After viewing and comparing the 1968 Skipjack and the work of Andy Warhol, I have clearly found that popular culture is constantly changing and adapting to new styles, attitudes, and especially, the messages individuals attempt to portray with what they wear.
The message portrayed by the average dress of a college student in the 1960’s was simple; professionalism. These students all wore suits and ties as if already in the business world. These men were preparing for the real world by adapting to a professional attitude and conforming to what was considered appropriate dress for a wealthy educated individual. This attitude is also much related to the period in pop culture where being professional and conservative was ‘in’ and non conformists were looked down upon.
This brings me to Andy Warhol and the pop culture revolution. It was the dawn of an era where individuality, self expression, and even the eccentric and bizarre were celebrated while conservatism was shunned. ‘The Factory’ followed these new cultural guidelines similar to that of the Punks from “Style in Revolt, Revolting Style”. Warhol’s photography personified the void and vacant mentality by displaying his barren warehouse-like loft as opposed to a furnished professional studio. There were close-ups of faces not smiling, but with blank stares or strange camera angles, sometimes of the backs of heads or blurry motion shots. Also, the clothing portrayed was similar to that of the Punks, which starkly differs from the Skipjack and its business attire. Andy Warhol’s style boldly portrays the messages of a new pop culture, one of individuality, non-conformity, and the artistic portrayal of anti-conservatism.
Since people wear certain things to portray who they are, I would argue that the best style that clearly personifies this is men who wear earrings. In the conservative era, men with earrings were ostracized and accused of homosexuality. However, this jewelry has grown more accepted in current times. It’s true that some homosexuals express themselves through jewelry, but this style has also been absorbed into the representation of power, wealth, and fame. In fact, some argue that male earrings have been a sign of power and wealth for centuries. In current times of material wealth, a man wearing huge diamond earrings turns heads not for the assumption of homosexuality, but the assumption that “damn, that man must be rich!” Men wearing earrings can mean many things, you just have to look closer to see what message the ear studded man is trying to portray.
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Contrasting portrayals of homosexuality vs. wealth and fame through earrings in men
Yeah, the bottom picture is obviously the homosexual. (Just kidding). I agree with your post, It is true I mean a long time ago it was like. Only homosexuals wear them! then it became if you wear them in your like right ear it means you're a homosexual (or was it left). I honestly think it's stupid that people place labels like that. But I do agree with you, New styles are kicking old fashion in the face, clothes like skinny jeans or girls wearing male clothing. But there is nothing wrong with either.
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