<p>I’m pretty sure that the ■■■■■, I mean OP is trying to yank our chains. BTW, I’m so beautiful I’m wearing nothing but my birthday suit and driving a Pinto. ;)</p>
<p>Wealthy suburbs are more brand-name conscious when it comes to schools. If they see somebody wearing Harvard, Oxford, MIT, Yale, and Stanford gear all at the same time, trust me, they will not be impressed with the person’s seeming affiliation with those schools but question his judgment in wearing them (like, why is he doing that?). So go right ahead and do that please. I think it would be amusing.</p>
<p>GA2012MOM–when is the move to Texas to actually happen? Just don’t drive through a school zone talking on your cell phone. Otherwise, you are appropriate so long as you have steer horns on the front of the Pinto.</p>
<p>but question his judgment in wearing them (like, why is he doing that?)</p>
<p>Perhaps that is actually how some people would react.
:rolleyes:
As opposed to people who have more important things to do.
;)</p>
<p>
They won’t take 30 minutes passing judgment. When people pass judgments, it takes a split-second usually. Most people in that community will be able to pass judgment AND do the important things they have to do, I assure you.</p>
<p>Um, nychomie, post #76, my post was a joke (except for the fact that I am stunningly good-looking). </p>
<p>Also thanks for the compliment on my outfit, blankmind–it was appreciated, and I enjoyed your posts also.</p>
<p>I’ve read most, though not all, of this thread. </p>
<p>I know a few folks have figured out who I am. I ask that you not “out” me if you know who I am IRL. </p>
<p>I do a very, very small amount of volunteer work for a faith-based organization. We “throw” an annual Christmas party for people who are destitute. Most of the people who show up are homeless. I took photos of our event. </p>
<p>One of our destitute guests wore a Harvard sweatshirt. </p>
<p>She’s a nice person. I have no idea of how she ended up with a Harvard sweatshirt…but yes, as the “official photographer” for the event, I used that picture to make the statement that “There but for the grace of God, go I.”</p>
<p>I don’t think she was bragging. I don’t think she was making any kind of STATEMENT. She was just plain cold–and somebody gave her a free sweatshirt. But, I’m shameless…I use the photo of her wearing the sweatshirt to make a statement.</p>
<p>When people pass judgments, it takes a split-second usually
How thoughtful & open minded of them
I have found that those people who do so, are those who have a shall we say " limited or provincial" view of the world. Those with a more worldly outlook are not so fast to judge on appearance or on what is presented to them in a single instance.</p>
<p>QuantMech, I know you were joking but in doing so, you also supported my point. You made the joke to to show how ridiculous my point was that wearing a brand-name school’s apparel could be bragging. But the truth is, you do realize that if you wear all of your HYPSMOxford gear all at once, you would look ridiculous and insecure.</p>
<p>Jonri, homeless people do wear brand-name clothing but it’s obvious their purpose is not to brag. On the other hand, if you are a person of privilege and flaunt your privilege (intentionally or not) at a homeless shelter you volunteer at, well let’s just say if you don’t think that’s tacky, you are lacking social cues.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>It’s human to judge based on instinct. When making important decisions, we should be thorough but we cannot be thorough about everything. For example, if a suspicious guy is following you, you can’t be like “oh well maybe he’s just going in the same direction as I am. I should refrain from thinking he’s a stalker or criminal, what am I thinking? That is so prejudicial and provincial.” I know that when safety is concerned, studies show our instincts are usually right. Similarly, when we judge social cues, our instincts are VERY revealing. In many cases, if we actually take the time to think things through, we arrive at the WRONG conclusion.</p>
<p>I suppose anyone wearing a college shirt can be seen as bragging–“I went to college.” Certainly, a large proportion of the American people have not graduated from college–quick google check showed only 30% graduated from college. </p>
<p>As for myself, I don’t think that the mere act of wearing a shirt from your alma mater (or your kid’s alma mater) is bragging or putting anyone else down.</p>
<p>I come from way out west ,in a very upscale suburb in Marin County . I only knew about schools like H-Y- P from a fun TV show called College Bowl ! I am dating myself .My H is a H alum, and my D is currently a freshman there. Ironically ,none of her friends ,nor my D own any clothing items that one can purchase ,although she does wear a shirt with her dorm name on it ,which only other H kids would recognize .Her prize possession ?A shirt from the seventies with my husband’s name on the back and the name of his house on the front .I do remember seeing alot of STANFORD sweatshirts and CAL (for UC BERKELEY ) way back when When my D got into H ,I really wanted to buy a Harvard Mom shirt -I was so proud ,but my D strongly urged me not to-too show-offy .She didn’t even liked me telling people ,which was tough ,as I was fiercely proud .So , I only would tell people if they asked It was always FUN to see the response -SILENCE ! That was my fun . Anyway ,I have met so many Harvard people at various alumni and I was amazed how real they all seemed .Yes ,there were some stereotypical folks , but they were a minority . I rarely see H<em>Y</em>P sweatshirts at the gym .I think most of these people have nothing to prove .They just know deep inside they attained a super ranking in education .PS- I went to a state school .</p>
<p>nychomie,</p>
<p>My goodness, of course when we take the time to think things through, we have the best chance of finding the best conclusion. The only exception is when a quick-witted decision is necessary and we go to intuition and adrenaline in that case.</p>
<p>Several years ago, my son’s school went to the national Science Olympiad for two consecutive years. At the second year’s closing ceremonies, one of the dads wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with the logo of the previous year’s national competition. It was clear that he purchased the shirt the year before (and it looked like it was never worn) with the hope that he would be able to wear it again the next year. Several other parents commented about how queer and foolish he looked, and some people thought that he was bragging that his kid had been there before. Knowing him, I would say that it was his way of honoring the whole event and he had no idea how he really looked. He was truly an innocent.</p>
<p>You should realize that some people have no fashion sense and people either wear what they genuinely think looks good, or they just don’t care. Every t-shirt does not make a statement. The next time you see someone with a HYP shirt, I suggest you divert your gaze and move on.</p>
<p>It’s human to judge based on instinct.</p>
<p>Humans are animals, I agree. Instinctive reactions takes place in the reptilian brain, more complex functions occur elsewhere.</p>
<p>Or as Rose Sayer would put it " Nature…is what man was put onto this earth to rise above".
;)</p>
<p>…and don’t be so quick to judge. Our instincts can be remarkably narrow and shallow. I’m middle aged, but I remember drawing quick conclusions years ago based on a certain hairstyle or shoes…I regret that I never bothered to get to know many people because of silly superficialities.</p>
<p>I suggest that the next time the op sees someone wearing an “offensive” t-shirt, he strike up a conversation and see what the person is really all about. He may be quite shocked.</p>
<p>Instinct is learned behavior. Silly humans with all their excuses. Rotflmao</p>
<p>Personally, I find t-shirts that say “XX University Mom/Dad” rather cheesy. I also have always disliked bumper stickers that were popular in elementary/middle school that said things such as “My child is on the honor roll at XX school.” In light of the popular discussions, these things seem a bit Chua-ish to me.</p>
<p>Being impressed is in the eye of the beholder. The tee shirts that impress me the most and every grad should wear them - </p>
<p>Curtis</p>
<p>Juilliard</p>
<p>At this point in my life, the next would be - </p>
<p>Plumber</p>
<p>Sometimes, you should go with your gut. I thought that was the mantra many of you go by when choosing a college? Visit and “go with your gut.” When choosing a spouse, same thing. Of course you should incorporate reason when needed, but you just have to trust your instinct. Some people are not staying true to their word ;)</p>