Download - Subculture cross dressing
CROSS - DRESSING
FASHION SUB-CULTUREBy Divya Manivannan
MFM/14/301 – SEM 1
Masters In Fashion Management
Mainstream Fashion
• Mainstream is what’s the new trend is.
• When one "style" gets old, a new one reborn.
• A mainstream person - jumps from trend to trend - fit in -
rest of the crowd
• Mainstream is being what society thinks you should be,
and look like.
Sub-Culture
• Human beings have always used appearances as personal
advertising
• As the world grows ever more complex –INDIVIDUALITY
appears, where the STYLE originates, which creates the
importance of AUTHENTICITY -similar minded people.
• A subculture is a group of people with a culture which
differentiates them from the larger culture to which they belong
• Study of symbolism attached to clothing, music and other
visible affectations by members of subcultures
• Subcultures bring together like-minded individuals who feel
neglected by societal standards and allow them to develop a
sense of identity.
“Why would men want to wear clothing of the
opposite sex?, Are these men perverted, or
crazy?, Are they gay?”
Introduction to Cross - DressingThousands of men worldwide are putting on dresses, makeup, and high heels
trying to look as pretty and as feminine as they can.
They are neither perverted nor crazy
• The sight of a grown man wearing a
dress, in many societies is considered
odd, or unusual, and is ridiculed.
• Is most often done in private or as a
secret that is hidden from others
• But now, more and more men are
"coming out" and dressing
"en femme."
• Conventions where males of different
ages and backgrounds, get together
to enjoy the freedom of dressing
and socializing as females
Introduction to Cross - Dressing
Conventions where males of different ages and backgrounds, get
together to enjoy the freedom of dressing and socializing as females
Self-identified cross-dressers generally do not have fetishistic
intentions, but are instead men who wear female clothing and often
both admire and imitate women.
When does it all begin?
• It is believed that cross dressing
desires can be recognized at a
very young age
• Pre-adolescent years
• Painting fingernails, dressing in
female clothing's and trying on
high heeled shoes are all the
acts
• Pulled in two different
directions causes much
confusion in the mind of a
youngster.
• Whilst the teenager can see physical changes that confirm his
masculinity, his feminine desires are likely to raise many
questions.
• The vast majority of cross dressers don't fully acknowledge
their cross dressing desires until later on in life.
• Remember, cross dressers are happy with their masculine
traits. The only thing that makes them different to any other
man is that they like to express the female side of their
personality by dressing as a woman
When does it all begin?
Psychology behind Cross-Dressing
• Want to feel free to express the feminine side of their personality
• Boys cannot portray feminine traits; can't cry, appear weak, or be
soft
• Males who dress in female clothing often feel liberated to express
their emotions
• This makes them feel comfortable
• Second reason for cross-dressing is to feel and experience the
"power of a woman” What power is this?
• It is to be able to turn the heads of all the men as she enters the
room. It is the power to choose who will get their attention.
• see themselves as having a male side and a female side
• Unfortunately, in many societies cross-dressing, especially male to
female, is often still a taboo.
Ideology behind Cross - Dressing
• Young
• Feminine
• Individualism
• Stylish
• Aesthetic
• Enjoyment
• Subcultures can be perceived as negative- nature of criticism to the
dominant societal standard. Brings together like-minded
individuals who feel neglected by societal standards. This develops
a sense of identity.
• The act of cross-dressing was a challenge to the status quo,
destabilizing the gender norms so central to cultural hierarchies
• It is done behind closed for fear of being caught and ridiculed
• A 'macho' image. Society is generally unsympathetic to issues such
as gender identity
• Little choice but to fit the mold until he has the confidence to do
something about it.
• Like any other subculture society criticized for cross dressing as
well. In fact the criticism is much more because it shook the
ethical morals of the society and blurred the line between
feminism and masculinity
Role of Society in Cross - Dressing