UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s notorious advice that people should all ‘hug a hoodie’ has been much publicised and discussed. After the London riots it has come under scrutiny again. Hoodies, certainly among the older generation, have evolved all sorts of negative connotations. Many teenagers, however, do not understand why this should be so.
For many totally law-abiding young people, the humble hoodie is really a warm, comfortable clothing choice and nothing more. Personalised hoodies have grown to be especially popular among the younger generation, being a great way showing your support for a club, team, group or cause. Nasa Hoodies Plenty 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. Why do hoodie-wearers have such a bad reputation?
One possibility is that, although the vast majority of youngsters wear hoodies, the only ones who make it into 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 could imply that all hoodies, even friendly personalised hoodies, get unfairly judged and maligned.
Exposure to perfectly nice youngsters who wear personalised hoodies, or hoodies generally, 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 cautious with hoodie wearers, if they wear personalised hoodies or otherwise, is the condition and design of hoodies and promotional hoodies. You will no doubt have observed signs in shop windows which read: ‘NO HOODS IN STORE’. The truth that hoodies have an, eponymous, hood might sound obvious but it is something which 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, simply because their faces are hidden. While you are unable to see the faces of large groups it can seem scary as a result of lack of human connection. Mostly, however, this prejudice contrary to the humble hoodie is a media construct, mixed with slightly bit of class snobbery and fear of the young…a distressing cocktail once you think about it.
Why not show that personalised hoodies are simply as fun, lovable, stylish and friendly as the next item of clothing. Since personalised hoodies are fully customisable it is possible to spread any message you prefer using them. Use personalised hoodies to demonstrate school pride, university affiliation and club membership.