bump
Lately I've been asked what "the meaning is" behind the way I act and dress. This is done with real concern, like I'm demented or something lol
I like to stare back at them, vacantly. Then they do think I'm nuts.
Clearly, some people are without manners; I don't fault them for their rude behavior, but I don't foster it either. Win the game by not playing.
It works. The key is to stare them down.
Except for a few flat caps and one fedora (so far), I don't really dress vintage (unless you consider Levi's jeans vintage; they've been around since 1873). But I have had people comment on my appearance over the years--being a child of the 60s I've had long(ish) hair most of my life, a moustache and beard or goatee most of my adult life, and an earring and tattoos for three decades--and the vast majority of those comments were of the rude/snide/insulting variety rather than being complimentary. On most occasions I simply turned the question around on whoever was asking it. For example, if someone asked, "Why is your hair so long?", I'd respond with something to the effect of, "Why isn't your hair longer?" and go about my business. Without fail, the person asking the question was stumped simply because they weren't expecting this kind of response from me, and it spoiled their "fun".
Except for a few flat caps and one fedora (so far), I don't really dress vintage (unless you consider Levi's jeans vintage; they've been around since 1873). But I have had people comment on my appearance over the years--being a child of the 60s I've had long(ish) hair most of my life, a moustache and beard or goatee most of my adult life, and an earring and tattoos for three decades--and the vast majority of those comments were of the rude/snide/insulting variety rather than being complimentary. On most occasions I simply turned the question around on whoever was asking it. For example, if someone asked, "Why is your hair so long?", I'd respond with something to the effect of, "Why isn't your hair longer?" and go about my business. Without fail, the person asking the question was stumped simply because they weren't expecting this kind of response from me, and it spoiled their "fun".
In my experience, the problem was usually that, for people like this, their "interest" was in being insulting for their own amusement. They didn't care about my hair, or my tattoos, or whatever, beyond it being a target for them to aim at verbally; it was nothing more than a form of bullying. Conversely, if someone expresses a genuine interest in my tattoos, or a particular item of clothing I'm wearing, or whatever, I'm more than happy to enter into a positive discussion with them; in fact, I've met some really nice people that way.
In the instances I mentioned above, the people I was approached by were clearly in the "smartass" category; I can usually determine by the person's tone, demeanor, and the way they approach me, whether or not they're sincere, and if I'm uncertain I give them the benefit of the doubt and respond politely. And there have been people who were simply having a little good-natured fun at my expense, so I joked along with them; I have no problem with being the clown if it will brighten someone's day at least a little.
Oh, absolutely. If a person is going to do, wear, or own something that draws attention to them for whatever reason, they shouldn't be surprised when they receive that attention. I don't think it's unreasonable to hope that attention will be positive, but in my experience some people simply prefer confrontation over camaraderie. People are going to be who they are no matter what you do or how you do it, so live your life as you see fit. To quote the prophet Nelson, "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself." As long as you're not harming anyone else in the process, that is.
As if dressing like a seven year old is "manly."
