual.
Also, I think your theory for the emo kids hoodie needs must be right on the mark. Most of them appear to have very little blood flowing through their veins.
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