Fashion constantly changes, with seasons, colors and time. It changes everywhere from the small towns in Oregon to big cities like Rome. India has its fair share in Fashion. Indian clothing has become more westernized over the course of the years. The influence of the media plays an important factor. Bollywood movies usually have traditional clothing for the parts of older people; people of the younger generation wear clothes that are more frequently seen in the west. Many people have different perceptions of this. Older people (sometimes parents, grandparents) consider the change in clothing because of the media, negative. But young people (mainly teenagers) do not think so. The older people see that younger people are losing tradition, but other people think that it’s not the clothing that defines them; it’s the values that are being passed down generation that counts.
This is an important topic because there is a clash between time. Some people lean more towards tradition in rural areas while others lean towards the west. Back in day, when social class determined the worth of a person, people would dress according to their caste. The caste system is no longer in place today, but many families refer to it when making non clothing decisions. In the 21st century, there seems to be a middle ground because traditional dresses such as the sari have been altered to fit in the modernized world. Similar to the way how most people in India are now being taught English in school, it’s the fact that younger people are being more exposed to the outer world then perhaps their parents. Making them wanting to fit in today's world.
This is a scene from a Bollywood movie called Om Shanti Om, this particular song shows the clash between traditional clothing and westerinazed clothing, this is more so in the female clothing. Some women are being moderizationed saris and other ladies are wearing dresses.
This is a scene from a Bollywood movie called Kal Ho Na Ho. This song shows the variety of traditional Indian clothing for both men and women. Outfits that are usually considered "in" come from films.
India’s Tug of War Skit
Nivi: Bye Mom, I’m going out with my friends.
Zoha:Not dressed like that.
Nivi:What? This is what everybody wears now.
Zoha:Beta, just because we live in America does not give you the right to go out like that. Have you no shame? A proper Indian girl would wear a traditional chudidhar and beautiful bangles.
Nivi:Mom, you are so old fashioned! What would my friends think if I went out like that?
Zoha:So, you are not proud of your Indian heritage?
Nivi:No Mom, I love India and its rich culture. It’s just that, we live in America now and I am adjusting to their lifestyle.
Zoha:I don’t understand why the youngsters want to wear these new clothes? Our traditional Indian clothes are much prettier.
Nivi:It’s the fashion! I mean you don’t see people parading the streets wearing chudidhars and saris do you?
Zoha: I guess not, but that does not mean you have to give up your traditional clothes either.
Nivi: True, we’ll have to compromise. What if I wear my traditional clothes to parties, occasions, and the temple?
Zoha:That would be perfect!
Nivi:Except, I get to wear my modern clothes when I go to school or go out with my friends. Deal?
Zoha:That is a wonderful idea!
Nivi:Can I go now? I am already late!
Zoha:Of course Beta, have fun!
Work Cited
Lutz, Hazel. India: Clothing and Adornment.Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion. Ed. Valerie Steele. Vol. 2. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2005. p235-241. 3 vols.
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