13.2 New UGA Technology Makes Textiles Germ-Free

What is the new technology?

• A treatment to “inexpensively render medical linens and clothing, face masks, paper towels, diapers, intimate apparel, and athletic wear, including smelly socks—permanently germ free.”

How it works?

• The technology is a spray-on permanent treatment using UV light that can be applied before or after the manufacturing process and will not wash out. This can be compared to other products that start to disappear after 3 or 4 washes, are too expensive, and can only be applied during the manufacturing process. 
• The treatment uses inexpensive chemistry to kill off and prevent the production of bacteria, yeasts, and molds that are harmful to users.
• If taken off, it can be reapplied.

 What can it be applied to?

• Clothes, military apparel and gear, food packaging, plastic furniture, pool toys, medical and dental instrumentation, bandages, and plastic items.

Who invented the new technology?

• Jason Locklin, an assistant professor of chemistry in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and on the Faculty of Engineering

Why is it important?

• The spreading of bacteria in hotels, at home, and at health care facilities is a growing concern. “One in 20 hospitalized patients will contract a health-care-associated infection.” The bacteria gets trapped in lab coats, scrubs, uniforms, gloves, and linens.
• A test of the treatment showed after one application staph, strep, E. coli, pseudomonas, and acetinobacter did not develop after 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius and after several washes and dries.

How does a company obtain the technology?

• The treatment is available for licensing from the University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc. (UGARF)

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is using UV light with help of a topical gel that destroys the hair follicle, preventing hair from growing in that area. Similar to the germ-free technology, laser hair removal both removes and uses technology to do so. 

4.6 Quantitative Study of Females: Ethnicity and Its Influence on Body Image, Thin-Internalization, and Social Comparison

Point of the study:

Does ethnicity influence body image, thin-internalization, and social comparison and does social comparison influence body image and thin-internalization among women?

Background:

Caucasian Women (CA) are said to have lower body images than African American women (AA). The fashion industry is largely to blame for the “thin is in” social message. However research shows that AA women are more satisfied with their bodies. Is this discrepancy due to the strong ethnic identity in the AA culture? Does this effect what women believe to be the “standard of beauty?”

What do these terms mean?

Body Image: “the mental picture we have of our bodies that affects the perception of our physical appearance and even how others perceive us.”

 Thin-internalization: “the extent to which an individual cognitively ‘buys into’ social defined ideas of attractiveness and engages in behaviors designed to produce an approximation of these ideals.”

Social Comparison: “when individuals seek to compare themselves with someone against whom they believe should have reasonable similarity”

How Was the Study Conducted?

Surveys were given to women ages 18 or older. 120 participants were CA and 117 were AA. These participants were mostly students, although they were encouraged to share with friends and family.

Results:

• Not a large difference in body image between CA and AA women (not supporting previous research)
• CA women place a larger value on thin-internalization than AA women. Pressures and social stereotypes have more of an effect on CA than AA women (supports previous research)
• AA women view beauty in terms of personality and other traits
• People make comparisons with those they believe they are similar to. The lack of representation of AA women in media means that they overlook the ideal ‘thin is in’ social message because they do not see a clear comparison or representation of themselves
• CA women compare themselves to others more often than AA women.
• Social comparison does NOT have a large influence on body image and thin-internalization. There must be other factors affecting this.

Gay Relationships/Marriage

The reality of gay and lesbian marriage can be relatable to this topic in the way it incorporates the ideas of social norms, stereotypes, and what is commercialized in society. The same way women are given role models for their figure which differs between races, people are given certain standards as to what marriage is. It is in magazines, on the news, in our movies and in our lives everyday. We have these social comparisons that we hold ourselves to, whether consciously or not, when encountering our feelings of love towards another person. So, for people to go against these “social norms”, like they did at some point in time, made an uproar amongst society. This can ALSO include differences among races such as it did in the article of body image. These social comparisons cause people to look down on themselves if they do not fit the social standards of a perfect, man and women marriage. But instead, as for body image or love, we should embrace who we are as individuals, with unique bodies or unique feelings, not constantly tweak ourselves to be “perfect”. 

Costuming the Imagination: Origins of Anime and Manga Cosplay

12.5 Costuming the Imagination: Origins of Anime and Manga Cosplay

Terms:

• Manga are Japanese comics
• Anime is the Japanese version of animation
• Otaku are fans of anime and manga that perfect the art of cosplay

What is Cosplay?

Cosplay is the “various types of costumed role-playing.” There are two different theories of how cosplay began, but the most evident story begins in 1984 when an anime publisher Takahashi Nobuyuki attended a World-Con event in the United States. When he went to Japan to publish his experience, he could not translate the word “masquerade” because it meant “an aristocratic costume party” in Japanese, and this is extremely different than the meaning he wished to convey. He came up with costume play, or kosupure, later known as cosplay. Japanese attending North American conventions and vice versa has created similarities between the costume-playing of these different places.

Four Components of Anime and Manga

Anime and Manga Cosplayer:

• Anyone who is dedicate and committed to representing a character through act and dress
• Attends conventions and socializes with others as the given character

Social Settings:

• Masquerades (competitions), photograph sessions, themed parties, karaoke, club meetings, conventions
• Cosplayers attend one convention a month on average, but cosplay extends beyond the social gatherings and into internet, regular small talk, and other parties
• Masquerades are the most popular
• Judgement includes accuracy of costume, construction and details of dress, and entertainment and accuracy of skit in comparison to real character
• Spectators are an important part in social settings because they encourage interaction

Character and Role-Playing:

• No limitations to which character one can choose
• Trends result due to popularity of characters
• “Crossplay” is not unusual—it is when a cosplayer depicts a character of the opposite sex

Dress:

• “Costume” or “dress”: All body modifications and supplements (purchased or handmade)
• It is a form of nonverbal communication—others identify the character from the dress

Interaction Between Two Cultures

In North America, cosplayers perform small skits depicting the character whereas in Japan, cosplayers strike a small pose or show a glimpse of an action. Also, in Japan, some stores and restaurants will not allow a cosplayer in dressed in costume while in North America, it is common for a cosplayer to go out to eat after competing at a convetion. Another difference is that Japan has designated areas to shop for cosplay items, while North Americans have to use catalogs if they missed their chance to shop at a convention.

Cosplay as a Japanese Subculture

Cosplay exists as a subculture in Japan because it is outside of the cultural and acceptable norm. Due to the negativity towards Cosplay, some communities have grown over the years to be strictly for cosplayers and include shops and restaurants. The subculture is comprised of social interctions, environemtns, and experiences where cosplayers take part in unique experiences.

The "Ravers" as an example

The “Ravers” are known as their own subculture whom listen to techno music and go out to clubs, sometimes doing illegal things such as drugs. Similar to the Japanese in cosplay, ravers use this type of experience to let go of who they are as an everyday individual and be someone or something else that expresses their feelings about themselves. They have their own style as far as dress. Events are what bring the ravers together where they can gather and share their outfits and love of their entertainment. Similar to the Japanese that are into cosplay, ravers may have a negative connotation among the normal society which is why these events are made to specifically draw the ravers in. These events include one of the biggest being EDC. 

9.1 THE CAMPUS AS RUNWAY

Julia Flynn is just one example of college students who make an effort to look good and dress up on campus. Nowadays it is important for students to put thought into what they’re going to wear to class. There is no more of the “sweat pants and T-shirt look” for the typical college student. 

People find that their campus is their place to show off themselves and be an individual, so personal style is key. This leads into the issue that students have with others trying to copy or share the same style as them. Although students do not extend their style for outsiders to share, they do expect other students to dress up in THEIR style. 

It seems that most college girls shop at the same price range. The article makes it a point that wearing sloppy clothes with an over priced bag or accessories does not make it acceptable, instead this is inequality. The places the students shop at are examples of being able to not over pay for their clothes but still be stylish, such as Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, H & M, and more. On the other side of buying, online is a hit for college students. For students, being on the internet is nothing far of reach. They are always online, so they used that to their advantage. Whether it’s shopping online, blogging, or watching the runways, college students can constantly get inspiration for their own style. 

Now is our time to leave a mark on wear we stand. Whether that’s at our school or in our city, we know that nothings predictable for that day. You never know who you’re going to see or who is going to take a picture of you. But to make sure you as a student have people looking at you and attain your status. 

THE AIRPORT AS RUNWAY

The idea of college campus's starting to feel like a runway is similar to that of airports. Of course, this is dependent upon the city a person is in and is traveling to, much like the style differs throughout different colleges in different locations. Traveling by plane once had the connotation of comfy dressing, nearly that of pajamas for some. However more recently, the celebrities caught wearing heels to every occassion have influenced bloggers (shown below) and other people to carry over their dressed up styles to the airport. Although heels do not seem ideal for a long day of traveling, people have begun to take the opportunity to claim their status, display their sense of style, and grasp attention by casting aside their comfy shoes for a pair of heels. Like the movement towards "dress-up" on campus, a person never knows who he or she might be seen by, and they never want to miss a quick picture opp.

The reasons students feel the need to dress up on campus, well there’s many. But most important is that you never know who you’re going to see. Showing off your individuality and caring about what you wear is important at school. The campus is your runway. 

3.1 Historical Background of Kente and the Involvement of Nonverbal Communication

Article 3.1, Historical Background of Kente

This article describes the history of Kente, a hand woven cloth of different colors, fabrics, and motifs. Kente was originally referred to as Kenten ntoma, meaning basket cloth in which Kente cloths were woven in a way that resembled a “Kenten”, or basket. As the author writes, the Kente has a “textile history of mixed origin.” There are several different reports and accounts of the beginning of Kente.

1. Two farmers learned by watching a spider create its web and trying to duplicate it
2. An Ota Kraban purchased a loom from a Gyaman and began Kente in Bonwire
3. Introduction through trade from Northern Africa to the Ashanti (located in Ghana)
4. Began in Ancient West African Kingdom where examples of the weaving are found in caves
5. Originated with the Ewes, who taught the Ashanti. The two words “Ke,” meaning “open it”, and “Te,” meaning “press it” were used to teach an apprentice the proper technique. It is unknown how the n was added to form “Kente”.

 Both the Ewe and Ashanti people used and use these cloths as part of tradition within their culture. The differences between the two people are below.

Ewe:

• No connection with a court of royalty
• Originally used mainly cotton yarns, which mature and become dull
• Now use silks, cotton, and rayons to produce bright Kente cloths
• Produce a type of Kente referred to as “Shan-Shan”, no messages within the fabrics

Ashanti

• Silk and cotton yarns that are vivid and bright
• Call the “Shan-Shan” an “Ahwepan”, no messages within the fabrics

Types of Kente include woven fabrics referred to by the Ewe as the “Shan-Shan” and by the Ashanti as “Ahwepan.” These type of fabrics do not hold a specific message. Another type is the “Printex”, however these factory made fabrics are known as “imitation” because they do no use the traditional strips of fabric.

Color Symbolism in Kente Cloths

Ghana uses color to portray mood, occasion, gender, and aesthetic taste, these are examples of nonverbal communication with the garnets and how they are interpreted in that culture. A comparable example of this would be how Americans interpret the red octagon as a single of “stop” (nonverbal communication). However, now the colors are based on an individual preference with not much consideration of the color symbolism.

• White (ivory, white glass, eggshell): purity, virtue, innocence, joy, and victory, worn by brides, girls in the beginning of puberty
• Black: worn in funeral ceremonies
• Gold(controlled fire): royalty, continuous life, and warmth, worn by Chiefs
• Yellow(fowl fat): royalty, prosperity, glory, maturity, and the prime of life, worn by chiefs
• Green(new leaves): newness, vitality, and primeness of growth., worn by teenagers during puberty rites
• Red (blood): deep melancholy such as war and anger, worn during funerals and political rallies
• Blue (silver and early dawn): love, female tenderness, rule of a queen mother
• Gray (ashes): degradation and shamefulness

Crackdowns Just Help Business

Article 2.3, “In Tehran, Boutiques Stock hot outerwear under the counter” by Farnaz Fassihi, describes the growing desire women have in Iran to bend the laws regarding dress. Iranian designers are “determined to transform hijab from shapeless to chic.” In Islamic Sharia law, women over the age of ten are required to conceal their hair by wearing a hijab (or veil) normally black or brown and loose, shapeless and long.   

However, throughout the years, women have been trying to bend the rules, raising hemlines and wearing tight clothing showing off their figures. After the Islamic Republic victory in 1979, however, the government would not allow women to be improperly dressed. They went so far as to fine and arrest women who did not follow the Islamic law. Obviously, this was a bit aggressive, and as soon as the restrictions were widened, women began to take control of their own dress. Islamic women tend to have similar excuses when it comes to why they go away from the norm of the hijab or do not wear them at all. These excuses include that they are afraid they won't get the job they want or they won't find a husband. As we have talked about first impressions before, we know that they are important. We dress to express ourselves and everyone should have the freedom to. Therefore, these women feel the need to go against the traditional ways and stand out and make a good impression.

We can relate the feeling of a dress code becoming less restricted with public and private schooling. Junior highs and high schools tend to have dress codes that girls do not like to comply  to. They want to express their own feelings through their dress and are unable to through strict limitations, especially in private schools where one must wear a uniform each day. After leaving high school, it is an amazing feeling to not have to worry about abiding by school rules, and dressing the way we want to dress. The women following the Islamic law were “tired of religious intrusions in their lives” and we understand their desire to want to dress to impress. 

Of course, as restrictions loosened, women took to wearing bright colors, sheer tops, and sexier clothing. The government, noticing the high demand throughout clothing shops, began to crackdown again. However, they took a different approach by fining stores that sold “Un-Islamic" clothing. As the government constrains, more women want the “sexier” clothing and shop owners still find ways to meet this demand. They hide revealing clothing in the back of the store and only bring them out upon request. As women are forced more heavily to abide by a strict law, they are more likely to rebel against them.

Etiquette 101: Dress Codes 

The article titled Etiquette 101: Dress Codes by Conde Nast Traveler is a fun guide into what is appropriate and stylish in countries all around the world. The article is divided into continents, then countries, and specifically into what to wear “at a meeting, on the street, and at a party.”

The first stop on this trip is Africa and the Middle East, where the author discusses the importance of covering up. In Dubai, brand names are important on the streets and nothing is too shiny for party attire, but girls must keep their shoulders covered in the social light of the streets. Over in Jordan, things are kept simple and sophisticated, as long as women cover their shoulders at work or to a party. In Iran, the dress code is more strict; police regulate the rules on the streets, requiring women to be completely covered from head to toe either in a hooded, floor-length cloak known as a Chador or a loose garment resembling a coat called a Manteaux, and a patterned Hijab (head covering). Men flaunt real Italian suits. We found it interesting that woman could wear a veil to cover their heads and show off more skin than a Hijab. This seemed revealing for a country that is strict on women covering their entire body. 

So how does one wear a Hijab anyway? The article gives detailed descriptions into the appropriate ways to wear the head scarf, starting off by writing that women view others that wear their hair in a high bun under their hijab as provocative. While one may think on the streets is the perfect place to wear a hijab a little looser, Iranians think more along the lines of functionality and think realistically by securing the hijab under the chin so that it does not move or fall off in the hustle and bustle. As one might expect, the hijab is secured tightly at any gathering, meeting, or party.

We found the most interesting part of the article to be the section titled “What to wear on safari.” Although most people immediately think of interesting animal prints and patterns for a safari, the attire suggested throughout this article is all the more reserved. An important factor to remember is ***always to dress in layers, not to over pack, and avoid strong scents that may bother the animals.*** Men are to wear khakis or shorts with a fleece at night and women a tank top with a “Ralph Lauren linen button down” for the cooler mornings.

Next stop is Asia where a style for one country certainly will not work for traveling to the next. Brand names and fancy outfits on the street are popular in Japan whereas in Singapore, dress is more casual. Many people wear flip-flops as a trendy item.

Europe, like Asia, requires an extensive packing list if one is traveling from country to country. The first stop on this continent is France where sophistication and neutral colors are a must. Baseball caps, sneakers, and t-shirts are an absolute no when it comes to on-the-street fashion. Next stop, Turkey, but do not visit without getting a fresh manicure, men included. On the streets, women and men must never dress down -designer jeans and an ironed designer t-shirt forms a well put-together look. However, an interesting detail to note is that wearing brands with the name visible is considered low-class at a party. Stylish Turkish women choose plain designer dresses over ones with a recognizable logo on them. In the UK, preppy is not fashionable. Instead, men and women have a relaxed look. The last two stops are Milan and Paris where the author discusses the difference of these two fashion capitals. In Milan, clothing is vibrant and on trend, made by Italian designer brands, and paired with high heels, tan skin, and hair that is pulled up. In Paris, however, is a carefree and stylish look, where hair is messy to compliment the loose off the shoulder vintage tank worn by a stylish woman.

We think for most people, assumptions are made about how to dress by what we see on social media. What we fail to recognize sometimes when traveling or being in the environment of other cultures is that there is a difference between them, which is whether they are tight or loose.

-We become accustomed to the dress codes of our country simply by living and growing up in that place. 

-We subconsciously think of these dress codes when picking out an outfit for gatherings, parties, meetings, going out on the street, and traveling. 

-We constantly ask ourselves if something is appropriate for a specific type of event without realizing that other countries have completely different versions of what is appropriate and what is not. 

Tourists tend to dress in similar fashions to the dress code they are used to. People must recognize and be educated on places they are visiting because cultures change in their strict dress or lack thereof. This article makes it so that any American reading can be educated on the different rules of fashion in the countries mentioned above.