I am a practical realist in most respects. So when I see a trend that is just plain ridiculous, it always makes me laugh because I don’t see the sense of it. Such is the case the other day as a friend of mine was coming home from school wearing a backpack. Backpacks are intelligent creations – with straps and snaps and everything you need to secure a moderately heavy load to your back without causing too much strain. Not so today, however, in the high schools of America. As I observed the other day, with both my friend and many other students entering the building, the cool fad is to wear the back back with the straps completely extended so it hangs way down – pretty much on your butt. This, now, is the cool way to wear it. Naturally, this puts a great deal of strain on your shoulders and lower back. But farbeit from me to point this out because, as logical as it is that this might cause injury (or pain) to the person… that’s the trend and that’s what they are going to do. (I remember in college the cool trend with backpacks was the “slung over one shoulder” thing.)
A few years back I was at the Cornerstone Music Festival. It was hot. Super hot. As I walked down the dusty road, sweating profusely in the hot sun, I came upon some young men and women dressed in all black. I am talking long black coats, tall boots, black sweatshirts, pants… the whole deal. Naturally, they were seriously sweating in the blazing heat under all of that garb. I was so struck by what people do in the name of conformity and fitting in. But this was plain insanity.
Anyway, I guess all that to say is sometimes being cool is painful. I was trying to think of stuff that was cool back in my day that was painful but nothing comes to mind. I am sure someone can help me out.
Well Joshua, this comment strikes a cord with me due to the fact that once upon a time I did this same thing. (the backpack worn low that is.) Uncomfortable yes, cool yes. However when I went to High School that trend quickly faded. I think it is more of an elementary and middle school thing- for Warsaw anyways. Thanks for hanging out on the water with me, I’ll miss it as always.
Or…how bout the pinching of fingers while “PEGGING” the pants????
So, you told me I should post so here it is…. I remember the days of back packs and it was cool to have them completly hanging off your back. But after a while of an ouchy back I said “NO MORE!” so I didn’t conform for very long. I now love back packs for multipal usage, and this summer it came in wicked handy. However, I prefer the littler ones.
Okay, I am off to work now. Peace out! >>Darc-
Well, in high school in the 80’s the girls had to wear 3 inch heeled pumps with jeans. That’s just one painful thing I endured as a teenager.