Club Obi Wan

I was wondering how much garbage you guys get from people when you guys wear your hats? Im catching alot. To the point that if it keeps up, I dont see me wearing my hats out to much. I can handle myself just fine, but what are you going to do when complete strangers turn around and see you and bust out laughing, or point and say something to there friend who then they both start laughing. And Im getting alot of Grampa cracks. Im even getting cracks from people 10 plus years my senior!!!!! What do you guys do?
P.S. Yes, I live in Connecticut and lets be honest a good amount of New Englanders (about 85%) are rude weiners. I went to Florida on vacation and complete strangers were so nice to me and my friend Dave we always thought they were trying to sell us something and were working us over. NOPE just friendly people. Living in CT my whole life I've only read about friendlt people in books. I visit my brother in NY and he tells me not to directly look at people walking down the street?

Wow. I think you must live in a very tough area, my friend. Here in Boston, I get the occasional look and the occasional "What are you, a cowboy?" obnoxious question, but no one has ever laughed at me.

I wear mine quite a bit. I have even worn it with my Wested, pants and safari shirt without comment. Though, most of the time, I wear my fedora with my suits for work. This may mitigate some of the criticism.

Still, I would have to say, that if you want to wear it, wear it. Eventually people will catch on and begin to respect you. You know, we all know, that those people who make comments are acting out of some sort of insecurity. Why cowtow to them?

If all else fails and you still want to wear your hat, adopt an atitude about it and dare someone to make fun of you.

I wear my hat nearly everytime when I leave home. I didn't got a lot of rude comments till now, but I understand the situation you describe. The only thing me happened was a guy who started singing the "Rader's March", but I took it as a compliment. I love my hat and if some people have a problem with me wearing a hat, so this is their problem, not my!
Live is to short to worry about those fools"

I've been wearing fedoras off and on since I was three years old and I honestly can't recall one single time while wearing a hat in public that someone had something negative to say, or snickered behind my back or anything like that. Now granted, I do not often wear my Wested with my fedora, unless I'm hiking, camping or traveling. I usually wear my Akubra during the week with suits and ties and such while going to work. So it doesn't look all that out of place and I don't have people making the whole "Indy" connection. Of course, I have had people think my Akubra, with it's tall crown and wide briw, was a cowboy hat . And I also used to get the occassional "Hey, it's Bogart" comment while wearing my Fedora and an overcoat & having a cigarette on the steps of my office building. (I didn't have the heart to tell the folks who said it that Bogie was famous for wearing a TRENCHcoat and a different style of hat...) But even these comments weren't meant as insults or a way to poke fun, all were good-spirited. So when it comes to people like you describe, being real mean and negative, I'd say forget them. If they snicker or laugh or say anything you don't like, confront them. Ask them what their problem is. (I don't mean to promote or condone any sort of violent action here, I merely mean to verbally confront them, then they usually shut up. Bear in mind that I usually tend to be a very aggressive, confrontational and perhaps hot-tempered individual, so some of that may be effecting my advice here ) The only reason why people like that say those things is to make themselves feel better. They know they wouldn't have the guts to wear a nice hat in public because they know there are other people out there, like them. And having someone say things like that (the things they may say or do to you) to them would ruin what little self esteem they may have. Have pride in your hat and your decision to wear one.

-GCR

When I first started wearing hats I was a little uncomfortable in public, though I've never gotten any rude comments or anything. Quite the opposite, I've had several strangers compliment me. Still, in a shorts/jeans/t-shirt/ballcap wearing society, fedora wearers are a rare breed. Especially here in L.A.

Then one day I was at a local sporting goods store and saw some dude with a foot-tall green mohawk and thought to myself, why should I feel self-concious wearing a fine lid?

Now I don't really care what anyone thinks, I wear my Keppler everywhere.

I have little or no patience with people these days. Have you taken a good long look at those who are busting your chops for wearing a fedora? Take a good long look at these grade A Pot-holes.

How many of these people are dressed like total slobs? To paraphrase some of the other veterans around here… the way some of these people dress look worse then I do when I’m taking out the trash, mowing the lawn or working out. One word, people – Laundry? Ever hear of detergent? Tide isn’t just when the ocean comes in and goes out… and low tide isn’t what you should be smelling like!

How many of these people who are dressed like they have dreams about being Emenem or servicing some gangster-hiphop thug? I like these thugs at the grocery store who say they’re trying to express their individuality by the way they dress, as you look behind them and see someone on the cover of Rolling Stone dressed just like them.

How many of these people are wearing some kind of sports paraphernalia… Who are these people wearing other people’s jerseys? When I was in college and high school, the only people who would be wearing football jerseys who weren’t actually PLAYING the game were the girls who were sleeping with the players. I’m not saying everyone who wear’s sports emblems or jersey’s have some kind of homoerotic fantasies… just the ones who do are the ones who have to call attention to themselves or laugh at other people who are different. People like that scream insecurity.

How about those people who wear those expensive suits holding a cellphone to their ears walking to or from their expensive “performance” cars? So badly I want to tell these yackophs: Just be cause you sold out, doesn’t mean I have to, too. These are the same people who are so self absorbed they can’t tell you basic facts about their children or are oblivious to the fact that there wives are having wild trysts with one of “the help”.

Fist, you’re right… I’ve been around the country and I’ve seen all kinds of people and states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are filled with conformists, sell outs and snots. Maybe there are other regions of the country where this is true. But there are some areas like New York who have it right for a change… don’t stare too long at someone or make fun of them.

Life is too short to worry about what other people are doing or thinking about. I don’t want to be laying on my death-bed wishing that I had lived life more like the way I wanted to live it. Nobody is crying into their pillow because I don’t except them, I won’t cry over them not doing the same for me, neither.

WEAR THE HAT!!! I used to have a deerstalker hat I would wear out once in a while and it would almost be a matter of time before someone would call me "Sherlock." I just ignore it. But when I wear my fedoras, I mostly get compliments from people who think my hats are cool. Be proud of your gear!

Amen.
I've been wearing a Fedora ever since Raiders, I saw that hat on the big screen and I said thats me. It took me along time to find Wested but when I got mine, oh man try and stop from wearing my fedora and Wested at the same time, I wore them together all the time.
Heck my fellow work mates even started to call me Indy and when they paged me over the loud system it was by "Indy you have a call", I loved it.
So my friend I guess what I'm saying is the same thing every one else has said, wear them in good health and if someone laughs at you just turn around and give them your best Indy stare and they'll not no what to do. "Trust me".
Matter of fact I was complimented just to day on my hat.

Amen.

RIGHT ON!! Let's do it! Rock their world, WE'RE GONNA ROCK THEIR WORLD!........ Wow, sorry don't know what came over me there...cough Family Guy, cough. Seriously, wear your hats and be proud. I have a friend who calls me Indy because of it, truthly she can call me anything she wants though.

Regards,
'81

Yeah Fist, forget those losers. I've been on again off again self concious with my hats, but never got probelm form any body yet. Altho, family can be the first to break your chops sometimes,lol.

Anyhow, to sort of quote the band 311, :

#$@* the nay sayers 'cause they don't mean a thing,
'cause this is what style WE bring"!!

Keep it real, Fist!

You do whatever makes you feel more comfortable and most true to your nature, style and personality. If you'd like to wear the hat, but you find it uncomfortable to do so in public...don't wear it in public. If you feel your desire to wear the hat over-rides whatever discomforts it might create...wear the hat, and don't let the baztards get you down.
Life is too short not to be true to ourselves, and too short not to have as good a time as we can and enjoy the time we have here. And there's no shame in NOT wearing the hat if you're uncomfortable. You can't change the world, only what you do in it. Be comfortable...feel good about yourself...whichever you decide.

I can suggest that if folks are gonna call you "Gramps" on the street, you could really play the part for them...and start carrying a gentleman's walking stick as well...and when they mess with you...pummel them with it about their head and shoulders.
That's what we call a small course in "attitude readjustment" here in NY.
Where...BTW, you see ALOT of fedoras...at least in Manhattan. Overcoats and Fedoras....I've always seen them...even in the 80's and 90's.
And not all of them on older guys either.

-Rabittooth

You just need to move South my friend. We mix in quite well with the cowboys and folks around here don't give you a second look. I would think with all of the cold weather in that part of the country, hats would be prevalent. Do people not try and keep their heads warm up there? Do they go barefoot? Jacketless? Just wear the hat and ignore the ill informed. Fedora

Dear Fist,

Of course, it's all up to you: If you feel comfortable wearing a hat, you should wear it. But apparently you're not completely comfortable since you shared your problems with us.

I can imagine that the reaction of other people depends partially on the area (or country) you live in. So comparing experiences is very difficult.

But it might be helpfull to know that there are indications that a classic look (including the hat) is going to be hot in the fashionworld in the near future. I heared that from several people.

Now, I don't know if you dress in a certain style where the hat fits in properly, but you should wear it with pride. Feel confident with the style you choose my friend.

Seb

Hello All, you know IndyFist, I thought I might feel a little odd wearing my lid untill I met the LA tribe They all wear there lids with pride and After that I figured... if I don't know them it doesn't matter what they say or think or what comments they "might" make. But you know what, 99% of the comments are 'Nice hat" and said with sincerity. I have elderly folks nod and even smile politly knowing they feel nolstalgic seeing hats on peoples heads. And women (not giggly school girls) but intelegent women complement me almost evry time (which annoys my GF) Wear it with pride and smile if they razz you and tip your lid if they complement you.

Cheers,
Jeff

Remind me not to visit Connecticut anytime soon...

IndianaFist, I can only add to what else everyone has said- Don't let 'em get to you- they want a reaction, because they need to validate their pitiful existence. Keep wearing your hat- it makes you unique over there!

When I wear my fedora, which is every single day, I don't care about ANYTHING anyone says or does. I am extremely confident in who I am , and what I do.

I can justify it: I am warmer, dryer, and won't get skin cancer. Plus I LOOK GOOD.

In todays society, who has the right to judge what you wear. It is THEIR problem, not mine. Oh, I heard some cracks at work when I was wearing my hat, and yes, I had to build up courage to step up from wear at home to wear at work. But NOW, if I DON'T wear a hat, they ask "hey, where's your hat?"
I am accepted, and they realize it is no big deal.

Besides, those fools in Conneticut are like horses in the barn, their negative comments are like bovine gas.....you hear it, and it smells bad, but it eventually blows away.

I'm infuriated that people would laugh at you, Fist.
It's completely illogical and small minded.
It's a hat, for crying out loud...!

If they want to conform to society and never really think for themselves, fine, they can remain ignorant. Why the #### are people are affraid of anything that is different?! It's pathetic and has no grounds...

Wear your hat and enjoy being yourself, mate.

Wow, I didn't know it would be a problem to wear your fedora in puplic in the US. When I visited Texas, I saw a lot of people wearing hats. SO WEAR IT! Over here in Germany it's really tough though. I tried wearing a hat one time and everybody, and I really mean EVERYBODY was starring at me strangly. :evil:

I work quite a bit in New York City and will wear my fedora on a cloudy day with a suit or long coat....very rarely would I wear my Fedora in plain clothes. It has nothing to do about being embarrassed or not, it's just my personal fashion choice.
And I have to say to Renderking Fisk, and take this with the positive note it is given to you in, the way you demonize those other fashion styles is just as bad as others attacking someone with a fedora and a brown leather jacket.

Growing up in a small minded village in Denmark AND wearing a Fedora since I was 13 was much worse than what you describe there Fist. The looks and stares and also the dumb comments from even dumber people who don't know there's anything else than pigs and cows are one thing, but I was beaten up several times when people tryed to take away my hat and I wouldn't let them. Now, do I still wear Fedoras? - Every day! I don't live in that "village of the doomed" anymore, but I still get some stares and comments every now and then. I have learned to live with it and NOONE would try to take my hat away now (14 years later).

In the end I think I learned to live MY life. No matter what other people think or say. It was a hard lesson - sure, but one grows with the task.

Regards,

Marc

Not to pick on Mantis… but this is the result of waking up on the wrong side of the coffee pot!

TheMantis wrote:And I have to say to Renderking Fisk, and take this with the positive note it is given to you in, the way you demonize those other fashion styles is just as bad as others attacking someone with a fedora and a brown leather jacket.

Everyone gets a free pass until they start getting into my business… or the business of people I care about. If someone has a problem with how I’m dressed, they have a problem with themselves- because in my observation those people don’t have the courage of their own convictions. It takes a little courage and some stones to be different, something I doubt a lot of these jackals have.

I don’t care one way or another how people dress. I don’t point stair and laugh… but when other people do then they make themselves easy and fair targets. If someone “attacks” me… they have it coming back to them 10 fold. I’m too busy living my own life to care about what someone else is wearing, why aren’t they? Mantis, how other people dress isn’t an issue until they make what I’m wearing a problem.

If someone is a conformist, why bother living? Why bother living a life that’s just like everyone else? What’s the point? If you don’t even contribute… why don’t you just go into the woods, put a plastic bag over your head and the bury yourself in the dirt? What’s the point?

I have deep pity for conformists, people who have to follow every trend in the latest fashion. Their lives are not their own… spending too much time worried about what’s “in” and less concerned about what’s real and good in their own lives. Sometimes I think these people would be happier living in an Orwellian society with State-approved uniforms and housing so everyone can be equally miserable.

Blessed are the poor who don’t make fun of people for how they dress, because they themselves are too busy trying to make ends meet.

Matthew7:3 wrote: And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Cliffnotes on my rant: Everyone should live their lives with out worring about what everyone else is doing.

Well said........

Hemingway Jones wrote:...I get the occasional look and the occasional "What are you, a cowboy?"

It happens in here in Texas too. They think the fedora is a cowboy hat.

My $.02 is wear the hat. Don't let the hat wear you.

Pyro.

If history does indeed repeat itself in fashion, then one day you may see the masses wearing hats again. We are a fickle bunch, and it would not take much to nudge us into the "light side". And speaking of light, as the skin cancer rates start to climb to epidemic proportions, you will see society turn back to what our forfathers thought a necesssity-a hat. Not a baseball cap that exposes everthing but the front of the face, but a real hat. So, it is inevitable. Although the latter may be the catalyst that brings hats back into fashion once again. Stick around, if you can. Fedora

People you know will get used to it. I've been wearing one for so long people stop me and make a comment when I am not wearing it. Of course, not everyone has a sense of humor. I ticked off many a battalion and brigade commander of mine (I'm retired army) for wearing a totally unauthorized "Hat, Field, Service, Felt, OD M 1911" (campaign hat or smokey hat to the uninitiated). Cheers--Lao Feng

PS--If you are felling feisty when someone makes a snide comment, tell them you have "a felt and leather thing"...it usually shuts 'em up.

Pyro wrote:

Hemingway Jones wrote:

...I get the occasional look and the occasional "What are you, a cowboy?"


It happens in here in Texas too. They think the fedora is a cowboy hat.

My $.02 is wear the hat. Don't let the hat wear you.

Pyro.

So what do they say if you're wearing a cowboy hat?

In defense of those people who confuse a cowboy hat with a fedora (Though I really don't want to defend these people): in contemporary cowboy movies, very few people are actually wearing cowboy hats. They seem to be wearing hats that look more like oversize fedoras. I'd like to think that this is where this confusion comes from, but I know that is not the case. People see hat and think cowboy. Hat = cowboy.

I've always wanted to live somewhere where I could wear a cowboy hat and a pair of cowboy boots. It seems like our right as Americans.

Hemingway Jones wrote: I've always wanted to live somewhere where I could wear a cowboy hat and a pair of cowboy boots. It seems like our right as Americans.

Then come live in Texas (or at least my area of it). You would fit in great down here. I can't go anywhere without seeing someone dressed like that.

BTW, the best defense for a fedora wearer is a bullwhip. Hey, it worked for Indy. A shot across the chin with one should quiet the ignorant fools.

But seriously, just ignore them. On the rare occasion I get a negative or rude comment I just shoot them one of my "Don't screw with me looks" that I've developed over the years. Shuts them right up.

I think the issue here is comfort. If you're uncomfortable wearing the hat in public in the first place, then chances are it isn't going to take much to push you into feeling really self-conscious. If you don't think you wan't to wear your hat in public take a break for awhile. Wear it around the hose, or wear it when your alone in a place that doesn't have a lot of people, like camping or hiking. You'll become comfortable wearng that hat, and that comfort will translate into self-confidence. When you wear your gear with pride it's the ultimate shield against those jerks with no class. My $.02

IndianaGuybrush wrote:I think the issue here is comfort. If you're uncomfortable wearing the hat in public in the first place, then chances are it isn't going to take much to push you into feeling really self-conscious.

Yeah- it will really show in your body language as well, so people will subconsciously be able to read that...

I’ve been wearing fedoras for just over five years, my first was my black felt fedora. I started the month after I got my first leather jacket, (yes I started because I love Indiana Jones, but now I own multiple fedoras and respect and love the qualities of a nice hat.)

I was still in high school at that point, and surprisingly I didn’t get a lot of guff for it. I get the occasional “cowboy” comment or “Indiana Jones” comment (the latter always seems to happen when I’m wearing something like blue jeans and a polo shirt with my black cowhide.) Some people just look at me funny. Some people just have to make a comment. I will say this, I’ve had more people compliment me for wearing a nice hat, and following proper hat etiquette. Several women have also told me that being nicely dressed, especially with a classy hat like a fedora makes a guy look “sexier,” despite not being a physical Adonis.

In today’s world where fewer people wear hats, especially “classier” hats, if you stick with it long enough, and you enjoy the style, you can work it into a trademark of sorts. It seems to work as an excellent hook for anyone who wants to talk to you, but doesn’t know how to start a conversation. It’s hard to count the number of people I’ve met where the first words spoken were “Nice hat.”

I know exactly what you feel, there are times that I’ve started feeling self-conscious, and stopped wearing hats for a while. Then I think about it, and consider a few things. I like to wear the hat, and it fits my general manner of dress so it isn’t out of place. Most importantly, I want to wear it, and some random guy on the street can’t tell me not to. Then again, I wear a pith helmet doing yard work in the summer, so take what I have to say for what it’s worth.

Most people can make hurtful public displays like that because they know you are just a random person to them. They will more than likely have no further contact with you. So if you want to wear the hat, go for it.

Well let's face it, we are setting ourselves up for some ribbing. Even if we've been wearing the gear for years and we've made it our own, to the rest of the world, it will always belong to the Indiana Jones character. So, best to get used to that idea. Many folks out there lump us together with the star wars gang and trekkies. Just the way it is. If the ribbing is good natured, join in the fun, otherwise ignore them. Be comfortable in your own skin, no matter what you wear. No matter what ANYone else thinks or says don't let it get to you. Not letting it get to you might take some practice and determination, but it will be a great ally in all areas of life. In the words of one father to his son: "Indiana ... Indiana ... let it go."

Most people are morons anyway (at least the ones that don't respect people choosing other than mainstream 'hip' clothing), so don't take it personal.


Mike

Jess… the horror! THE HORROR! Lump us with The Trekkies? If you haven’t noticeds, most of us are no longer living in our parents basement.

As I’ve said in other threads, wearing gear only has a little to do with Jones because I love the classic look of the era. I feel naked with out a fedora, mine just happens to be brown with a darker brown ribbion (Akubra – Best fedora, 20 years… you know the drill.)

Maybe I’m not being clear with my other posts… take a look at the people giving you the ribbing and you’ll find someone uncomfortable with themselves.

Also, as a result of not letting up… I’ve see a lot of other men (and some women) wear wide brim hats. I guess I’m having an effect on other people.

Renderking Fisk wrote:Jess… the horror! THE HORROR! Lump us with The Trekkies? If you haven’t noticeds, most of us are no longer living in our parents basement.

Hey watch it Fisk, I happen to be a Gearhead AND a Trekker, despite the fact that I have my own pad. More space for my Indy and Trek stuff. Oh and my Star Wars stuff too.

I've loved wearing fedoras and other hats as long as I can remember. Try wearing a top hat in public. Now THAT will get you looks!

But if you have a wife or special someone who tells you that you look, umm... "pretty darn good" with a certain fefora on, and THAT doesn't give you any confidence, then my friends, nothing will.

CARPE FEDORA!

You know....when I first started wearing the Fed D., I felt a little insecure but after numerous (and I mean numerous) enthusiastic comments from people, the one negative comment I heard while working in a high school was well compensated. Actually, it was the Indy march..so, perhaps even then it was a boost .
What I find facinating...(To quote a familiar Trek Dude) is the positive attention the Hat has won me from the opposite sex. Honestly..On my last trip to Toronto, walking down Queen street, a large group of people were existing a restaurant when a woman stopped in her tracks, looked right at me and exclaimed "Beautiful Hat!!!".
So...For those unmarried folks (Myself excluded), there are still alot of our corresponding opposites out there who appreciate a little class. So...where it with pride!

Warm Regards
Kilgour Trout

DanoSaurus wrote:

Renderking Fisk wrote:Jess… the horror! THE HORROR! Lump us with The Trekkies? If you haven’t noticeds, most of us are no longer living in our parents basement.

Hey watch it Fisk, I happen to be a Gearhead AND a Trekker, despite the fact that I have my own pad. More space for my Indy and Trek stuff. Oh and my Star Wars stuff too.

I agree. Trekkies living in their parents basement is just another prejudice. If you say that, you're not any better that those people laughing at us for wearing fedoras.
BTW: Star Trek rocks!

Indiana Jess wrote:Well let's face it, we are setting ourselves up for some ribbing. Even if we've been wearing the gear for years and we've made it our own, to the rest of the world, it will always belong to the Indiana Jones character. So, best to get used to that idea. Many folks out there lump us together with the star wars gang and trekkies. Just the way it is. If the ribbing is good natured, join in the fun, otherwise ignore them. Be comfortable in your own skin, no matter what you wear. No matter what ANYone else thinks or says don't let it get to you. Not letting it get to you might take some practice and determination, but it will be a great ally in all areas of life. In the words of one father to his son: "Indiana ... Indiana ... let it go."

I agree with Jess to an extent. IF people are good natured, then have a good time. That's what I do. And I walk tall and ignore insults. PEriod

Oddly enough, I find regular ordinary folks, i.e store clerks, construction workers, moms out shopping etc. really like the Fedora look and I get lots of compliments in NJ. I take more guff from the trendy, 30's ish peers of mine who practice law with me. They are the most insecure, fingerpointing bunch. The older segment admire the individualism and the younger ones are too scared to death of screwing up in court to care.

(Though it still doesn't seem as bad as in CT ! )

Bottom line: this is your life. Live it true to you.

Peace
Ken

Hi, Neolithic---Love that "Tin Tin - Snowy" logo you have there. Tine Tin and Indy are a good combination. Cheers--Lao Feng

Some one called me "Elliot Ness" today at the dog-park. Pretty interesting considering that I was wearing my J Crew boots, Taupe LL Bean Pants and a zipped West Raiders jacket. It was 7 AM on Sunday, so I went out in almost full gear - clothes-wise. What does a fella have to do to be called Indy around here?

After watching part of "The Untouchables" on cable yesterday, I really didn't mind the comparison.

Lao Feng wrote:Hi, Neolithic---Love that "Tin Tin - Snowy" logo you have there. Tine Tin and Indy are a good combination. Cheers--Lao Feng

Thanks, Lao Feng! I grew up with both Indy and Tintin. Love em both!
Imagine if we were all into Tintin gear though, tucking our pants into our socks...

Hemingway Jones wrote:Some one called me "Elliot Ness" today at the dog-park.

Elliot Ness?! LOL!

Imagine if we were all into Tintin gear though, tucking our pants into our socks...

But think of all the great props! treasure maps hidden in model ships, Inca mummies, Central European royal sceptres, South American wooden idols...

Grew up with Tintin too, and in my book, he and Indy are the greatest adventurers!

/SJ

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is Tintin? I have never heard of it. Is it a cartoon or a comic book character? Can one of you clue me in?

Sorry to get this off topic.

Very OT, but in need of an explanation...
Tintin is a comic book character, created by Belgian Georges Remi (Hergé) in 1929. The character is a newspaper reporter by profession, but he is actually more of an international adventurer. His adventures are similarly located with Indy's - they take place in China, South America, Egypt, the Moon(!) and so on. The earliest adventures are set in the 30's and 40's.
Us Euro (and, apparently, Aussie) kids grew up with the guy.



/SJ

Neolithic wrote: Imagine if we were all into Tintin gear though, tucking our pants into our socks...

You were saying?

http://www.ludd.luth.se/%7Esohl/ff2003b ... 0425AO.jpg
http://www.ludd.luth.se/%7Esohl/ff2003b ... 0425AY.jpg

Regards,
Swindiana

Tintin is a Belgian comic book written and illustrated by Herge. Tintin and his dog Snowy (Milou in the original French) have all kinds of adventures all over the world. He's a "reporter" and winds up, among other places, in the jungle, the Orient, on the Moon, in Egypt and on and on. My six-year-old son loves the stories. I read them to him every weekend. There's a great cast of supporting characters. Very Indyish stuff.

Ren, I understand that you're wearing the gear has little to do with Jones, but the perception of many people is that they will still see us as 'Jones wannabes' and they will continue to lump us in with the other groups.

You're totally clear with your comment about others making comments because they are not comfortable with themselves (or they hold comtempt for others who are different then themselves) and I completely agree with you. However, those kinds of perceptions are just a part of life and if someone 'attacks' me I have to constantly train my mind to put into practice Romans 12:17 - "Repay no one evil for evil.", which doesn't come naturally to me, but thankfully, that's changing. Personally, I find Matt 7:3 to be more of a reminder that I need to make sure the many beams in my own eye have been removed first, instead of using it as a judgement pointed at someone else, which is how Christ intended it to be used - as self examination.

You can use the brim to get between you and others, and wear stereo earbuds to keep from hearing any trash. I really enjoyed Yves Chaland's work in Heavy Metal in the 80's. Freddy Lombard was modeled after Tintin I guess.

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.