Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: kayg on February 28, 2013, 10:54:21 PM

Title: American Apparel and the construction of American femininity
Post by: kayg on February 28, 2013, 10:54:21 PM
I just had this thought this afternoon, thought I'd share. This is in response to the multitude of posts about gender and behavior, construction of femininity, "passing," etc.

American Apparel is, like, the absolute embodiment of American girl femininity. It's everywhere, in weird perfection, from the people selling clothes (of various genders) to the people buying clothes to the clothes themselves. From the colors and silhouettes, to the folds and sheen, the lilting voices, the pointed critiques and effusive praise... For any of us who might subscribe to "passing" as this particular kind of feminine person, it would really help to just spend some time in an American Apparel. You'd be much intimidated at first, but if you just go with it you'll learn a lot really quickly.

Just for the record, I think gender is constructed, "passing" is a hegemonic concept, and corporate commercialism (whether made in downtown L.A. or not) is kind of dastardly. But I also think we all should be able to be who we want to be.

That's all!
Title: Re: American Apparel and the construction of American femininity
Post by: Sara Thomas on March 01, 2013, 02:57:45 PM
I've never been in American Apparel... their name, and store front, makes me think of the rodeo.

Is it like the rodeo? If so, is the rodeo the epitome of femininity?

I don't know... it's been a while since I've been to a rodeo: should I ever go again, however, I can honestly say that it isn't my first.
Title: Re: American Apparel and the construction of American femininity
Post by: Beth Andrea on March 01, 2013, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: Sadie May on March 01, 2013, 02:57:45 PM
I've never been in American Apparel... their name, and store front, makes me think of the rodeo.

Is it like the rodeo? If so, is the rodeo the epitome of femininity?

I don't know... it's been a while since I've been to a rodeo: should I ever go again, however, I can honestly say that it isn't my first.

LOL!

:D

Is that a mall-type store? And do they sell blouses for...Queen size ladies? (2x-3x)