The Height of Vanity

Why People Want to Grow Taller?

(Xindi Ouyang)

The people of China are are growing taller thanks to the popularity of leg-lengthening surgery. That’s right, we’re talking about a type of surgery that can make you at least two to three inches taller.

The details of the procedure, as you may imagine, are pretty gruesome.

First, the doctor breaks the tibia and fibula, or the bones of the lower leg. Then, a device comprised of two metal rings connected by extendable rods, called the fixator, is screwed into both ends of the broken bone through the skin.

About a week later, the stretching begins. The surgeon lengthens the fixator in small, two millimeter increments. This slowly pulls the broken bones apart, allowing new bone to grow and fill in the gap.

Barring complications such as infection where the fixator is attached to the bones and nerve injury, you can be back up and walking around on newly lengthened legs in about a year.

If all goes well, the three month bone-lengthening period is followed by another three to six months of bone strengthening. During this phase, the patient is confined to a wheelchair and must undergo physical therapy that’s typically described on leg lengthening websites as “extremely painful.”

75,000 yuan (US$11,000)

Leg-lengthening was first performed in the 1950s in the former Soviet Union, and then in China.

Taller Bodies in Indonesia

By E.I.J. 

Many Indonesian people are trying by all means to have taller body. This is evident from the number of ads that promise to elevate the body. From milk to body improvement tool obscure the results.

Since childhood, my parents gave my brother and I drugs and cheese with high growth bias. Many Indonesian people want to be high because they think height is important. They believe with a taller people have more confidence, easier to get a job, not easy to get teased, receive more respect, and women prefer tall men.


BEING TALL
  Alot of people want to be tall for numerous reasons, some want to be taller for sports reasons because in sports athletes are usually tall. On the male side a tall man would bring in more girls because women like tall men. It is studied that tall people earn more money than the average height person. Alot of people drink milk to strengthen the bones and make you grow taller. On a negative side for tall people, the clothes are bigger and harder to find, food intake is more and costly.

-AUSTIN CRISS

Height in Society. Growing or Shrinking?

With societal concerns growing more and more around personal appearance with new advancements in technology to allow for such changes, the world has become obsessed with becoming the ideal being regardless of the pain and torment they are willing to put themselves in. The knee surgery to increase a person's height is just one of those. The entire process take more than a year to complete and each person deals with intense pain on a daily basis. So what would make a person want to undergo such excruciating pain? I looked into the average height differences between the 1960's and present, and the average height these days has changed by one inch. We are one inch taller than the average male and females were only 50 years ago. 

Taking a look at my family, I have relatives that are in their 80's and 70's and when I was little, I always thought that they were so tall, but now that I am the same height, if not taller, I am noticing that my younger cousins are taking up all the air above our heads. It could be genes, but my generation of cousins are about the same height until a group of girls was born into the family, growing past us at an amazing rate. Many of my younger cousins who are barely in high school have already surpassed me in height and it is quite shocking. Did they put something in the chocolate milk after I left from elementary?

With this said, I would make sense that in today's business world that men and women who are taller, seem to be portrayed as being attractive. Who do you think you would choose to take more seriously? Your boss who is tall? Or your boss who is several inches shorter than you? This is the reason why I think more and more people want to get this intense surgery done. In addition to being perceived as being more attractive, to be taken seriously is just as important.

Jovanna Reyes

Plus-Size Modeling: The Industry, the Market, and Reflections as a Professional in the Image Industry

Ralph Lauren Hires First Plus-Size Model Robyn Lawley

Xindi Ouyang

It seems like just yesterday that Ralph Lauren was blasted for Photoshopping a model to appear emaciated, allegedly firing her for being too fat, and then apologizing for the gaffe. 

But now, the brand has taken a step in the other direction: it has hired its first plus-size model, Robyn Lawley. She’s a stunning 23-year-old brunette who has been called a groundbreaker for appearing on the covers of French Elle and VogueItalia. She stands at 6'2" and wears a size 12, and was hired by Ralph Lauren in April. 

Why Plus-Size market important?

Estimates state that approximately 40 to 60 percent of all U.S. women are petite, specifically 5'4'' and shorter. In addition, 60 percent of U.S. women wear a size 12 or larger, and 31 percent of U.S. women wear size 16 or larger. Erring on the conservative side, approximately 45 to 60 million U.S. women are represented in this special size market.

The women's apparel industry has been experiencing lackluster sales for the past several years. Retailers finally realized that opportunities for growth and increased sales were available in the plus-size market. 

"The reason there is so much growth in his part of the industry is simple: there os a lot of money to be made.""When looking at a firm's profit margin, there is no difference between skinny and fat dollars."

HUGE MARKET

 

In reality, not all women have 00-size like runaway models. Almost half the women in this country are size 12 or larger. In 1980s, percentage of women that is overweight is 16.8. It increases in 1990s to 24.5. In 1985, the average American woman wore a size 8. Today, they wear a size 14. Approximately 45 to 60 million U.S women are represented in this full figured shape. Thus, it is a huge market.

The fashion industry began to take notice for plus-sized market after having under-serviced this piece of the population for years. Women were increasingly demanding for better fashion and wanted to see models that more accurately reflected their own image. Lane Bryant, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Anne Klein, Forever 21, and many more are joining the market.

-E.I.J-


Plus Size Market
Plus market has been around for years due to the womens clothing line Lane Bryant. That retailer target market was the plus size woman. 60 percent of women in the U.S. wear a size 12 or larger, 31 percent wear a size 16 and up. Retailers found the niche and growth opportunities in the plus size market.Firms noticed that there were overweight women under the age of 30, so they made more contemporary styles for better prices.

Austin Criss

A New Market for a new Woman
After reading the article, I was inspired and enlightened by the material that I read. The author was a model right out of college and she was lucky, she said. After reading her whole story, it dawned on me that she was indeed lucky because when she started modeling, the target market of plus size, petite women had been established.
I looked into who these women are and how big the proportion of society it contains according to the reading.
40-60 percent of women are 5'4" or shorter
60 percent of women wear a size 12 or larger
31 percent wear a size 16 or larger

also, from 1976 to 1980 the highest percentage of oversized women/men was 38.4. From 1988-1991, the highest percentage was 48. 7

Overall, these statistics are eye opening because our society believes that we need to be a size 2 in order to be a model and 5'10" or taller. This is quite refreshing to know that those that are those small sizes are actually out of the norm for our society and I believe this trend will continue for many many years to come.

Jovanna Reyes

A New Look at Beauty, Aging and Power

Aging Women

Most of us grew up learning that it was rude to ask a woman her age. But did we ask why this was so?


Our society tends to create unkind stereotypes of aging women that make it difficult for them to embrace their older selves. The following factors contribute to these stereotypes. From a biological standpoint, women may be considered less "useful" in society when they're not at the height of their fertility. Furthermore, they may be perceived as physically vulnerable and socially needy. These perceptions negatively affect older women's self image and may serve to impede their physiological and psychological well-being.


Could aging be good for women?
According to popular culture, women are terrified of growing old and fight it with everything they have, spending dollars each year on botox, liposuction,face creams, hair dyes, and health clubs. But research finds that women's body image actually become more positive as they move from their twenties and thirties into middle age.
Women's lives get better instead of worse as they grow older because of their tremendous psychological strengths. Women use their mental strengths to tackle the new problems that arise as they age.

Old age is not just about surviving, it's about flourishing. There is increasing evidence that most women feel a greater sense of fulfillment, self-actualization, reaching their peak.
---Xindi Ouyang

Embrace It

http://fortmillmagazine.com/articles/winter-needn't-be-gray%3A-planning-for-aging-america

Many women are afraid of aging process. We live in an era where there are unrealistic images of youthful, perfect looking models assemble in our mind. It pressured women to look perfect and youthful all the time. It resulted many women have self-conscious about their aging. They are a lot of products that women use to hide the signs of aging. Some dye their gray hairs, some use anti-wrinkles cream, some hide under makeup, some use Botox, or some go under surgery. French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier says we should be embrace our age, wrinkles and all. Every the signs of aging gives a piece of story.

Meaning of Wrinkle

On Your Forehead- you are a wisdom person and have a lot of experience

Around Your Mouth and Under Your Eyes- you are an expressive person and you show a lot emotion through your face.

 -E.I.J-


AGING

In the aging process some women are insecure about it and get botox/surgery to smooth out the wrinkels or use wrinkle cream to take away the wrinkles on their face or they sometimes feel like their boyfriends or husbands dont want them anymore, they want a younger woman. Some women like the aging because it makes them look more wiser and definition to them and also they get taken more seriously than if they were younger.

-Austin

Aging in both men and women is a midlife crisis in itself. All people age differently both physically and mentally. Men probably don't react as intensely as women, but there is still some sort of crisis as one moves past their twenties and mid thirties into their forties. But why is this? It seems to be that men don't worry about aging because men that have aged slightly might give them an edge with the ladies, or working with business. Then why is it that women have a daily struggle with their appearance when men don't. 

One of my theories is because as men age, they turn into "an older man", and a lot of women like this. Younger women in particular. They want a man who has built up his career, has money, and is single. On the other hand, there are far fewer men who say that they want an older women because why have an older women when they can have a youthful woman instead who has more energy and not tied down? Long story short, women want a MAN, and men want their young little hot things. So where do older women fall in this love triangle? They don't. Or at least they try to fit in, but when they do, they are seen as cougars because they want the young hot guy who is still fresh in his twenties.

Long story short, young women like older men because they have a lot to offer, plus older men want younger women. This then makes older men just as attractive, if not more attractive than younger ones. Take a look at George Clooney. He's a good looking salt and pepper man. 

Casino Gives Workers Look They Can, Must Live With

Can my employer legally enforce a dress code?

An employer can legitimately tell their employees to dress in certain way at work, indeed, there is nothing to prevent an employer from including an express term in the contract of employment outlining the dress code that employees have to observe.
Some may do so for health and safety reasons. However, even if there is no explicit reference to clothing in the contract, employees are still under an implied duty to obey their employer's reasonable instructions regarding expected standards, including clothing and appearance. However, there should be a good reason for imposing a dress code and employers should be consistent in their approach.
Does imposing a dress code amount to sex discrimination?
This depends employers can treat men and women differently, as long as they don't treat one or other of the sexes less favorably. Therefore, a dress code is not required to make provisions that are identical for men and women. A dress code is also more likely to be enforceable if the employer can show that it is proportionate and necessary, having regard to the functions undertaken by the employee. 
Does imposing a dress code amount to religious discrimination?
A code impacting less favorably on a particular religious group is likely to amount to indirect discrimination and employer will be required to justify it.
Gender reassignment
Should an employee have embarked on a course of action that will lead a gender reassignment surgery, it would be unlawful to prevent them from dressing according to their new gender.
---Xindi Ouyang

Flight Attendant Regulation

http://worldscrews.blogspot.com/2011/10/virgin-atlantic-cabin-crew-walk-to.html

Virgin Atlantic Stewardesses

There is no regulation for employers to regulate their employees’ appearance. Employers might regulate if they do not discriminating against certain employees. It is very common for an employer to require his/her employees to wear a uniform or expected to be groomed or look professional.

http://ivy.at/archives/2129

Emirates Airlines Stewardess

Their uniform is a good combination between culture and fashion. Even though they comes from Muslim country, they try not to discriminate other employees who are not Muslim.

http://libertylondongirl.blogspot.com/2007/08/singapore-airlines-uniform-gets-design.html

Singapore Airlines Stewardess

The one that decide what is appropriate and what is not is the company. Singapore Airlines Stewardesses got critique for wearing slippers. However, the Singapore Airlines respond that batik clothes and slippers are stewardess’ uniform.

The stewardesses represent the airline. They're expected to look well groomed and professional.

Do you know?

Do you know that Singapore Airlines Stewardesses are not allowed to use public transportation? They are allowed to use Taxi. They even get taxi allowance to support the airlines’ image. They are allowed to use public transportation if they change their uniform first.

-E.I.J-

DRESS CODE AT WORK
All employers have a dresscode that employees have to abide by. The company wants a certain image to portray through the employees that work at the company/store. Some require business casual to formal attire to stores giving you a few options to pick from out of a handbook. Men and women are supposed to be treated equally according to federal law. Bloomingdales has the B-STYLE where you have to wear all black or dark navy no light colors and only black shoes. At Nike only nike apparel is allowed no Jordan brand unless you work for Jordan Brand company.

-AUSTIN CRISS

Dressing to impress the customers or yourself?

In recent pop culture, it has become more and more acceptable to show more skin in the workplace. But when is there too much skin? According to the article titled, “Casino Gives Workers Look They Can, Must Live With”, by Darlene Gavron Stevens, women are required to maintain the same look that they are given upon orientation and after they have had a “makeover” by the company image consultants.

         There is intense pressure that these women are facing in order to maintain their appearance on a daily work basis and women have to ask themselves if it’s really all worth it. The women used as the example explained that pregnant women are required to be the same weight as when they weren’t pregnant by the time the baby is 12 weeks old. THIS IS RIDICULIOUS. On top of this, they must also get any changes approved by the company before they make the change such as a haircut. They are also compared to a personal best photo that is taken by the company. If the associate does not look like the photo, then the worker faces consequences. Personal best photos are updated each year, so there are subtle changes as the years go on.

         Overall, all this attention to the workers costs Harrah’s an average of $3,000 per person, and they have over 1,400 workers. Overall, this is a whopping $4,200,000! A little too much? I think so. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chorwedel/3962812062/

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-birthday-freebies-in-la-oc/

All That's Bear Is Fit To Wear

Are you TOO SEXY for your job?

Dressing sexy can have negative affects at work especially the higher you climb on the ladder, according to a recent University of Lawrence study led by professor Peter Glick.

The study found that risque dress on the job is viewed as inappropriate for those in all positions. Managers who dressed provocatively, however, were perceived less intelligent and less competent, while those in lower level positions (like receptionists) were not. The study also suggests that women who wear racy clothing are perceived as using their sexuality to advance professionally. 

Although various media directed toward women... encourage women to emphasize their sex appeal, our results suggest that women in high-status occupations may have to resist this siren call to obtain the respect of their co-workers.

So what can happen if you dress provocatively at work? 

With the current "skin is in" fashions and the media full of images that suggest provocative dress is acceptable -- even desirable -- in the workplace, how can you make sure you don't cross the line? Here are some guidelines:

• Skirts:

Too little is too much. Skirt lengths should be no more than one hand-width above the knee.

• Tops:
Make sure there is at least one-inch of room between body and fabric and that it is long enough to conceal your midriff. Stomach, breasts, back and shoulders should be covered. Fabric should not be overly sheer and a bra should be worn (with no straps revealed).

• Dresses:
No halter tops or cleavage-baring necklines. Avoid overly snug fits. Again, hemlines should hit no more than one hand-width above the knee.

• Pants:
Shun overly tight or hip-hugger pants that expose the midriff. Stick with neutral colors.

• Shoes:
Heels should be no higher than two inches; toe should be closed. Avoid strappy styles, bright colors and patterns.

• Hair:
Keep your hair sleek and off your face. Avoid the teased, over-processed look.

• Makeup:
Keep it clean and natural. Avoid heavy eyeliner or evening lipsticks.

--- Xindi Ouyang

Less is Better

http://www.nature.com/news/2010/101027/full/news.2010.568.html

Some society or culture might do not care if women dressing provocatively however Indonesia does. Indonesia is a Muslim Country thus they discourage women to dressing provocatively. Most of Muslim women covering skin, some even wearing jilbab. In term of culture, people in Indonesia still not accept women dressing provocatively. Moreover, Indonesian government discourage by come up with a regulation, which prohibit provocative action in any form (painting, sketch, illustration, photo, animation, and many other form).

http://www.schemamag.ca/archive2/2012/04/miniskirts_pornographic_indone.php

Sometimes less is better. The less skin that is shown is better. Many women think when they are showing more skin they become more attractive and receive more attention. However, the attention might be the wrong type of attention. Many also think it is more attractive if you show less skin. Men are looking for a hint of mystery, which makes it sexier. 

http://www.bust.com/blog/for-muslim-fashion-designer-nzinga-knight-less-skin-showing-is-more-sexy.html

E.I.J

Swimming briefs?

Swimming athletes had to wear briefs since the sport started. Since then men have been reluctant to wear the briefs because they are shy and embarrassed to wear them. Experts say the briefs increase performance in the water but they have new speedo fastskins which are longer than the briefs and tight like the traditonal speedos.

Skin Is In

With the ozone depleting and the stock market rising and falling, so are hemlines. 

Shorter tops and even shorter skirts are all the rage, but are they really taken seriously? There is an increase in woman's self esteem and since, there has been an increased demand more clothing that shows more skin now that all body types are being accepted. But how much is too much especially in business? Women need to be taken seriously when they are present and they need to dress accordingly. Men get distracted when cleavage bearing tops are the norm and pencil skirts that leave little to the imagination are making women try three times as hard, according to Julia Roberts. So cover up next time you want to be taken seriously. 

Jovanna Reyes

A Survey of "Modern Primitive" Body Modification Rituals: Meanings of Pain

Ritual Piercing

Body Piercing is a form of body modification by using a sharp pointed object to go into or through the skin. It been known since before century. Body piercing can be used as identity, manhood, femininity, social status, or fashion. 

Identity

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/06/23/unusual-tribal-piercings-of-a-papua-new-guinea-tribesman/

In Papua New Guinea, nose piercing is a form to identity one tribe to another.

Manhood

http://fs.huntingdon.edu/history/jalbritton/101sg6.html

In Roman, piecing is used to show their manhood. Julius Caesar pierced his nipples to show his strength and his identification with his men.

Femininity

http://celebritynoserings.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html

In India, nose piercing is usually worn in the left nostril because in Ayurvedra medicine the piercing is supposed to make childbirth easier and lessen period pain.

Social Status

http://www.king-tut.org.uk/egyptian-pharaohs/pharaohs-timeline.htm

In Egypt, wealthy Egyptian wore earrings to display their wealth. Only Pharaoh is allowed to do navel pierce.

Fashion

http://rohrbachlibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/celebrate-shakespeare-and-national-poetry-month/

In Renaissance and Elizabethan eras, almost any male member of the nobility would have at least one earring. Even William Shakespeare wore earring to show his social status and to show that he is fashionable.  

Ritual Hook Hanging

Hanging Suspensions a cultural ritual that is on the extreme outer edges of the body modification scene. Hooks are attached to a person as temporary piercings; these hooks are then used to hang them in the air—much like cuts of meat in a butcher’s window. 

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=746&tbm=is

This ritual is said to have life affirming affects and change those which are troubled for the better—mental and physical preparation for suspension are of equal importance.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=746&tbm=isc

Depending on personal preference, there are several ways in which you can be hung, as you can see from the gallery. Each has their own name depending on the shape of the body during the ritual, like ‘Superman’ or ‘Suicide.’

While this is something that should never be tried on your own, if people do find this a life-changing experience, who are we to say that they are wrong?

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=746&tbm=isch&tbnid=NPpNm45wIWLXcM:&imx=93&ty=52 One of the rituals was performed by the Mandan, a tribe that lived in villages along the Missouri River (now North and South Dakota). This suspension ritual was called the O-Kee-Pa, and was a rite of passage for all young men, as well as a vision quest ritual for the shaman. This ritual was performed by piercing two hooks into the chest and two hooks into the back of a young man about to enter adult life. This young man was then suspended for about twenty minutes to seek communion with "The Great White Spirit", under the guidance of someone who had taken the journey before called a Ka-See-Ka, or guide. ---Xindi

Sun Dance

"The human body can be a vehicle for spiritual, psychological, and physical transformation, primarily through the use of body modification and associated rituals"

The first of the body modifications that were ever recorded were a stone age man, a Siberian Ice Maiden, and mummies of Xinjiang, China. They had tattoos, and piercings which led researchers to believe that these were used to determine social status, life-stags, cultural ideals, and participation in medicinal and spiritual rituals.

The sun dance was an eight day spiritual ritual practiced by North American Plains Indians. They would fast and dance for three days and three nights until the participants would have incisions made in their backs or chests, and pieces of wood attached to leather straps that were then inserted through freshly cut incisions in their back or chest muscles. They were then hoisted up and left hanging from their wounds facing the sun. This was called “Sun-Gazing”. The warrior would only be able to get down once the piercings had been ripped. They were said to have achieved a spiritual transcendence after passing out from the pain.

http://www.karenkuehn.com/people/peopleBW07_Sundance-Ritual.html

In modern times, this is now illegal, but is still secretly practiced. 

- Jovanna Reyes   

3-D Implants
3D implants are 3d teflon and surgical steel implanted under the skin. It was created by Steve Haworth, a modern primitive. His most noteable work is doing a 3d metal mohawk, all implants were placed along top center of the scalp. The
implants were square in shape. People who get this done say is
a positive pain experience which leads them to participating in
more rituals. 



http://www.berare.com/data/201109/body-modification-subskin.jpg

http://www.madlyodd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/subdermal_3D_implant.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe62QOmcMksNwAA0mVc5nAOjXAHOmMMG9mbKY9Zqs59KctgT_pZQz39ab6tLTABTqXuaqwKuzWtrZhbKVek9Kko3zGiWhgRAgIRYnqJUkYwp84l_D505iTjO91Fa6Wl1KJcN3I-pXOT-t/s1600/tumblr_lgmwl7GKdA1qzqd7fo1_500.jpg

     -AUSTIN CRISS

The s

True Colors- Gang Edition

Crips

Xindi

Gangs and gang members, along with types of clothing and tattoos, have traditionally worn colors as a means of identifying themselves and the gang with which they are affiliated.  Many non-gang members, who innocently wore a gangs colors in the wrong place at the wrong time have been assaulted and even killed.

The Crips are a primarily, but not exclusively, African-American gang. Crips were founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1969 mainly by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams. The Crips are one of the largest and most violent associations of street gangs in the United States.

The gang is known for its gang members' use of the color blue in their clothing. However, this practice has waned due to police crackdowns on gang members. 

http://www.coolchaser.com/graphics/tag/crips%20in%20blue%20graphics

Why do the Crips wear blue?

One reason Crips wear blue is cause most of the original members went to Washington High School in South LA & one of their school colors is blue. Another reason is cause one of the original members used to wear a blue bandanna on the left side of his back pocket as a fashion statement and when he died the Crips continued the trait in honor of him.

http://sneakanddestroyblog.com/2010/11/30/top-ten-tuesd













                                                                           BLOODS BY AUSTIN CRISS

Bloods were created to eliminate the crips. They were founded in the 70's, the first blood gand was PIRU BLOODS. They reside on piru street in East LA. Bloods wear red as their primary color. There are hundreds of different blood sets in Los Angeles and all over the U.S. Some fight against each other which doesnt make sense to me. Back in the 90s they were very bright about it, very loud in wearing red. They wear red bandanas on the right side and crips wear blue bandanas on their left side. Now today Bloods are very descrete, they will wear all types of colors to blend in with the people so cops wont harass them. They also have certain blood handshakes and signs to disrespect other gangs. I wear alot of red myself because thats my favorite color, and back in highschool i used to get "pressed" alot because people would think im a gangbanger cause i used to wear red hats, shirts and shoes. Alot of the blood community stays in a place called "the jungle" on rodeo and washington off of Crenshaw Blvd. Thats all blood terrority kind of like their headquarters in a sense. Alot of killings between crips and bloods have occured, and still is going on today but with the mexican gangs and MS-13  some crip and blood sets have teamed up together to fight the mexicans.ays/

Grape Street Watts Crips

http://www.blingcheese.com/image/code/133/crip+gang.htm

The Grape Street Watts Crips is a street gang from the Watts section of Los Angeles, California. There are many ways to identify certain gang. We can identify them with their gang color; what color do they wear, or by tattoo; each drawing symbolized different gang. Like many other gangs the Grape Street Watts Crips also symbolize them self with purple color instead of blue like normal Crips are. 

Why the Grape Street Watts Crips wear purple?

http://www.rapdict.org/Grape_Street_Watts_Crips

They wear purple to signify Grape Street, a north-south street in Watts and 103rd in the heart of their neighborhood. They occupy the Jordan Downs Public Housing and most residents attend Jordan High School which is located adjacent to the public housing. Nowadays, they are hiding their identity by wearing the purple bandana so they can avoid the police. 

-E.I.J-

Latin Kings

By Jovanna Reyes

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/new-york/latin-kings-street-gang-makes-park-slope-junior-180043485.html

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2gwfes0&s=3

In the reading, True Colors, the author describes the way that gangs use color to identify themselves from others of the same, or a different gang. Most importantly the author talked about how the gangs are now acting more subtle when dressing for their color or to show they are from a certain gang. The Latin Kings, for example, wear yellow and black beads to show they are one of the members. Now, instead of wearing the beads on their neck, they are keeping them in their pocket, hidden from the outside world until they are needed. One of the trends that will never go out of style for this gang, according to the reading, is the three circle dots that is tattooed on the gang members representing la vida loca. 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQjXDTj9keS90dE0FIDiGWuGZi1w-o49ir3rQEWPuzT_2EDJOGtJt0KosVdjJldiSZ1N79Qh1GPB7RojR83kn1dwwl0CTQOfbMaZGEq0YYzBEhybZU8zZuh6mjRgqJHi0HqLCRLeFnLE/s1600/K-9.JPG

What I thought was really interesting is that younger kids that impersonate these gangs are following the members, but in the opposite way. Since gang members are now trying to be more subtle in what gang they represent, more and more kids are dressing in the gang style to show more than anything that they are part of the gang, even when they are not. They are getting tattoos that one would get when they have been initiate into the gang, even though they aren't part of it yet. Another thing that I thought was rather funny was these kids saying they are Black Gangster Disciples, when they are white boys. How ironic.