'Every Distinguished Gentleman'
http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/showthread.php?p=535058#post535058
(hurl)
Last edited by Terry Lean (2007-04-14 07:35:10)
Is that a demonic sperm affter the word 'Coco'?
It's new to me & I like it.
t.
A friend works for part of the UK government which is staffed largely by gentlemen and as a consequence they have great difficulty promoting people. Since a gentleman may work from a sense of duty there is no desire to climb the greasy pole, that smacks of needing a job.
There are still regiments in the Army where an officer will find it hard to survive without being independently wealth. The pay doesn't begin to cover the cost of the social life you are expected to take part in. Since an officer is by definition a gentleman someone with money can buy status, a practise dating back to the purchase of commissions.
... but eg points out this is in the Old World and not the Colonies.
A real aristocrat runs a business, but always with a loss.
Really, that was an outstanding post, Terry. I can see why they ruling elites sneered at Queen Victoria for being so "middle class" (which she was by nature and inclination, if not birth).
TV
Pulling this thread back on track -
Being an Internet Gentleman is aspirational like many other web-related things.
It has a residual class connotation, but like Mr. eg observes it's now probably more about some nebulous concept of superior manners, behaviour, taste, etc.
Props seem to be important for this aspiration. It's not enough just to have good manners, you seem to need the 'right' pen to go with the lifestyle too.
This I think ties into the 'Classics' thread & Mr. Bosthist's observation on (I think) the 'Lifestylism' thread that buying the best will (they hope) make you the best.
At root then, this is probably all about various insecurities being manifested by a yearning to be a 'better' person & have a 'better' life.
To be a Gentleman, or a true 'Trad', or a well respected expert on Bespoke tailoring...
To be ANYTHING in fact that is different (and therefore 'better') than what you actually are.
Self improvement is a wonderful thing, but why can't these guys follow their ambitions without sneering at others who do not share their aims?
On the Net you keep seeing fellows who are not content just to inform you about their shopping, they have to actively boast about it and belittle others who make choices other than their own ones too.
Why feel the need?
And if you do feel it, why flaunt it?
Is all the boasting good therapy for them?
I hope it is.
But they should be aware that their motivation in putting on airs and graces is very transparent to most of the rest of the world.
They're only ever going to impress the clueless.
Not really that much of a victory...
Still... Have a good Sunday, won't you?
t.
Last edited by Terry Lean (2007-04-15 08:39:25)