The Camouflage Sweatshirt

L in his camo shirt

Today, my son is wearing his camouflage sweatshirt. It was a baby shower gift; my family was smart and gave us various sizes of clothing instead of just the small sizes. My husband thinks this shirt is adorable, and was eager for Buggie to wear it the first time. I, on the other hand, was hesitant. He has only worn the shirt twice because while I agree that it is adorable on him, it also represents much more to me than just a cute baby boy.

I grew up in a hunting family. My father hunted when I was a child. I remember many conversations with him about how uncomfortable it made me, and I remember him explaining to me how hunting helps keep the deer from getting overpopulated and killing each other even more brutally. Logically, I came to understand this perspective, but emotionally it was still troubling. I’m sure this is colored by the fact that I also don’t much care for venison, so deer hunting was of little personal benefit to me. Still, these conversations are a large chunk of my childhood memories of my dad.

Eventually my father gave up hunting, but I still have uncles and cousins who seem to live for the autumn and winter months when they can set up tree-stands, dress in greens and browns (or oranges and blacks, depending whether it’s bow season or gun season, of course), and wait for a set of antlers to wander by. These are not relatives with whom I have a close relationship. There are too many things on which we will never, ever see eye-to-eye. You see, I am very liberal, and this section of my family is very … not. Our opinions on politics, homosexuality, and racial issues have led me to either bite my tongue entirely, or leave the room when these subjects get mentioned. Family gatherings have never seemed the right place to cause a scene, after all.

Please note that I am not claiming there is a direct correlation between hunting and closed-mindedness in general. This is specific only to my own experience within my own family and childhood. Having said that, the connection is very strong. Camouflage patterns trigger the memories of all I have sought to escape from my background. Mind you, I do own one or two garments in camo-print fabrics myself, and those items have never made me feel the way Buggie’s toddler-sized sweatshirt does. Perhaps it’s the difference in colors. Or maybe it’s the realization that he is inheriting the history I have left behind me, and the fear of him growing up with that kind of negativity. If it’s the latter, I suppose that’s just more impetus to educate him about diversity and about animal kindness. He will grow up to make his own decisions about the world around him. I can only hope his mind stays open.

Fashion: I Just Don’t Understand

Maybe I’m getting old, but I am not so old that I’ve forgotten my teenage years. I was definitely more interested in fashion then than I am now, but I like to think I still had common sense. The only concession I recall making to the idea of “with beauty comes pain,” was the tight jeans I would squeeze into – and even with that, I can blame my own disproportionate frame as much as anything else.

Generally speaking, however, I simply do not understand the idea of sacrificing comfort for fashion. I can understand wanting to look one’s best, particularly when you’re young and single and wanting to attract attention. But do people really believe that mini skirts and no jacket in single-digit degree weather are the way to attract the kind of attention they want? (Caution: Heteronormative slant ahead.) When guys look at a girl dressed with no sense, do they really think she looks hot? Or … just cold? Do guys like it when girls toddle around in heels so high they can barely walk in them at all? And more to the point, do women want men to like it? Do they feel sexy when they can barely breathe because tight clothing, or when their exposed arms or legs are covered in goosebumps? And as for those shoes – are sprained or broken ankles now the epitome of high fashion, too?

Truly ridiculous shoes

Let’s not be sexist here, however. Men are not immune to this phenomenon either. In fact, when it comes to the “clothing inappropriate for current weather” issue, they might even be worse. After all, tough guys are impervious to cold, right?

I’m going to switch tracks here before I close because my aim is not actually to insult people, not even to spew sarcasm – though I did lay that on a bit thick, I admit. I simply cannot relate to the mindset that puts fashion above comfort. By all means, be in style and look your best. But I challenge you to do it without giving up being comfortable. It can be done.