Costume Talking (Press, 23 February 1979)

In a commentary published on 23 February 1979, Russell Baker reflects on the changing way Americans communicate, noting a shift from verbal exchanges to nonverbal cues expressed through clothing, jewellery, and personal style. He recounts a specific encounter with a divorced woman whose divorce ring, a unique piece of jewellery designed to signal her marital status, epitomises this trend. The ring, resembling a wedding band but cracked, serves as an expensive symbol, with prices ranging from $300 to $350, illustrating how some individuals opt for such items to convey personal narratives without engaging in conversation. Baker contrasts contemporary social interactions with those of the past, suggesting that earlier generations, such as in the time of Henry James, engaged in more nuanced conversations that revealed personal stories. He argues that today's "talking costumes" facilitate a different type of communication, where clothing and accessories communicate social status, wealth, and personal history. For instance, his own Brooks Brothers suit and lack of a wedding ring conveyed to the woman that he was married yet not adventurous, highlighting the assumptions made based on attire. He explores broader social circles, including specific subcultures such as homosexual sadomasochists, who communicate their identities through distinctive styles involving leather and metal. He notes that, in New York City, wealthy men often express their affluence through their choice of footwear, with high-end brands like Gucci making a clear statement about their wealth, despite casual dress that suggests indifference to material possessions. Baker points out that clothing often serves as a shorthand for identities that are sometimes misleading or inauthentic. He laments the lack of self-awareness that many individuals feel, suggesting that the various identities people adopt can be merely façades constructed from fashion and accessories. He reflects on the hegemony of 1960s rebel fashion, which became a uniform that both defined and confused personal identities among youth during that era. The author delves into a personal struggle with identity as he finds himself drawn to expensive branded neckties without fully understanding why. He expresses a reluctance to wear clothing that communicates a desired persona, fearing that it reflects an unconscious need to assert an identity through consumerism. Baker concludes that this peculiar phenomenon may indicate a broader social trend, where individuals unwittingly become "billboards" for commercial brands, thus embodying what he bleakly terms "A Great American."

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand