Europeans. Asians. New-Yorkers. What do they all have in common?
"They've got style! Splendid style!" replied Tree Bone.
Well, I'll be damned. A select-GM actually answered one of my questions correctly. There is another correct answer to this question, but I'll explain later.
Perhaps I should have rephrased the question as Why Do Canadians Lack Style?
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| "U got style?" - PSY |
I thought about this the entire time while I was in China/Taiwan. Now, I'm not saying that I think all Asians are fashionable/stylish; but I will say that they do have more presence than your average Joe Molson. When I walked about in the Orient, I couldn't help but notice all the damn fashion passion these people had. It was quite the contrast from the West Sweat (I am referring to the westerners love of sweat pants). I came up with a few 'debatable' reasons; but most were all trumped by my rationalization.
Here are the possible reasons, from my standpoint:
1. They're fashionable because they can afford it. While this might be true for some Asians, Europeans and New-Yorkers etc., it is far-fetched. Canada has the 9th largest GDP per capita (according to IMF); so, Canadians should have the necessary funds to afford being fashionable. Plus, we're America's top hat; shouldn't we be influenced even more by American trend setters, aka. Hollywood?
Affordability is is further trumped by world economics. The Chinese, despite their ownership of American debt, are quite poor (93rd largest GDP per capita). The Europeans arguably have their hands full with the potential default of the EU. So, it appears that money isn't the cause here.
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| "Shopping!" |
2. Canadian weather doesn't permit fashionable decisions. When I thought of this argument originally, I thought I was going nuts. Maybe the reason why Canadians lack style is because we're fucking cooped up for literally six months out of the year due to weather. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this reason was wrong; having a four-season cycle gives ample opportunity to be fashionable. Plus, cold weather permits layers, which in turn allows even more possible fashion combinations.
Asian nations, particularly, must deal with hot temperatures and humidity, both of which paralyze fashion decisions. Yet they still looked fashionable during my trip. So, what the fuck? Where is the bloody answer?
3. Fashion is part of their recreation.
"What the hell does that mean?" asked Safari.
This was the only rationalization that made some sense to me. Remember when I asked what Europeans, Asians, and New-Yorkers had in common? Well, the other correct answer was that they live in highly dense areas; aka. space is limited. If space is limited, recreational activities become a premium. Here in Canada, we can literally do whatever we want in our spare time, and we don't have to fight over space to get it. Therefore, expressing ourselves can come easily if there is space for it. However, when you live in a high density area (like Shanghai, for example) you become restricted. How do you have fun and relax if there is a shortage of space?
Well, you could go out to a social club. BUT, that costs money, and for some citizens this a deal breaker.
"Jeah, and a gentlemen's club is even more taxing," said Burgundy. "... from what I hear, of course."
You could also stay at home and relax. BUT, your home probably is quite small too, and when you're at home, you're likely by yourself. How the hell do you have a social life if you're home alone all the time?
Therefore, one of the few viable options is to go out and shop. If you go out to shop, you are exposed to space; shopping malls are massive and offer plenty of space to walk. Plus, shopping allows for friends to tag along, at almost no cost. Finally, going out to shop doesn't mean you have to buy something; lots of people window shop, which reduces the burden shopping has on your wallet.
Inevitably, people will likely buy something when they window shop. But, they can choose what they spend, and most can be sufficiently entertained just by browsing. And when they do buy some fashion wear, they buy it because they want to stand out. People love to stand out, so how do you do it in a high density area? Dress the fuck up.
So that's my conclusion as to why Canadians lack the fashion passion.
"Speak for yourselves," said a calm Dick Burns, curling his trade-marked eyebrows.
Wise words, Dick.
Asian nations, particularly, must deal with hot temperatures and humidity, both of which paralyze fashion decisions. Yet they still looked fashionable during my trip. So, what the fuck? Where is the bloody answer?
3. Fashion is part of their recreation.
"What the hell does that mean?" asked Safari.
This was the only rationalization that made some sense to me. Remember when I asked what Europeans, Asians, and New-Yorkers had in common? Well, the other correct answer was that they live in highly dense areas; aka. space is limited. If space is limited, recreational activities become a premium. Here in Canada, we can literally do whatever we want in our spare time, and we don't have to fight over space to get it. Therefore, expressing ourselves can come easily if there is space for it. However, when you live in a high density area (like Shanghai, for example) you become restricted. How do you have fun and relax if there is a shortage of space?
Well, you could go out to a social club. BUT, that costs money, and for some citizens this a deal breaker.
"Jeah, and a gentlemen's club is even more taxing," said Burgundy. "... from what I hear, of course."
You could also stay at home and relax. BUT, your home probably is quite small too, and when you're at home, you're likely by yourself. How the hell do you have a social life if you're home alone all the time?
Therefore, one of the few viable options is to go out and shop. If you go out to shop, you are exposed to space; shopping malls are massive and offer plenty of space to walk. Plus, shopping allows for friends to tag along, at almost no cost. Finally, going out to shop doesn't mean you have to buy something; lots of people window shop, which reduces the burden shopping has on your wallet.
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| Asian recreation. |
Inevitably, people will likely buy something when they window shop. But, they can choose what they spend, and most can be sufficiently entertained just by browsing. And when they do buy some fashion wear, they buy it because they want to stand out. People love to stand out, so how do you do it in a high density area? Dress the fuck up.
So that's my conclusion as to why Canadians lack the fashion passion.
"Speak for yourselves," said a calm Dick Burns, curling his trade-marked eyebrows.
Wise words, Dick.
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