Common Stereotypes Surrounding Bow Ties

To the devotee, bow ties are an iconoclasm of tradition – a determination to adhere to a contrarian viewpoint. For a long time, the bow tie hinted at intellectualism, whether or not it was real. It suggested understanding for the technical, which is perhaps why many found it challenging to tie. In the beginning, the ties were worn by country doctors, professors, lawyers, magicians and people hoping to look like them. Most of all, the bow tie broadcasted an aggressive lack of care for what others think. Over time, some stereotypes have waned, and others have risen on their stead. Popular ones today include:

 

Men in bow ties are untrustworthy

 

This stereotype is an extension from the belief that bowties are a reserve for a select few. For a period, they were worn by clowns, kids, and comedians. Sometimes eccentric professors would pop up with a love for the ties. With these observations, bow ties began to be associated with people who did not know much, or those with a point to prove, that was not necessary. The tie moved from its association with intellectuals to one with untrustworthy people. 

 

Bow tie wearers are show-offs

 

Since the bow tie is not very common in some circles, people assume that any man who wears the tie could only be doing that to show off. The reality of the matter is that anyone, long tie or not, could dress to show off. To assume that bow ties point to a need for special affection or attention is to be misguided about human nature. 

 

Bow tie wearers are weird

 

While this stereotype may not be far from the truth, it falls short where people assume conformity to be equal to regular. It is true that in some cases, bow ties can suggest alternative lifestyles, but they are not always attached to the wearers’ identities. 

 

Like with other aspects of life, stereotypes are dangerous when they are treated as the gospel truth. If you want to enjoy the world of men’s fashion, you do well to dispense of such. You will be free to try the many options that abound and in the process, engage people to see things differently. 

 

To the devotee, bow ties are an iconoclasm of tradition – a determination to adhere to a contrarian viewpoint. For a long time, the bow tie hinted at intellectualism, whether or not it was real. It suggested understanding for the technical, which is perhaps why many found it challenging to tie. In the beginning, the ties were worn by country doctors, professors, lawyers, magicians and people hoping to look like them. Most of all, the bow tie broadcasted an aggressive lack of care for what others think. Over time, some stereotypes have waned, and others have risen on their stead. Popular ones today include:

 

Men in bow ties are untrustworthy

 

This stereotype is an extension from the belief that bowties are a reserve for a select few. For a period, they were worn by clowns, kids, and comedians. Sometimes eccentric professors would pop up with a love for the ties. With these observations, bow ties began to be associated with people who did not know much, or those with a point to prove, that was not necessary. The tie moved from its association with intellectuals to one with untrustworthy people. 

 

Bow tie wearers are show-offs

 

Since the bow tie is not very common in some circles, people assume that any man who wears the tie could only be doing that to show off. The reality of the matter is that anyone, long tie or not, could dress to show off. To assume that bow ties point to a need for special affection or attention is to be misguided about human nature. 

 

Bow tie wearers are weird

 

While this stereotype may not be far from the truth, it falls short where people assume conformity to be equal to regular. It is true that in some cases, bow ties can suggest alternative lifestyles, but they are not always attached to the wearers’ identities. 

 

Like with other aspects of life, stereotypes are dangerous when they are treated as the gospel truth. If you want to enjoy the world of men’s fashion, you do well to dispense of such. You will be free to try the many options that abound and in the process, engage people to see things differently.