This very interesting article reminds me of psychoanalyst Ernest Becker's The Denial of Death, which makes a similar point - although not about fashion ;)) Becker argues that much of human behavior, including neurosis, heroism, and even evil, is driven by a largely unconscious terror of death, and that culture and religion function as "immortality projects" to manage this awareness. Thanks for your thought provoking piece!
“In fact, taste is one of the highest forms of performance, in that it represents a higher order of associative fashion.“ - I wonder if you also mean literal taste as a sense (such as kinds of foods, drinks, spices) and even taste in other things beyond fashion that are not as directly performative but still indicatives of the same. Like mannerisms, body language, etc.
I think most forms of taste ultimately are the product of pattern recognition of stimuli -- largely through experience, although recently increasingly due to media due to its proliferation in modern society.
From an associative perspective, it is indeed reasonable that many of these forms also stand to affect one's performance unto others -- one is judged not only on their fashion, but also in their mannerisms and body language. An interesting exercise would be to critically parse between manifestations of taste that primarily seek to perform (i.e., for others) against those that primarily seek to express individuality (i.e., for oneself).
As a part time dabbler in perfomative male behaviors myself (which canvas tote bag I choose to leave the apt with is of utmost importance, or course), I wonder where mimicry lies within the mix. And further, aspirational mimicry. With fashion this can feel probably a tad shallow, but I think about children performing/mimicking behaviors for their parents, and later, our (adults) aspirational mimicry of others as a way to move us towards our goals. Ie, it isn't authentic... yet. But if I can copy someone's suave enough maybe one day it will truly be an authentic espression of my true nature.
I'm not sure. But alas, I think today calls for a wonderful taupe canvas tote from a candle maker in Brooklyn. I am sure people will notice and talk of my impeccable decision for days to come.
This very interesting article reminds me of psychoanalyst Ernest Becker's The Denial of Death, which makes a similar point - although not about fashion ;)) Becker argues that much of human behavior, including neurosis, heroism, and even evil, is driven by a largely unconscious terror of death, and that culture and religion function as "immortality projects" to manage this awareness. Thanks for your thought provoking piece!
“In fact, taste is one of the highest forms of performance, in that it represents a higher order of associative fashion.“ - I wonder if you also mean literal taste as a sense (such as kinds of foods, drinks, spices) and even taste in other things beyond fashion that are not as directly performative but still indicatives of the same. Like mannerisms, body language, etc.
Very very cool!!
I think most forms of taste ultimately are the product of pattern recognition of stimuli -- largely through experience, although recently increasingly due to media due to its proliferation in modern society.
From an associative perspective, it is indeed reasonable that many of these forms also stand to affect one's performance unto others -- one is judged not only on their fashion, but also in their mannerisms and body language. An interesting exercise would be to critically parse between manifestations of taste that primarily seek to perform (i.e., for others) against those that primarily seek to express individuality (i.e., for oneself).
As a part time dabbler in perfomative male behaviors myself (which canvas tote bag I choose to leave the apt with is of utmost importance, or course), I wonder where mimicry lies within the mix. And further, aspirational mimicry. With fashion this can feel probably a tad shallow, but I think about children performing/mimicking behaviors for their parents, and later, our (adults) aspirational mimicry of others as a way to move us towards our goals. Ie, it isn't authentic... yet. But if I can copy someone's suave enough maybe one day it will truly be an authentic espression of my true nature.
I'm not sure. But alas, I think today calls for a wonderful taupe canvas tote from a candle maker in Brooklyn. I am sure people will notice and talk of my impeccable decision for days to come.