Western and Traditional Clothing
In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative
Due to the increasing interconnectedness of the fashion industry, it has become more prevalent for individuals to don western-style garments instead of their own traditional attire. In my viewpoint, this shift can be attributed to the forces of globalization and, unfortunately, it has negative implications due to its lack of diversity.
As a consequence of globalization, many nations have embraced western fashion trends. In earlier times, people were limited to clothing options they either created themselves or obtained locally. However, advancements in transportation, including air, land, and sea, have made it feasible to transport large quantities of goods. Well-known brands like Nike and Calvin Klein produce these fashion items, often at prices that undercut local manufacturers. Additionally, the widespread reach of media, especially with the emergence of the internet and social media, has accelerated this process. The influence of western movies, music, and media subtly shapes the fashion choices of individuals worldwide.
In my perspective, the prevalence of western fashion has significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of wealth concentration and lack of creativity. Countless traditional fashion styles from diverse cultures have been overshadowed by a limited range of western aesthetics. For example, the Hmong communities in Northern Vietnam are renowned for their vibrant designs and sustainable use of textured fabrics like hemp. If their unique cultural contributions were to fade away, the fashion landscape would undoubtedly become more homogeneous. Furthermore, the dominant fashion companies of today prioritize profit over artistic expression, resulting in clothing creations that lack true artistic merit.
To summarize, the widespread adoption of similar western clothing can be attributed to the pervasive influence of consumerism, ultimately undermining cultural diversity. It is crucial for consumers to actively embrace more traditional and environmentally-friendly fashion choices to counteract this trend.