Public stupidity

Snapbrim76 · Post by **Snapbrim76** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:46 pm

I quite often wear my Indy hat in public, cos I love it and I also don't really care what anyone else thinks. However, it seems that far too many people seem to think that it's a cowboy hat, not a fedora. I know not everybody is educated on hats but surely there's quite a difference in image between a civilized, gentlemanly urban fedora and a country-orientated cowboy hat?!

I went to buy a coffee in a Starbucks in a train station in London recently and the dumb girl behind the counter asked me why I was wearing a cowboy hat. I was torn between "it's not a cowboy hat!" and "mind your own business". Instead I just stood there with an offended expression on my face until she felt awkward and then walked off. But I wondered if there was something else I should have said or done.

It's not the first time someone has said something like that to me. I really wish I had something witty and intelligent to come back with - something that reminds them that they don't know who they're talking to and makes them think twice next time. Any suggestions? Or is it better to ignore it?

ravencrow · Post by **ravencrow** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:13 pm

#### no, tell them to get an education or read a book i do, i'm a grouchy SOB but it's fun..

Bullitt · Post by **Bullitt** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:15 pm

Perhaps you could've said something like: "Actually it's a fedora, a gentleman's hat. It protects me from the sun and the rain, but alas not from stupid comments."

Or maybe: "Would you ask that same question to Johnny Depp

if he came walking in?... I didn't think so."

Richard

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:20 pm

I don't think it's fair to call them stupid or tell them to go get an education. Hats are not as common as they used to be, and people genuinely don't know these things because they're not exposed to them. It's alright to be upset that they think it's a cowboy hat, but why not politely enlighten them, rather than rudley send them away or hurt their feelings? That's just uncalled for.

Shane

Mighty_Draw · Post by **Mighty_Draw** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:28 pm

Say, "Well, I was just rounding up the herd and we're driving them to Dodge City" Or if she was cute tell her you are going line dancing and need a partner.

Snapbrim76 · Post by **Snapbrim76** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:30 pm

Ok so they don't know these things - fair enough. I was offended that she wasn't aware we live in a free country. Besides she wasn't enquiring out of interest - her tone was quite sarcastic and loud as if to make others turn and look (which they did). She honestly found her own comment quite entertaining until the silence became awkward. Believe me some people are quite charming about it, but she certainly wasn't.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:32 pm

At least you didn't get the " nice top hat."

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:43 pm

Maybe she was trying to strike up a conversation.....

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:52 pm

nicktheguy wrote:Maybe she was trying to strike up a conversation.....

That's what I was thinking. Dude, if you're single, you just missed a prime flirting opportunity. Tsk tsk tsk. My response there would've been to smile, and say: "It's a fedora, actually. Do you like it?" However, if she had wanted to press the advantage and further be sarcastic with a NO or something, I'd have told her that it's a good thing she doesn't sign my paychecks, then, and smiled while I walked away.

Anyway, this discussion comes around the pike every once in awhile. All it boils down to is you've got to learn how to roll with the punches. When someone says: "Indy!!" to me, I go: "Yep, that's me." Or, I've been asked: "What's up, Indy?" I reply: "Oh, you know, the usual. Fighting Nazis and commies, shooting people, getting girls. That kind of thing."

When I get the cowboy comment from women, I smile, and tell them to save a horse and ride a cowboy. When I get it from guys, I just flash them the "rock on" hand sign, and keep on truckin'. I've even been called "Super Redneck" before when I was wearing my fedora with a Superman shirt. I've heard it all, man. I'm telling you, stop taking offense, because if this all bugs you, then yes, you do care what people think (whether or not you want to admit it). Rock the fedora, and as Steve Winwood says, roll with it, baby.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:54 pm

It's probably better to ignore it.

If you have to say something you could ask her why she has a ring her nose (if she has one for example)

You could 'apologise' and ask her to forgive you for not checking with her what to wear that day, and if she gives you her number you'll do better tomorrow.

or, you could fill out one of those 'customer comment' cards and ask if it's company policy to ridicule their customers. Might be good for a free cup of coffee at least

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:07 pm

Snapbrim76 wrote:...... - her tone was quite sarcastic and loud as if to make others turn and look (which they did). .

Then the more intelligent in the place would think she was the one with the problem.

You could disarm her with a compliment.

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:07 pm

I'm at the point where I don't get mad when someone makes a comment about my hat, but it DOES make me mad that people can't at least tell the difference between a cowboy hat and a fedora!!

Come to think of it, people's lack of attention to detail has always been a sore point for me.

The type of people who mistake a fedora for a cowboy hat are probably the same people responsible for this:

jts1031 · Post by **jts1031** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:18 pm

Snapbrim76 wrote:I went to buy a coffee in a Starbucks in a train station in London recently and the dumb girl behind the counter asked me why I was wearing a cowboy hat. I was torn between "it's not a cowboy hat!" and "mind your own business". Instead I just stood there with an offended expression on my face until she felt awkward and then walked off. But I wondered if there was something else I should have said or done.

You simply say, "I'm sorry you don't know." Smile, and turn to continue on your merry way.

Indy35 · Post by **Indy35** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:44 pm

Ive only gotten the cowboy hat thing once, from some guy who wasn't much older than 16, who sounded like he didn't know his own ### from a hole in the ground. I simply ignore them and keep walking.

I got a cute smile from the girl at the movie theater kiosk today, and i always get one from the little blond behind the counter. It might not be the hat, but its hard to tell because its always on my head

Wear that bad boy with pride, i do. And as previously stated some people will like it others won't. Its just like when we say we disaprove of some type of fashion, no different. We're all entitled to our opinion, but don't be rude. She didn't need to say anything. What's it momma always said...if you aint got nothin nice to say don't say nothin at all! Yeah i think thats it.

I should say this im not a smiler, im a smirker (like Ford) so sometimes i think people think im imitating, but im not, thats just me i smirk. That gets attention as well when the hat is on my head.

DoubleOhSeven · Post by **DoubleOhSeven** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 12:47 am

It's Starbucks...

nuff said.

Snapbrim76 · Post by **Snapbrim76** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 12:59 am

Thanks guys - a lot of you make a good point... I obviously DO care what people think. Well, yes - to an extent. But not enough to stop me wearing it. I think everyone deep down has a certain amount of feelings towards public opinion. My feelings are "but it's a fedora... Indy looked dead smart in the grey one (plane scene and end scene in Raiders) and not one bit like a cowboy." Why don't I look smart?

If I didn't care AT ALL I'd pick my nose in public - I'm not at that stage! But I do wanna look good in my hat.

P.S. Bullit I love the hat on your profile photo. Very Raiders. Details?

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 2:14 am

I think it's just human nature to care what others think, at least to some degree. I don't care what anyone says, humans are social creatures, and every last one of them are born with feelings that can be hurt, no matter how much that particular person thinks they have walled those emotions up and buried them away.

As for looking smart, that all depends. When I got called "Super Redneck," I felt like I kind of deserved it, wearing a wide brimmed hat with a Superman tee. That was not a "smart" look. Had I been wearing a button up shirt with a tie and some nice slacks, and maybe even sporting a pair of suspenders with some good looking shoes, and THEN my fed, then that would've looked "smart." Ford looked smart because that's how he was dressed any time he was wearing his gray fedora; hit the rewind button and see. You won't get cowboy remarks if you're dressed that way.

HOWEVER ...

Jeans, boots (like the Aldens, Rockports, and Red Wings we often love to wear), wide brimmed hat, and a t-shirt ... I hate to break this one to you, but you look like a cowboy. Not hard for the average citizen who is unaware of the subtle nuances that make a difference between a cowboy hat and a fedora to confuse you for something else. See what I mean?

You do look good in your hat, unless you're wearing it with a clown suit. If you think the hat looks good, then it looks good. You're not stupid, you know the difference between bad and good. Just because someone else doesn't know doesn't mean you don't look good. Just spend some time later coming up with some warm or polite comebacks. I've gotten into some fistfights (BIG surprise!

) because of rude comebacks that I've engineered over the several years I've been wearing hats. "Hey look, it's Indiana Jones!" "Oh boy, it's original comment guy! Oh, wait."

On top of that, snappy comebacks just let those people know that they've won. When people say something like that to me now, and I say "that's me," that's usually where the conversation ends. That's where I'd rather it end.

Post by **Jens** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 4:52 am

I use to answer "I only wear cowboyhats when riding - you see, I have no horse here right now, don't you. This is a Fedora."

Bullitt · Post by **Bullitt** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 6:37 am

Snapbrim76 wrote:P.S. Bullit I love the hat on your profile photo. Very Raiders. Details?

Thanks!

It has its own thread, if you're interested: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=39131

Richard

wembley · Post by **wembley** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 7:43 am

You wear something that stands out...expect comments. Some good some not.

Not the first time I read on here about people making comments...I too have been heckled just for a supes t shirt!
Where I live I wouldn't wear a fedora ...people here tend to be overly forthright with their comments to the point of being obnoxious. Only when they are backed up with 4-5 friends or going by in a car at speed! You often won't get chance to respond or are caught off guard. I can't be bothered with the attention when I am just going about my business and wouldn't want to embarrass anyone with me so I guess I wimp out.

Still, I admire the courage of those who wear it outdoors so wear your stuff by all means, but be prepared. Whilst you have only shown your personal taste in public, they have shown their ignorance, lack of manners and poor upbringing.

As for the lady in Starbucks, she may have been tryimg to strike up conversation. I'm sure that her training didn't include how to insult customers.

I think she may have been flirting, or engaging you in banter but I guess you should know by her tone, expression etc.

Now...where's my Stormtrooper helmet, I'm of fto the supermarket?

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:45 am

Yeah, this has come up a lot, but it's never a stale topic. You'll find a lot of varibles when it comes to either responding, or figuring out why they even said anything in the first place.

If your hat looks brand new and not really worn much, folks think your posing. That's why I always recommend wearing your hat, and wearing it often and in all weather until it becomes an old friend. You'll find when your hat finally takes on that 'old friend' look, they don't pay much more attention to it than a well worn pair of shoes. It's just a part of your outfit and nothing more.

I'm also not saying 'distress' the hat. That goes too far in the OTHER direction, and you'll draw the same attention you would (if not more so) than wearing the brand new, unworn looking hat.

As has already been said above, and as the Bard once wrote 'Me thinks he protests too much!' If you come back with a snappy response, they know they've hit a nerve. Unless you want the banter, all you have to do is shrug your shoulders, say something like 'why?' or 'because', and go back to your coffee and your paper. This way they see you really don't care, or it's no more a topic of conversation to you than bringing up the fact that the color of the wallpaper in the store is red or blue or what ever. It's a 'non-topic'.

Back in the day when I used to have folks occasionally pull the 'why are you dressed like Indiana Jones', the best remark I ever came up with was to look at them with a blank look, and say 'who?' It puts the load back on THEIR shoulders, as they are disarmed and aren't really sure where to go with it from there. It kind of reminds you of the reaction you get when someone tells you a joke, and you say 'I don't get it.' They get so addled in trying to explain the joke (especially when you still don't react to the punchline), they finally give up embarassed.

I know I'm rambling, but it's all in how much time YOU think you need to waste (yes, I said 'waste') on the situation. You're not going to 'educate' anyone anyway, and but taking it upon yourself to do so just adds fuel to the perceived fire.

Just say 'thanks', and move on. It takes two to create an argument or situation. If you don't play into their game, they're left looking foolish, not you.

Ok. 'Nuff rambling. Back to MY first morning cup of coffee. $\:D/$

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Jens** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:57 am

Words of wisdom!

AZ Pete · Post by **AZ Pete** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 11:38 am

Now...where's my Stormtrooper helmet, I'm of fto the supermarket?

Ha! That was great!!!

If you are going to wear Indy gear in public you are going to get comments (just like many have said already). You will also get non-Indy related comments like the cowboy hat thing. Because fedoras are not really that mainstream any longer, you will likely get more comments than if you just wore Aldens around town. If you are comfortable wearing the hat, wear the hat. If you are uncomfortable, even unconsciously, people will feed on this to some extent. Be confident and ignore comments. Don't fuel the fire that some might have. It is definitely not worth it. The best comeback is no comeback. Let it roll off of you like you don't care.

Wear the hat and BE CONFIDENT!

Pete

Canyon · Post by **Canyon** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 1:04 pm

Michaelson wrote:
Ok. 'Nuff rambling. Back to MY first morning cup of coffee. $\:D/$

Regards! Michaelson

And here you are, a happy cup for you, sir!

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 1:35 pm

Snapbrim76 wrote:surely there's quite a difference in image between a civilized, gentlemanly urban fedora and a country-orientated cowboy hat?!

Differences ... there is a difference between stupidity and ignorance. The young woman you encountered was simply ignorant. This condition is curable with education. You missed a grand opportunity to lift the veils of ignorance from her with a little, courteous, education.

It should also be noted that the fedora is nothing more than the cowboy hat evolved.
The cowboy or western hat got it origins from the popular hats of the 18th century and the wide brimmed Mexican sombrero. Prior to the American Civil War the US Army adopted a hat called the "Hardy" hat, after it's designer. The hat was a wide brimmed stove pipe hat with a flat top decorated with several pieces of brass insignia and a rakish black ostrich feather! During the War soldiers would remove the acutraments and give the hat a "bash." There were a verity of popular styles, the fore and aft bash as Indy wore, the so called Montana Peak, the tear drop, some even folded the crown into itself so the hat looked like a pork pie hat.
After the war former soldiers continued to sport their old "slouch hats" as they were called and thus was born the western hat. By the 1880's Fedoras were available that any of us would recognize at first glance.
If you'll check the photographic record you'll see that western hats in the post Civil War era bare no resemblance whatsoever to modern civilized, gentlemanly, urban "cowboy hats" sported today.
Location no doubt plays a large part as well. In London I can understand the confusion a fedora might spark, whereas had you been wearing a derby then perhaps not. I however live in the South West United States. Here cowboy hats and fedoras peak little interest among the throng of like hats. A derby on the other hand would doubtless cause a local to stop you and ask: "Ya ain't from 'round here, are ya?"

Mike

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 1:38 pm

Fedoras were also popular in England in the late 20's and 30's. Several news reels of the time show this - and Bertie in Jeeves and Wooster often sports one.

Indy35 · Post by **Indy35** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 1:49 pm

alphared6 wrote:
Snapbrim76 wrote:surely there's quite a difference in image between a civilized, gentlemanly urban fedora and a country-orientated cowboy hat?!
Differences ... there is a difference between stupidity and ignorance. The young woman you encountered was simply ignorant. This condition is curable with education. You missed a grand opportunity to lift the veils of ignorance from her with a little, courteous, education.

It should also be noted that the fedora is nothing more than the cowboy hat evolved.
The cowboy or western hat got it origins from the popular hats of the 18th century and the wide brimmed Mexican sombrero. Prior to the American Civil War the US Army adopted a hat called the "Hardy" hat, after it's designer. The hat was a wide brimmed stove pipe hat with a flat top decorated with several pieces of brass insignia and a rakish black ostrich feather! During the War soldiers would remove the acutraments and give the hat a "bash." There were a verity of popular styles, the fore and aft bash as Indy wore, the so called Montana Peak, the tear drop, some even folded the crown into itself so the hat looked like a pork pie hat.
After the war former soldiers continued to sport their old "slouch hats" as they were called and thus was born the western hat. By the 1880's Fedoras were available that any of us would recognize at first glance.
If you'll check the photographic record you'll see that western hats in the post Civil War era bare no resemblance whatsoever to modern civilized, gentlemanly, urban "cowboy hats" sported today.
Location no doubt plays a large part as well. In London I can understand the confusion a fedora might spark, whereas had you been wearing a derby then perhaps not. I however live in the South West United States. Here cowboy hats and fedoras peak little interest among the throng of like hats. A derby on the other hand would doubtless cause a local to stop you and ask: "Ya ain't from 'round here, are ya?"

Mike

Interesting, thank you.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 1:52 pm

nicktheguy wrote:Fedoras were also popular in England in the late 20's and 30's. Several news reels of the time show this - and Bertie in Jeeves and Wooster often sports one.

Fedoras were one of several popular hats throughout most of the 20th century. The fedora as we understand it was the hat of choice in every western nation (and some others) from the 1880's to the 1960's. A period of time when few men would be seen outside the home in anything less than a suit and a hat.
Change is not always a good thing.

wembley · Post by **wembley** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 3:54 pm

Michaelson wrote: You're not going to 'educate' anyone anyway, and but taking it upon yourself to do so just adds fuel to the perceived fire.

Just say 'thanks', and move on. It takes two to create an argument or situation. If you don't play into their game, they're left looking foolish, not you.

Regards! Michaelson

I totally agree,but some ignorant people don't make their comments in innocence or light banter, some will make them out of hostility or bravado in front of their pals.

The latter are harder to just walk away from but that is probably the best thing to do.

S'funny though, London has such diverse fashion and hats are kind of back in over here, more trilby than fedora, (lot of Depp and Justin Timberfakes over here) but still.... I'd expect more comments in my little fishing town than in the big smokes.

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 4:46 pm

I get the cowboy comment all the time. Athough the comments do not realy bother me, it saddens me that the only place where people still know what it is is the old folks home

I mean, It has only been 40 years since people stopped wearing them around here (wide brimmed fedoras that is) but it seems that they have already slipped from the collective memory.

Hats are making a comeback over here though, but just like everywhere else it's mostly trilby's/stingy brimmed fedoras. Just the other week a colleague walked in wearing one and i said nice stingy to him. His somewhat irritated reply was that it wasn't a stingy, but a fedora

Had a fun time explaining things to him, and he even was enthousiastic about what I hat to tell him.

Regards, Geert

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:09 pm

I've had the cowboy remark, mainly from the little ones, most people just look and go on, I've had a few women smile and some crack up, but if it makes you happy just wear it.I love my hat , I just won't wear it with shorts and sandels, I feel that I'm not dressed right to wear it. Jeans, button down or collared shirt and boots I'll wear it all day.

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:14 pm

Veni vidi vollo in domum redire

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:50 pm

wembley wrote:
Michaelson wrote: You're not going to 'educate' anyone anyway, and but taking it upon yourself to do so just adds fuel to the perceived fire.

Just say 'thanks', and move on. It takes two to create an argument or situation. If you don't play into their game, they're left looking foolish, not you.

Regards! Michaelson
I totally agree,but some ignorant people don't make their comments in innocence or light banter, some will make them out of hostility or bravado in front of their pals.

The latter are harder to just walk away from but that is probably the best thing to do.

I disagree. To ignore ignorance, particularly that directed at you, is to perpetuate ignorance. Of course one must gage the ignorant person one is engaged with and determine if they have crossed the line from simple ignorance into stupidity. Never argue with a stupid person, an outside observer can't tell which of you is which.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:56 pm

nicktheguy wrote:Veni vidi vollo in domum redire

hahaha, you have that t-shirt too? As a classics major, I love it. -M

wembley · Post by **wembley** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:21 pm

alphared6 wrote:
I disagree. To ignore ignorance, particularly that directed at you, is to perpetuate ignorance. Of course one must gage the ignorant person one is engaged with and determine if they have crossed the line from simple ignorance into stupidity.

Someone innocently ignorant or naive can be helped by responding and "educating" them . Those whose ignorance crosses into harrassment or stupidity as you put it, are perhaps best ignored...as like I said, they are generally pack animals fuelled by bravado and even Indy knows when to walk a away from a fight.

quote="alphared6"]

Never argue with a stupid person, an outside observer can't tell which of you is which.[/quote]

Sometimes stupid people want an arguement whether you do or not.

Where I am from, this is what can happen when you simply stand out from the stupid people.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lanc ... 291985.stm

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:41 pm

Shocking! What a mean world we are devolving into.

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 7:24 am

Of course, you have to gauge each situation, but in my opinion, when a person seemingly delights in drawing attention to your uncommon choice of clothing, they're just looking to appear witty at your expense. So your attempts to politely educate them will likely pass through one ear and out the other, as well as provide further confirmation to them that you are indeed "odd" and a good butt for their jokes. You're not likely going to want this person in your life for longer than necessary, so I'd save my breath for someone more worthy.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 9:07 am

I'm always reminded of what my mom would say while we are on vacation, "What do i care, I'm never going to see these people again." If the person/comment in question is a fleeting person in your life, "move along, move along." If, for example in the case of the Starbucks Girl, you are going to see the person on a regular basis than a bit of education could be useful.

I love Michaelson's response of "Who?" to Indy references.

I mostly had to deal with my boys (ages 7 and 5) refering to my fedoras as cowboy hats.

Now, when they see a fedora their first question is, "Is that person an archeologist?" $\:D/$

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Post by **Michaelson** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 9:44 am

As you grow older, you must choose your battles more wisely. Is this a battle worth even engaging in? Speaking for myself, I have many more important things filling my life than being concerned about someone calling my hat a cowboy hat, let alone wasting time educating the masses about same. It's also a situation where the fedora isn't as 'odd' a thing to see on a fairly regular basis that is was, say 10 years ago.

You'll also start noticing that as you grow older, folks don't pay a whole lot of attention to you anyway, regardless of what you're wearing.

Regards! Michaelson

Snapbrim76 · Post by **Snapbrim76** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 10:21 am

It's amazing and very helpful reading your opinions. It does go a long way to know what you COW members think.

I live in London which has one of the most diverse communities in the world and seeing someone looking "individual" is a very regular thing. I just find it weird that out of all the other unique types in this multicultural society someone wearing an Indy hat would look unusual.

I was once in a cigar shop in St James Street (for those who don't know that's the street where (SAB) Herbert Johnson are located!!!) and the 60-something year old behind the counter asked me where my horse was! I couldn't believe someone of his maturity could be so ignorant. Looking out of the window of this shop, you can see SAB - there's even a photo of Indy in the window! The girl in Starbucks is one thing, but this man must surely see men in fedoras and trilbys almost every day. This street is in the very heart of what was once the aristocratic shopping district. Surely this man should know better. I began to think "Is it just me? Do I not wear it well? Are my proportions wrong for this type of hat?" But now I'm starting to think the world is filled with idiots and COW is my escape from them. THANKS GUYS - you're the best!

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:22 am

Michaelson wrote:
You'll also start noticing that as you grow older, folks don't pay a whole lot of attention to you anyway, regardless of what you're wearing.

Regards! Michaelson

One of the benefits of age that I'm seeing.

I think you'll find that it's younger people that mainly make these comments (whether of mind, body, or both). They are usually insecure about themselves and try to prop themselves up by saying something to you (if it's malicious in nature). Cliche but true: if you throw the spotlight on someone else, then it's not on you. Dealing with kids all day has helped me quite a bit in this regard. All of my students know I'm an Indy fan. I'll wear a fedora and they'll make some crack and I just go along with it. It's gotten to the point now that they don't even say that much.

It's difficult to do sometimes but just wear the thing. I felt very, very self-conscious at first (still do sometimes) but the more you wear it, the more it will become a part of you. When you stop paying attention to it, it seems that other people seem to stop paying so much attention as well.

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:41 am

crismans wrote:
Michaelson wrote:
You'll also start noticing that as you grow older, folks don't pay a whole lot of attention to you anyway, regardless of what you're wearing.

Regards! Michaelson
One of the benefits of age that I'm seeing.

I think you'll find that it's younger people that mainly make these comments (whether of mind, body, or both). They are usually insecure about themselves and try to prop themselves up by saying something to you (if it's malicious in nature). Cliche but true: if you throw the spotlight on someone else, then it's not on you. Dealing with kids all day has helped me quite a bit in this regard. All of my students know I'm an Indy fan. I'll wear a fedora and they'll make some crack and I just go along with it. It's gotten to the point now that they don't even say that much.

It's difficult to do sometimes but just wear the thing. I felt very, very self-conscious at first (still do sometimes) but the more you wear it, the more it will become a part of you. When you stop paying attention to it, it seems that other people seem to stop paying so much attention as well.

crismans, I'd give -5 points off their grade to each student for each wisecrack. That'll teach them

Indy35 · Post by **Indy35** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 2:01 pm

wembley wrote:
alphared6 wrote:
I disagree. To ignore ignorance, particularly that directed at you, is to perpetuate ignorance. Of course one must gage the ignorant person one is engaged with and determine if they have crossed the line from simple ignorance into stupidity.
Someone innocently ignorant or naive can be helped by responding and "educating" them . Those whose ignorance crosses into harrassment or stupidity as you put it, are perhaps best ignored...as like I said, they are generally pack animals fuelled by bravado and even Indy knows when to walk a away from a fight.

quote="alphared6"]

Never argue with a stupid person, an outside observer can't tell which of you is which.

Sometimes stupid people want an arguement whether you do or not.

Where I am from, this is what can happen when you simply stand out from the stupid people.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lanc ... 291985.stm[/quote]

This is very sad. Its as bad as hearing some kid getting killed because he or she was gay, or because of their ethnicity. Silly hate crimes, it starts with the parents teaching intolerance. Look at the most recent shooting here in DC with the 88 year old man shooting a guard at the Holocaust Museum. The guard was shot after opening the door for an old man he saw needed help, seconds later he was shot twice.

Just sad.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 4:49 pm

Yes, it is very sad, but let me nip this in the bud by asking that we not go down the path of a political or "state of the world" dialog since this board is not designed for such discourse. Let's try to keep this hat related, as per the topic. Thanks.

HDRnR · Post by **HDRnR** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 5:01 pm

Well it was London, now if it was Houston...

Snapbrim76 · Post by **Snapbrim76** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 6:35 pm

What was London? Are we still talking about my story? If you mean the hate crime that was 200 miles from London.

If you mean people in London not recognizing a fedora, there are a few old people still wear fedoras in London. If you look at photos from WWII almost everyone wore fedoras. Surely people don't look at these pictures and wonder why everyone was wearing cowboy hats.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 6:58 pm

Sometimes it is difficult to discern the true meaning and intentions when the recipient of the message does not know the person, regardless of who it is. She said, "Why are you wearing a cowboy hat?" There are few ways to interpret it....
'Why are you wearing a cowboy hat?'....It looks interesting, can you tell me more?'

Sometimes we do not always come up with the BEST opening line. In that regard, if she was curious about the hat and about you, then you have a lead in to educate and be friends......or.....'Why are you wearing a cowboy hat?'...It's out of place here. Don't you know this the modern era, and this is London, not....TX! That interpretation could add fuel to the potential fire, and does not deserve a response.

In retrospect, I would have been tempted to follow: "Why are you wearing a cowboy hat?" with.....'What do you mean by that?' ....or.... 'Why are you asking?' This reply puts the ball back in her court and makes her clarify the tone of the message, as to its original intention. Is she being serious or sarcastic? However, when you serve people all day, you learn to develop some people skills unless you are brand new at it, and/or it is not your forte....on the other hand, when you step back from a situation and analyze it, then we can almost always think of the response we could have and maybe think we should have said. Sometimes a demeaning comment is a challenge to rise above it, and win over a potential adversary.

...or you could have said: "go to www.indygear.com/cow and use the search function, which is trademark of our very own 'Binkster'

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 10:10 pm

Hey, I expect royalties if you use my name.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 10:51 pm

I am sure I still get some remarks, but these days, they are out of ear shot. If I am gettng any at all. You know what? I am not in the least bothered by them. I am one of those men who could give a hoot about what folks think about my dress, and that includes hats. I dress and wear, what I personally like. Life is just too short to be giving any attention to the rather odd people who find our manner of dress-different. I see myself as dressing the way my grand dad and dad did, and since I adored those two men, and liked that era of dress, I figure I am adding some class back into the mix. Most of the in vogue fashions look rather stupid to me. And I would not be caught dead in most of them. I know I have more class than them. If they can't recognize that, they I think they must really question their own fashion percerption. As well as their own very narrow belief system. It's their personal problem not mine, and I don't have the time or patience to bring them up to speed. So, let them wallow in their ignorance.

Honestly, once you get a certain age, most folks just don't care what others think anymore. There are grander things to be considered. Age gives a man perspective. Fedora

WConly · Post by **WConly** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 5:57 am

Fedora: You are so on target! Well stated! I totaly agree! W>