Yes, we are Ole Miss, and we proudly dress the part. We wear formal attire in the grove, we walk with a certain level of pride that shows that we not only attend this beautiful campus, but dwell in this outstanding community. However, is there a thing as too preppy? 'Cause it appears to me sometimes that with the amount of loafers in this city and on this campus, we can say that there is a little too much pep in their step.
I can absolutely appreciate that clean-cut appearance that our fraternity members and alumni alike display as they proudly shout "Hotty Toddy;" although, there is sometimes such a mass of this appearance that stigmas form about what Ole Miss guys are like. Don't let the image fool you.Contrary to what some might say, our men are not too haughty, and they most definitely are strong men. They are gentlemen all the same, and open doors for women. They show their patience in speaking without running over what another is saying.
However, after declaring all that, it only seems natural to recognize that they also must feel an immense amount of pressure to fit in, to carry the torch of those before them, and to invest in Costa and Clarks.
Country boys rock boots and Levis, and preppy boys rock khakis and loafers. Hmmm... is that always the case, though? Or at least must that always be the case? Pretty sure at this point society has proven that one identity we showcase does not sum up our overall style or who we truly are. Perhaps if they put away a sweater vest at moments for Dickies and Adidas, there might be a wider identity displayed for college guys, particularly fraternity guys, here at Ole Miss.
I've asked myself why it seems as though fraternities don't ever want to step too far outside the style box. It is only my guess that perhaps that preppy look that one proclaims through their style is an immediate identifying image that they are a 'frat boy," or Ole Miss alumni. They act as if it's a boastful identity to claim, not even understanding the stigmas associated with it.
It is public knowledge that we are all entitled to express ourselves through our own personal style, and by all means, there should be no harsh judgment that comes along in doing so. However, acknowledging what that style reflects, and how it might form a stereotype, opens us all up to a greater idea of what our clothing really says about us.
I love all my Ole Miss family: classmates, fraternities, sororities, athletes, and all intellects alike. So be free to express yourself however you see fit. Just before the next pair of Clarks gets put into the wardrobe, maybe ask the question, "How preppy is too preppy?"
