How does fabric change our perception? Fashion Sociology How does fabric change our perception?

First Impressions What can people assume about us from our looks? When, if ever, are these types of assumptions important? Are they correct?

Job Interview Your first impression is the most important! They judge you on the first 10 seconds. Your attire should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it should not take center stage. Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing to a higher standard than you might need to. Do not confuse the dress code of the employees with an interview outfit. Even if you are allowed to wear jeans on the job, don’t do it to the interview. Never confuse an interview or business function with a social event. Don't dress for a party or a date. Flashy is not professional at an interview! Down the make-up and jewelry.

Impressions and Stereotypes Activity At your separate groups you will receive a photo. Look at this photo together and as a group write down the answers to the following questions. When prompted you will write your answers on the board to compare with the other group. DO NOT share your answers or photo with the other group! Answer: What kind of emotions instantly come to you when you see this picture? Where do you think you learned about this individual? Who taught you about this individual? What did they teach you? How has the media (TV, movies, books, stories) shaped your image of this individual? Have you ever personally seen an individual like this? Have you ever seen someone dressed like this individual?

What is different in the two images? Looking at our responses we've recorded on the board, what is similar or different about them? Why? Does it matter that most of you have had some experience with Santa during your lifetime? Why or why not? Would your responses to the image of the turban change if you knew someone personally for many years that wore one? What do you think we can learn from what we've done here? What are other groups of people we judge based solely on what they might be wearing?

I’ll start you off! Mine was cream. DO NOW As soon as you walk in come up to the board and write what color you remember your room being painted when you were in elementary school! I’ll start you off! Mine was cream.

Colors What would you consider “boy colors”? How about “girl colors?” Why? Who decided this and when?

We are so concerned with gender that babies—who generally look the same—must be dressed in clothing that immediately asserts their gender, whether it is through color choice (pink for girls and blue for boys), or cute little slogans (like “Daddy’s princess” or “Little slugger”).

Sexist? Why were women forced to wear over 10lbs of underwear in the 1800s? Why did it take so long for it to be acceptable for them to wear pants? Why are men looked at strangely in present time for wearing skirts? Didn’t they use to wear togas, robes, kilts… what changed? Is this a double standard? Girls can now wear both skirts and pants, but a boy in a skirt would be looked at awkwardly. Take about 5 minutes to think these questions over. Feel free to talk to your neighbors for their opinion and be ready to form a response.

Around the time of WWII and only while working. When did it become socially acceptable for women to wear pants? Around the time of WWII and only while working. It was a hard time during WWII and many women entered the workforce to make up for the income lost because their husbands were gone.

In everyday fashion? Late 60’s into 1970’s

Stereotyping Who creates them? Why do we have them? What is their purpose? Does stereotyping stop after high school?

Who did this child grow up to become? Hint: One of the most influential americans of the 1940’s