2. Prior to taking this class I did not know what to expect. I thought the class would
solely be about learning how different cultures dressed and how that played a role in
different societies. As time went by I realized that the class was also about how people
were judged, different types of dress for different places, how tattoos are a part of dress as
well, and much more. While taking the class I think we all realized at some point realized
that we ourselves judge everyone and as for myself I wanted to change that as much as
possible.
My feelings towards diverse appearances before taking this class were varied. For
the most part I felt the same towards almost all types of foreign dress because I just knew
they were from a different country. When I saw people dress inappropriately, whether it be
due to age or surrounding circumstance, I was probably very judgmental about it to a
certain extent. I understand that everyone has a reason for what they do and that everyone
may not have the same options as others. With that being said, I try not to be as judgmental
towards them. However, I still feel the same towards people that have extreme looks such
as facial tattoos and piercings, big holes in their faces/ears, and other types of body
modifications that do not look normal at all. It mostly freaks me out and I do not like to look
at them but for whatever reason end up staring at them due to the shock of it all. I still try
not to judge these people as well but being honest I do not understand their reasoning
behind it and probably never will. For the foreigners that I mentioned earlier I think I still
fell the same way about them as well. However, I do pay more positive attention to them
now and I wonder about their background and how it feels to continue to dress that way in
a completely different environment.
Throughout this class we have also been challenged to consider what our own
values are. Now that I have completed the class I do think I have become even more aware
of them. I have realized that my values are a bit higher than what I thought they were and
that my biases are probably still at the same level that they were before. Some things I
think I have become a bit more lenient about though. Prior to this class I thought that I
didn’t care much about anything besides my main biggest pet peeve, which is inappropriate
dress due to situation whether it is over or under dressed. I now realize that I care much
more about things like makeup and hair being done to match the outfit. My understanding
of their effects has been developed in the since that I now understand how other people
3. may feel when I instantly have my guard up when they approach me due to their dress. I
understand that it effects how I determine my everyday dress and probably will determine
how my future children will feel about their own dress and other dress as well. I also
understand that not only do my values and biases effect my interactions with other people
but that other people’s values affect the way that they interact with me when they look at
my appearance. Before learning the things that I did in this class, I would have thought that
I did not dress in a way that would offend anybody. Now, I know that even though my dress
or appearance may not outright offend anybody it may still put some people off to the idea
of getting to know me better, they may make good or bad assumptions about me, and it
may be the determining factor in whether I get a job or not.
Overall, this class has changed my actions towards diverse appearances a lot more
than it has changed my attitude. I think that now when I see people of a different
appearance than myself I will not be so quick to stare or immediately make a comment to
the person that is with me. In extreme cases I probably still will pass some sort of quick
judgment but I will still try not to let me own values come out in a negative manner so that
it won’t hurt another person’s feelings. My attitude towards diverse appearance I still think
has remained mostly the same. I have always tried not to judge other peoples
circumstances, even though I don’t always succeed every time. This class has further made
me realize that everyone has a different background and meaning for what they wear even
when I don’t understand it and that is ok. I am glad to say that I took this class and learned
something from it as I hope everyone else did too.
