i did have the unpleasant experience of actually going in to an A&F store. in the mall i could smell it from 300 feet away and could tell that it was nearby because i saw posse's of trampy blond girls and their jock boyfriends swarming around. when i actually went in it was like being in a club because the music in the store was extremely loud, head-thumping disco/electro/dance crap and i couldn't hear myself think (not that a lot of that was going on in there). Besides the smell and the sound there were tons of pictures of practically naked men and women. what i don't know is how naked people are supposed to be advertising clothing (not that anyone shopping there was smart enough to notice). even in the commercials for A&F no one is really wearing a lot of clothing and it's like one of those commercials where you wouldn't know what they were selling until the name or logo came on the screen. all i see is hair flipping and abs......
watch this and you will understand my point of view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXfnBbMNwmM
Did you know that you have to be at least 18 years old to buy an A&F catalog? can anyone say 'x-rated'?!
Well, the real question is: why do American teens buy (literally) into this image? what makes them want to spend twice as much money on the same t-shirt they could buy in another store? is it just for the label? or is it the sheer lack of individuality in our culture today? My younger sister, who is 14 years old, is going to help me answer these questions (she likes A&F).
Q: do you agree with my opinion of A&F? do you think this is a correct analysis?
A: i agree with your opinion but i will still buy their clothes. the reason i will still buy their clothes is because it looks nice and it fits my body right.
Q: do you realize that you can buy the same things for a lot cheaper at a different store that has better morals portrayed and a more appropriate image for girls your age?
A: yes, but i won't buy the revealing things. i guess your just buying the name.
Q: but by wearing the clothes don't you think that you are therefore representing the image and morals of the company?
A: Yes.
Q: so you cannot just buy the name.
A: true
Q: why do you think this store is so popular?
A: because it's atmosphere is very appealing and it smells good and they have some pretty nice clothing that would appeal to younger society. and because of the label, being so widely known.
Q: what do you think the A&F label stands for? be honest
A: the moose, duh! it obviously means that you have enough money to buy the clothes because it is mad expensive. and secondly it stands for the best. the most expensive. it is therefore higher in rank compared to Hollister and American Eagle. people want these clothes just for the name.
Q: do you think only a certain stereotype should wear or represent A&F?
A: well, they only provide certain sizes so then only skinny people can have the privilege of wearing their clothing. Q: do you think you qualify? if so why?
A: yes. because i am skinnier and i have the stereotype that the store would want to buy their clothing because I'm preppy. this does not stop people from buying their clothes.
Q: do you think teens just buy A&F clothing to fit in to the crowd? to be accepted?
A: yes
Q: by doing that do you think it is a good idea to become accepted?
A: no. you won't be accepted by what you wear. but what you wear is part of it. you can't be the most popular at school and wear dorky clothes.
Q: do you think the preppy look of A&F causes a lack of individuality because of the stereotype that comes with it?
A: no, I've seen punk people wear A&F.
I still think that A&F is just another stereotype and that it does cause a lack of personality when you wear it. it is a conspiracy to have clone people. younger kids have also found it is a way to find acceptance from peers. this is not right. this is the shallow thinking of our sad, messed-up society. rise against this! boycott A&F and Hollister.
the end
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