Week 2: The Traditional Dress in Politics

Week 2: Nation and Dress
ASA 141
Franchesca Flores

Photo from Daily Mail, "Trump greets Filipino President Duerte..." by Emily Crane

In the essay by Mina Roces, Gender, Nation and the Politics of Dress in the Twentieth-Century Philippines, what struck my attention the most was that there was a lot of symbolism that went into the clothing that the Philippine political party wore and how they represent themselves. In comparison to American “modernism” when it comes to clothing in politics, the only thing I feel that is important is looking professional and clean. Despite the fact, I do feel that these are important qualities, but I don’t think they give a story, or go as far as the clothing worn in the political party of the Philippines. 

Roces mentions that women were the “bearers and wearers” of tradition where they were able to represent the culture and stories of the Philippines through their clothing. She also adds that the women wearing the national dress and men wearing the suit, reflects the identities between the men and women in politics. Although, this shift can be seen in the twentieth-century Philippines where the “bearer and wearer” of tradition shifted between men and women. I personally believe that the women originally were wearers of the traditional dress because a woman is known as a provider and nurturer, and with this responsibility, they were able to take care of this tradition and display it with grace to the public. Now that the positions have shifted, I feel that when the man wears the traditional clothing, it represents that the man not only has power, but understands culture and the people of their country. With that said, the question I want to pose is, what are some of the reasons that you believe the shift in gender with the traditional attire has changed?