Week 6 - Asian is the New Hip

Week 6
ASA 141
Alejandra Verduzco

In the reading "It's Hip to be Asian" by Parminder Bhachu discusses the British Asian Women consumption of cultural products and the diaspora aesthetic behind their fashion style. She especially described and focused on the garment named salwar-kameez which was worn by immigrants until it became a high-end fashion trend due to the royal wearing them, such as Princess Diana and Emma Thompson. This then became a global trend shifting from jus domestic cultural economy to global fashion economy.  But why is it that famous people need to wear certain clothing in order for something to be of value? Why can't we appreciate the meaning behind clothing before someone famous decides to wear it? Although it is nice to have traditional garments wanted and worn by many people throughout the globe the consumers should be mindful as to the meaning behind each garment. Fashion is not just about the fabric and style, it's about the cultural and historical background that comes along with it. We need to begin to appreciate the culture and not just look at it as the next fashion trend. Honestly, these topics get me a little confused as to what is looked down upon and what is a step up. Often times the people designing these high trend garments are non-other but Asians themselves which are also the ones looking down upon them being used inappropriately and without meaning. However, I don't think people purchase clothing while really thinking about what culture they possibly could be offending or not knowing the history behind. It's not peoples fault society never taught them how to shop, or how to know what garments to buy and what they mean. Fashion has become a major impact globally ranging from some people having too many clothes, some not having enough clothes, some wearing it with meaning, some wearing it to keep on trend. It's difficult to keep up to date on what's wrong and what's right when it comes to fashion styles. Who determines whether its wrong for certain people to wear that style of clothing because they aren't from that culture? Is it wrong to discriminate people from wearing certain styles? Why can't we just appreciate all cultures and races naturally? Not everything has to be turned into a trend.