Self Defense for the Fedora wearer

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 12:33 pm

Great story Ren. If wearing a fedora and jacket gives us the opportunity to interact with individuals of that generation, what better reason is there to wear them. Your story is a great reminder to me that is so much to learn from them and just a short time to do it. It's a sobering thought that once they are all gone (and that time is approaching fast), we are the ones who going to have pick up where they left off - to hold to and teach the values that they so keanly understood. I consider myself more than blessed to have been raised by parents who were part of the Greatest Generation. Thanks again for the reminder. Best Regards.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 12:53 pm

I'm trying to think back to the time when folks DID seem to notice my hat. Now a days, on the VERY rare occasion I wander out without one, I get more 'where's your hat?' questions from folks I don't even know than the opposite. Either it's become a trademark for me around here, or they're just wanting me to keep my face covered. (no remarks from YOU, Jess!)

) Regards. Michaelson

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 1:08 pm

Trying ... hard ... to ... fight the ... impulse ... not to ... comment. Can't hold .. it in ... much ... longer (like I was really trying).

Michaleson, I have a pretty good idea which one it is. Unfortuately, it's the same reason they tell me to keep wearing mine. Don't take to too personally, unless they start trying to get you to wear a paper bag before putting on your hat.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 1:30 pm

Actually, it was a plastic bag, but somehow that didn't seem quite right...

Regards. Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 2:05 pm

You could always wear the Mk VII bag. At least you'd still be consistent with the wardrobe.

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 3:27 pm

Renderking Fisk wrote:. It takes a little courage and some stones to be different, something I doubt a lot of these jackals have.

Wow, Ren, you sound like my father! And I don't mean that in a bad way. My father has very similar convictions to your own, and fortunately, he passed them down to me.

Since I got my hat, I've tried to wear it everyday, and yeah, I do get stares and it makes me want to take it off. I haven't gotten up the courage to wear it to work, because I'm still the new guy and I already have Indy action figures on my desk and Indy wallpaper on the computer, I'm not sure I want to come in looking like Indy too. Though I have gotten great compliments on my MK VII bag. I guess I'm afraid of being that guy who comes to work everday dressed like a Stormtrooper, or a member of Starfleet. I DO NOT WANT TO BE THAT GUY!

But Fist, you have as much a right to express your style choice, as the Eminem sycophants or "Queer Eye" metrosexuals. It's tough, but remember, YOU"RE NOT ALONE. Look at how many COW members there are. We've got your back.

Rob

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 3:28 pm

Renderking Fisk wrote:Jess, you made an awesome point...

Yesterday an older gentleman just came up to me and started talking about his life. He was a World War II vetran, One of 12 children and he was one of five brothers who went into the war together and they all came back.
This gentelman served on a Sub during the war, and he could tell you the name and home addresses of all of his ship mates. He also has an opinion on the state of the world today and where we’re going.

Why am I telling you all this, because he told me this because of what I was wearing. Although he wasn’t wearing a fedora himself or leather jacket, I guess he though I would “connect”.

If getting “attacked” is the price I have to pay once in a while for having chance encounters and conversations with people of “The Greatest Generation”, fine. I’m willing to put up with it.

I am with you there Ren. The men I grew up around apart from my dad were my grandfather and my great grandfather, both WWII vets, Fedora wearing, door-holding, gentlemen. I was raised to be a gentleman, in part, because of them.

If emulation of the best of our past with an eye toward improving the future was a constant practice, this would be a very different world.

I consider this my way of lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness. :!:

Regards,
JJ.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 3:51 pm

Well, at least your family trusts you with a match, Jersey! (grins) High regards. Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 4:04 pm

Well, at least your family trusts you with a match, Jersey! (grins) High regards. Michaelson

BOOOOOOM!!!!!!

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 5:36 pm

If emulation of the best of our past with an eye toward improving the future was a constant practice, this would be a very different world.

I consider this my way of lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

These are great words... this should be your signature.

Doc Ephraim · Post by **Doc Ephraim** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 8:17 pm

JerseyJones wrote:
If emulation of the best of our past with an eye toward improving the future was a constant practice, this would be a very different world.

I consider this my way of lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness. :!:

Regards,
JJ.

I agree with Ren... Great thought.

IndianaFist · Post by **IndianaFist** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:44 am

Thank you all for your replys. I was amazed at how many responses this post got. I was just wondering if other were catching it for wearing there fedora's. I not afraid to wear mine or confront people about it. I was just amazed at the level of Crapola that was comming my way. I will still wear my lid when I think my outfit merrits it. But it will not be a daily thing for me. And to let you know before anyone asks, I was wearing Indy style dress shirts and pleated dress pants and shoes when I was wearing the hats. So its not like I was slumming it with a lid on my head. Maybe when I do puchase a Wested It will become an everyday thing. I do enjoy wearing a hat. I used to wear a baseball hat everyday untill my job banned baseball hats in the office.

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 12:14 pm

Renderking Fisk wrote:
If emulation of the best of our past with an eye toward improving the future was a constant practice, this would be a very different world.

I consider this my way of lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness.
These are great words... this should be your signature.

See below....it is my signature now.

Thanks for the idea, Ren.

If anyone feels so inclined, feel free to use it. And if you feel so kind as to give me a little "JJ" after it that would be great too. Either way, I am happy to share the message.

Peace
Ken / JJ

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 12:17 pm

I'd love to use that quote somewhere, JJ, and thank you for allowing us to use it elsewhere. If I do find cause to quote you, rest assured I will give credit where credit is due.

bink

Canyon · Post by **Canyon** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 1:22 pm

I think that it's a real shame that there are some people out there who single others out because of what they are wearing.

At the end of the day, if you like something you should wear it and try not care too much what others think.

I once remember being out to lunch and across the road I saw a very smartly dressed gentleman. He was wearing a suit, tie and dark overcoat and also wore what looked to be a dark grey/black fedora. Unfortunately he was going into a building so I didn't get the chance to tell him that he looked smart, and now I wish I got to speak to him before he disappeared.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that fashion is necessarily a bad thing. It just gets me when people wear things that are 'in' just because a group of people in the fashion industry have decided what other people should be wearing 'this season'.

The thing about fashion is that it comes and goes and at the end of the day, it just gets recycyled. At the moment, the 80's have seemed to come back with a vengance. Some of the stuff I like, some of it I think "no thanks. Already did that."

Fist, try not to let these peole get to you. If you walk down the road looking self-conscious, people will pick up on this. Instead, if you walk down that road acting as if the fedora is a part of you, then that will give you more confidence which will in turn be picked up by others and will probably lead to a great deal of compliments.

If you do get any funny comments or snide remarks, just give em' one of these looks!

The IndyStare TM

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 1:28 pm

Canyon wrote:If you do get any funny comments or snide remarks, just give em' one of these looks!

The IndyStare TM

Amen to that, sister! That is a great iconic moment from the films, and a look that every man should have in his arsenal.

Love that scene!

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 6:11 pm

Thing you always have to remember that these jackals do what they do to mask their own insecurities.

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 7:18 pm

Don't know why, but the first thing that I thought of when I saw that pic is "You got your chocolate in my peanutbutter!"

Well said Ren, in those moments, if I can remember that everyone has (or to personalize it, I have) fears / insecurities too, I tend to have a bit more compassion/understanding for them. Not that I excuse them for what they are doing, but I understand where it's coming from. On a side note, if the Indy Stare doesn't work, give them the look of my avatar.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:12 pm

I was wearing one of my dark brown fedoras with my new Wested today and got a big complement on my lid from a nice lady. See, nice people notice, too!

T.E. Lawrence · Post by **T.E. Lawrence** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 3:58 am

I spent my entire life getting laughed at because I was fat. Since that is no longer the case, Thank God! I don't mind taking a little ribbing looking darn good in my gear. Tonight I went out with people who accept me for who I am, (the only people that really matter) and I happened to wear my full gear minus the bag and hardware - many people snickered pointed and even hummed the Indy March as I passed - and they there were the warm and friendly smiles of congruent souls who just nodded with approval and admiration. Indy touched something in all of us that brings us to this harmless hobby - I find no shame in wearing clothes that reflect my interests. I agree with Renderkings eloquent rants.
The only reason I didn't wear the whip and gun is because I prefer to not go to jail - oh and I had no need for them at Starbucks.

Farnham54 · Post by **Farnham54** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 4:06 am

Grand idea Jess. If the looks themselves don't scare away the riff-raff, the contrast between them is sure to make folks think you are bonkers and in need of your space

Regards

Farn

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 6:26 am

That shot is so cool! In fact, it is so cool one has to make a wallpaper out of it.
Thumb:

Regards,
Swindy

Canyon · Post by **Canyon** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:22 am

Swindiana, I laughed out loud when I read that. It's fantastic!

I'm really pleased that you've made a wallpaper out of one of my screenshots.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:25 pm

Canyon wrote:Swindiana, I laughed out loud when I read that. It's fantastic!

Thanks Canyon!

I'm using it right now on my PC, only with 'And the Temple of Doom' text instead, and in higher rez.

Regards,
Swindiana

gobo · Post by **gobo** » Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:46 pm

The opinion of someone too narrowminded to accept your individualism is not worthy your aknowledgment. The people who comment or snicker at my hat are invariably utter dorks with bad manners and no dress sense whatsoever. It's a strange fact of life that people who wear sportswear every day tend to be in the worst pysical shape

T.E. Lawrence · Post by **T.E. Lawrence** » Sun Apr 04, 2004 3:01 pm

While it is true that I have weedlike opinions of those that find it nessasary to ridicule others so they can look 'cool' to their friends or perhaps divert attention from their percieved shortcummings I am learning that I need to tend to the weeds in my own yard. If I stand in judgment of those who judge me and display utter contempt prio to investigation then do I not become the weed myself and risk choking out the garden that I live in -- alright - alright a little too many KunFu re-runs - but this is where I'm at in my journey.

gobo · Post by **gobo** » Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:09 pm

Good point and very poetic, Lawrence. I was being a bit sarcastic to make myself clear. I used to wear a hat and take a lot of @#$% for it from jocks in high school. I stopped wearing it for ten years. But now i'm 29, I have a master's in film studies, a semi-successful career as a comedian, and a gorgeous girlfriend. I'm twice as cool as they (ie the jocks) ever were, and I've earned the right to wear my fedora. It's my crown of cool, as it were. Or something.

T.E. Lawrence · Post by **T.E. Lawrence** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 2:49 am

Right on Gobo - wear you crown with grace and pride - it sounds like you have been given a measure of success and that is a great gift. Cherish it and be grateful.
ps.
What are you doing with your masters in film studies?

gobo · Post by **gobo** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:11 am

Not too much at the moment, doing some census work for the university. My thesis was on digital cinema, which hasn't quite kicked in yet. Time wil tell...

Doc Ephraim · Post by **Doc Ephraim** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:40 am

You really want some stares? Don't shave or trim your beard for at least 6 months. At least then you'll get more than Indy comments. I'm saving for a Keppler so I'm sure that the "mountain man" beard and fedora will really throw 'em for a loop!

Canyon · Post by **Canyon** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 1:52 pm

gobo wrote:The opinion of someone too narrowminded to accept your individualism is not worthy your aknowledgment. The people who comment or snicker at my hat are invariably utter dorks with bad manners and no dress sense whatsoever. It's a strange fact of life that people who wear sportswear every day tend to be in the worst pysical shape

Gobo, allow me to say that I think your comment is excellent and you are absolutely right. If people are going to be so narrow minded, they do not deserve acknowledging.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:08 pm

Just because the calender says it's 2004 doesn't mean you can't wear a fedora everyday.

DanielJones · Post by **DanielJones** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 4:11 pm

I'd just wear the hat! Most folks are neurotic little me monkeys and need to make fun of someone else to make themselves feel better about them selves. These de-evolving talking monkeys aren't long out of the tree anyway, and I think about two more generations of their kind breeding will put them back there anyway. You could try to explain it to them, but I think their monosyllabic minds would explode.
Besides, the next time one of the slovenly masses makes fun of how you're dresses you ask them where their cardboard sign is. When they ask "What sign?" you reply "The one that reads, 'Homeless & uneducated, can you spare some change? God Bless." It tends to drain the funny out of their group because it confuses them long enough for you to make your way down the sidewalk with a merry little grin of satisfaction. It really works in a college town that has a high population of panhandlers that everyone avoids like the plague.

Cheers!

Dan

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 4:22 pm

In terms of comments wearing a hat - sad that some people feel that laughing at what someone is wearing is appropriate. People are entitled to their views but so are we. Actually the way of looking at this is, if people are looking and laughing at the hat then they are probably not looking at your face so they probably never recognize you if you see them again.

Ultimately though should we adjust what we like because of what others think? Seriously. You think wearing a hat is funny? what about wearing pants so low underwear is hanging out. Or pants so baggy 2 people could fit in each leg. But hey, i dont see people laughing at those folks, who yes, even though it is not my thing, have the right to wear whatever they wish. In high school I felt what others thought mattered. Now, who cares. Where are the cool kids from high school anyway? Oh, and if someone is going to point and laugh at you, this is not the type of person who you probably want as a friend anyway.
best
Canada

DanielJones · Post by **DanielJones** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 4:34 pm

Canada Jones wrote:In high school I felt what others thought mattered. Now, who cares. Where are the cool kids from high school anyway?

Canada

Very well said CJ! At my 20th class reunion I noticed that most of the so called "cool kids" were either alcoholics and totally let themselves go, or they hopped off of the cool train into Dudsville and haven't pulled themselves out since. These were the same folks who would laugh at another for being or at least dressing different. Now the ones who were different are successful & it shows.

Cheers!

Dan

YARVTON · Post by **YARVTON** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:10 pm

And where are the cool kids...? If I said they became Junkies and Hookers, I wouldn't be far off-the-mark. And if I added "now-dead", I'd be even closer to the truth. But some of the "Mean Girls" do OK, depending on your point of view -- they're now teachers.

Indiana MarkVII · Post by **Indiana MarkVII** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:36 pm

Gobo wrote in 2004:

The opinion of someone too narrow-minded to accept your individualism is not worthy [of] your acknowledgment. The people who comment or snicker at my hat are invariably utter dorks with bad manners and no dress sense whatsoever.

This is still true today.

Indy35 · Post by **Indy35** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 3:04 pm

This seems to be a hot topic on this board, and for good reason. I concur with everyone, wear the lid. I wear mine with my suits, and it does get rid on most of the comments, i think, but i wear it all weekend wit hmy jeans and boots and never get comments. People might stare, but some people were never taught to never stare.

I have gotten negative comments, and the best thing to do is completely ignore the person,dont turn around, dont look at them, nothing, they want a reaction from you. If you get ticked off and quit wearing the lid, they win. People that make fun of others for any reason, generally have serious issues themselves, and they can't face them, so they push their frustration on to others. These people generally have poor relationships and poor overall quality of life.

In a funny twist last week after posting about getting good comments, i got another one getting of the metro here in DC, a guy about 25-28 or so actually chased me down to compliment my lid and asked me what it was and where he could get one. I was wearing my grey fed IV with a Traveling CS bash in it, arguably my favorite lid.

So there are people that like them, this board and others like it prove it.

DoubleOhSeven · Post by **DoubleOhSeven** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:11 pm

I've a habit of wearing a hat when working outside. Lots of people wear ballcaps, but I don't like them so much. My dad wore a hat, and his dad wore a hat, and ballcaps were for playing baseball in.

You'll find me mowing grass in a DP straw, because it was cheap and keeps the sun out of my eyes.

I've been known to put on my Akubra when it rains, especially if I'm leaving the house. Keeps my head from getting wet, and like Mom said, you don't want a wet head in the winter time. I don't wear it out much in the Summer. South Georgia is just too hot for a hat. Winter is different, though.

It was one occasion when I was wearing my Akubra at a local convenience store when a younger fellow walked in wearing a DP. He stopped when he saw my hat, and wanted to know everything about it, where to get one, that kind of thing. Our conversation was overheard by an older fellow who was making himself a coffee. He turned to me and said something I will never forget:

"You used to be able to measure a man's character by the hat he wore."

I think that is more accurate now than ever.

In the proliferation of disrespect, arrogance, and self-absorbtion that is often denoted by the improper, turned-around-backwards wearing of a common baseball cap, a gentleman in a nice fedora is welcome change.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:19 pm

Indy35 wrote:This seems to be a hot topic on this board, and for good reason.....

Not really. As you can see, it hasn't come up since 2004.

Regards! Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:41 pm

Even lava cools off eventually.

Hey, Indy35, where in DC are you? I take the red line in every day to work and sooner or later I get compliments on whatever hat I'm wearing at the time. I usually like to compliment folks when I see them in nice hats, too.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:42 pm

Actually, I get more comments when I'm NOT wearing my hat, folks are so used to seeing me with one.

Regards! Michaelson

rbinko2001 · Post by **rbinko2001** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 4:09 pm

Who really cares what other people think anyways? If you like the hat, wear it. Don't let any other fools dictate your life.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 4:10 pm

Funny story to that, Michaelson. When you ride public transportation to work every day, you begin to see certain people repeatedly, and over time to develop a "commuter friendship" of sorts. For whatever reason, I left without a hat one morning (or opted for a newsboy cap instead) and after standing right next to someone I knew for at least five minutes, I said, "You realize who's been standing right beside you, don't you?" She did a double take, laughed, and responded, "I didn't recognize you without a fedora!"

Indy35 · Post by **Indy35** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:59 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Even lava cools off eventually.

Hey, Indy35, where in DC are you? I take the red line in every day to work and sooner or later I get compliments on whatever hat I'm wearing at the time. I usually like to compliment folks when I see them in nice hats, too.

Im in VA, Franconia to be a little more precise. So my line is the blue. My stop is Metro Center, i work just a block or so from there. Im an early morning guy though. I come through there probably at 6:30am or so. If you're in that neighborhood, im usually out and about at 1 eating lunch at the food pavillion down between 13 and 14th just off Fst. Im easy to spot, LOL. Im usually wearing my lid, hardly a day im not.
And i haven't seen too many fedoras, yet, its summer, and i can understand some people not wearing them because of the heat. I went sans hat today because it was close to 97 or so. But when it gets back down to the 80s itll be back on. I do compliment people wearing nice hats or tip my hat to them (hat wears get that). Im actually surprised at how many women in this area wear hats.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:00 pm

rbinko2001 wrote:Who really cares what other people think anyways? If you like the hat, wear it. Don't let any other fools dictate your life.

I lost about 10 pounds of fat and gained 5 pounds of muscle since I've given up on gas powered lawn and garden tools and I look and feel awesome.

Get in shape and you'll go from "Dork" to "Stud" in a few weeks flat. You'll care when all the comments are great.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:18 pm

Indy35 wrote: Im in VA, Franconia to be a little more precise. So my line is the blue. My stop is Metro Center, i work just a block or so from there. Im an early morning guy though. I come through there probably at 6:30am or so. If you're in that neighborhood, im usually out and about at 1 eating lunch at the food pavillion down between 13 and 14th just off Fst. Im easy to spot, LOL. Im usually wearing my lid, hardly a day im not.

I live about Glenmont station, but I work at Metro Center, too! I'm in the AAAS building (the big science building) a block or two away. I often take lunch around 1 o'clock, too, though I usually pack. I'd be up for a lunch meeting sometime, though! And I always hat a lid on my noggin, too.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:19 pm

Here in NE Oregon, the acceptable fashion range is wide open. We have a number of colleges, the economy is ag based, and we have people moving in from darn near everywhere. A guy in a Stetson cowboy hat, wranglers and Justin boots (this sometimes describes me) is just as at home in this community as the guy with the sun-visor on upside-down and backwards with his baggy pants nearly around the ankles. The day I take seriously a comment from one of the latter group I'll seriously need to evaluate my sensitivites and priorities.

I guess I take for granted how good I've got it here. I see guys wearing fashion bomber jackets and cheap crushable wool fedoras all the time, so my custom made gear is a few notches up on that scale and a source of pride to me. Interstingly, I've only heard "Indy" comments on two different occasions; Once from a checker at a store who thought I looked like Indiana Jones in my fedora and jacket, and last spring at a local event while wearing my jacket and a wide brimmed silverbelly Stetson with a braided leather band. I have been called a cowboy while wearing my fedora. Go figure. I've actually owned horses so I figure they can smell it on me regardless of the headgear.

I've dressed like this since I was 18, it's unlikely that I will change anytime soon. If others want to make a comment they seem to keep it in check, probably because they know I could fold them in half if I wanted to and am probably crazy enough to do it. I think the rest are just envious.

Weston

Vegeta · Post by **Vegeta** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:38 pm

I didnt bother to read all of these posts......But alot of it has to do with how you present yourself.....I wear my Fed every day. I feel like a different person wearing it...I feel very proud....and so should you. I have never had a negative comment that anyone had the guts to say to my face...I do get many positive comments though. If I do get a negative comment...my first reaction would be to smile and say "My hat costs more than your entire outfit and you're making fun of me??". That would be my first reaction...I dont really think about it because I dont have to worry. I've gotten into all out fist fights for far less so the hat thing really doesn't bother me. I guess all you can really do is confront the person or ignore them....If it gets past words then so be it. I'm almost always up for a good brawl.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:55 pm

I am six foot five and look considerably like a line backer. And with or without the fedora, I get made fun of. Bottom line, people stink, especially in New England. And tho the scenery has changed since the thirties, ill bet in 1937 there were just as many buttplugs walking around saying terrible things to people.
My solution, play alot of grand theft auto where you can run em down with a car without jail time.

Self Defense for the Fedora wearer

People

lest we be judged

GoGo Gobo

Re: offending avatar

Re: offending avatar

High School "Cool"