Fashion, Faith and Christianity
Those Christians. Don’t They Know Fashion is an Exclusive Club?
I was recently reading about the arrival of Tim Tebow in New York City and I must say that I was appalled at some of the comments concerning his faith and how he will or will not be accepted by the fashion industry because of what he believes.
A quote from an article in the New York Times: After all, Mr. Tebow is “very, very to the right.” He doesn’t believe in abortion or a woman’s right to choose.” That’s problematic, she explained, particularly in a city rife with empowered women who make their own money (not “Bible Belt beauty queens”), gay men and people who support gay and lesbian rights. The very people who run the fashion industry.
I happen to be a woman, I happen to work within the fashion industry, and I happen to support the right to life. As for the Bible belt beauty queen comment…Isn’t that an example of the very bigotry we talk about?
Has the fashion industry become the bigot? The prejudiced exclusive club that says: “If you are not like us you can’t join this club?” Surely we are not so limited in our understanding that we now exclude anyone who does not agree with what is perceived as normal.’ Is there really no room for diversity? I was responsible for the purchase of over 1 million dollars in clothing last year alone, and I must say that no one, not one single client ever asked me if the designer was a Christian, had White, Black or Yellow skin, a Muslim, a Jew, if they were rich or poor, if they were gay or straight or if they were tall or short. My clients simply wanted great clothing that reflected the fashion and image that they want to portray. Quotes by industry insiders that belittle a man and his faith and suggest that he would not be welcomed by the fashion ELITE in New York only create the same stereotypical view of people that they are arguing against. I happen to be a Christian, and I hope that my faith would not kick me out of “The Party.” Perhaps those who claim to be attacked should look and see whom it is they are attacking. Does the fashion industry also attack other religions that claim similar values concerning abortion or gay rights? Or is the Christian the only target?
I can assure you that Christians are buying the clothes just as are other people who have different values. Perhaps it is time the industry stops setting itself apart from the crowd based on their values and begins to set itself apart from one another based on some amazing designs and quality creations.
As for Tim Tebow…I applaud his strong faith. I have yet to see him attack anyone or push his faith onto other people…but I have heard him give Glory to God and to say that he hopes to share the love of Jesus Christ in all that he does. I am not so certain what is wrong with that, and I hope that I can do the same. When it comes to starting for the JETS and taking them to new heights – I say may the best quarterback start and play the game!
Photo courtesy of Google and americanvogue.com and
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