UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s notorious advice that people should all ‘hug a hoodie’ has been much publicised and discussed. Following the London riots it has come under scrutiny again. Hoodies, certainly among the older generation, have evolved all sorts of negative connotations. Many young people, however, don’t realize why this will be so.
For many totally law-abiding teenagers, the humble hoodie is a warm, comfortable clothing choice and nothing more. Personalised hoodies have grown to be especially popular amonst the younger generation, being a great way to show your support for a club, team, group or cause. Lots of youngsters get hooded sweatshirts composed as a keepsake from old schools, or fun group holidays. Hoodies are generally used as a way to remember positive experiences. So why do hoodie-wearers have this type of bad reputation?
One possibility is that, although the the greater part of youngsters wear hoodies, the only ones who make it in to the media are those that are around no good. This may lead the elderly to assume that it is young thugs and criminals alone who wear hoodies. This may mean that all hoodies, even friendly personalised hoodies, get unfairly judged and maligned.
Exposure to perfectly nice youngsters who wear personalised hoodies, or hoodies in general, could help the older generations to realise that the image of the dangerous, out-of-control youngsters in hoodies, isn’t the norm.
Another element which might make people wary of hoodie wearers, if they wear personalised hoodies or elsewhere, is the condition and design of hoodies and promotional hoodies. You’ll no doubt have observed signs in shop windows which read: ‘NO HOODS IN STORE’. The point that hoodies have an, eponymous, hood may appear obvious but it is something can make people nervous since it obscures the faces of wearers.
The images in the media of faceless gangs of youths in hoodies, even yet in personalised hoodies, can look particularly menacing, due to the fact their faces are hidden. While you are unable to start to see the faces of large groups it can seem scary due to the insufficient human connection. Mostly, however, this prejudice against the humble hoodie is a media construct, mixed with just a little bit of class snobbery and concern with the young…a distressing cocktail when you think about it.
Why not show that personalised hoodies are just as fun, lovable, stylish and friendly as the next item of clothing. Since personalised 7t collection are fully customisable it is possible to spread any message you like using them. Use personalised hoodies to demonstrate school pride, university affiliation and club membership.
