Without question, Ed Helm’s character on NBC’s The Office is the archetypal preppy douche bag. Andy Bernard is annoying, stupid and full of himself. But damn if I don’t love his wardrobe. I recognize most of what he wears from J. Crew. And clearly, if he learned anything from his privileged upbringing and Ivy League education, it was how to dress.
In fact, I’m more or less dressed like Andy right now. I’m wearing the green and blue university striped tie and checked shirt from J. Crew with khakis and a sweater. I would like to point out that I acquired these items before he debuted on television. But this still begs the question: What does this all say about me? Is the fictional wardrobe of Andy Bernard modeled after dudes like me? Should I be concerned that I am coming off like a douche bag?
I’d much rather be the model for a character like Jim. His wardrobe isn’t objectionable. But frankly, he dressed like a Catholic high school student. I’ve been there. I’m not necessarily trying to go back to that. Perhaps I should strive for a middle ground. Maybe Oscar, but strait.
Just because your wardrobe may resemble Andy's, your personality certainly does not. No worries and keep on looking good.
ReplyDeleteKnow what you mean...
ReplyDeleteWhat eats me is that almost every film or tv series that portrays a well dressed man depicts the character as deranged, evil, backstabbing, or worse, evil. From Gordon Geccko to Patrick Bateman, all we've seen are bad guys.
What happened to representations of the man in the Gray Flannel Suit? Honest, hardworking, tempered, brave, and downright son-of-a-bitch studs?
A gentleman has to eat a lot of shit, and smile, as if it couldn't bother him. It's tough to do every day.
Maybe that's why the marginal-mainstream of today's mediatic wise man (my variation of Nietzsche's wiseman) want to so desperately undermine the well-dressed son-of-a-bitch gentleman.
I think it's jealousy. There might be a tendency to assign the same negative attitudes toward style that generally are associated with privilege, wealth, good looks, and fame.
ReplyDelete"If n*gg*s hate, then let 'em hate and watch the money pile up."
-- 50 Cent (In Da Club)
This begs the question: does a gentleman quote 50 Cent? ;)
ReplyDelete