This is a years-old observation of mine, but something made it percolate to the surface this week. One interesting phenomenon in any counterculture “scene” is the widespread disparagement of “poseurs” who are supposedly the pretenders only affecting the clothes and mannerisms and not “real” whatever (punk, mod, goth, hipster, etc.). But the truth is, all the people crying poseur are themselves poseurs. We all are. It’s what “scenes” are all about, affecting a particular image. Sure there’s natural inclinations, likes and dislikes, but it’s not really that “natural” to magically fit in with any group based on aesthetics – it takes some work (consciously or unconsciously).
Even aside from scenes, we’re really all making statements by what we wear and how we choose to act – this is the presentation to the world at large, whether we want to be conservative, trendy, artistic, wallflower, outrageous, professional, casual, etc. Everyone who has choice with wardrobe (even if they decide not to care) is making presentation decisions. Of course, there are some people without choices and when you’re done with posing in a particular jacket or scarf, be sure to donate it to a local clothing charity, so someone else can use it (for more posing or simply surviving).
