Letter to the Editor: Normcore trend shows socioeconomic insensitivity
By Alexandria Sloane
May 30, 2014 12:00 a.m.
Noor Gill and Amy Lee discussed normcore fashion in their May 22 A&E column, “Normcore trend embraces ironic take on fashion.” However, their article fails to comment upon the cultural insensitivity of the so-called “trend,” which is based on the popular belief that the most fashionable thing to be is “normal.” Normcore is a practical joke that isn’t funny.
Normcore is an elitist movement within the middle to upper class in which economically privileged individuals dress in class drag – the socioeconomic equivalent of blackface or yellowface. Followers of the movement treat the everyday clothes of the lower class as a costume, as if creating a caricature.
As the “trend” has grown into mainstream culture, it has highlighted the deep-set issues within the fashion industry. The industry has long capitalized upon the exploitation of racial minority culture, and now it has turned its focus to socioeconomic minorities.
The trend is “ironic” all right. Designer labels creating pieces inspired by individuals who can’t afford designer prices. The irony isn’t “funny” or “clever”; it’s insensitive, mocking the lifestyle of the lower class.
We’ve reached an age where class is an identifier as common as race. From normcore to the introduction of class-based affirmative action at universities, we are at the turning point for major social change. However, it is important to intellectually analyze this change in culture – is it for better or for worse?
