Today was a perfect day to “people watch” (that didnt sound creepy at all), as it was 84 degrees on campus. Whenever the sun is out, the school’s population seems to double. There are a ton of “sun’s out, guns out” bros and high shorts, summer-dress wearing girls out and about. Everyone seems to be laying out on the Memorial Quad or throwing a frisbee around: kind of what one expects college to be. Its pretty ironic since this discussion is about the expectations/assumptions of people based on what they are wearing. On that note, there were many people that I noticed , but 3 stuck out and caught my eye for this assignment.
The first person I notice was a tall male wearing all Nike Oregon gear, from his head to his feet. He also had a pair of Dre Beats headphones. He also was rockin the classic, clean, buzz cut. He had a certain demeanor about him that portrayed confidence. He was also bigger, so it seemed that he valued a healthy lifestyle. It’s hard to put a finger on how an individual feels about certain issues because even if the organization they represent believes in something, the individual is just as likely to feel a different way. n terms of emotional condition, I believe this individual would feel self confident in their body to be able to play a sport in front of a number of strangers. However, the individual didn’t seem sad or anything of that nature, so I assume that they are at peace mentally. I assume this person is an athlete for our school because of what he was wearing along with his Oregon Backpack, which definitely gives it away.
The next person I noticed was a girl that was wearing a navy summer dress with white polka dots on them, while wearing flip flops. She was obviously dress for the amazing weather! She was also wearing a black backpack so I assume that she a student going to class. She looked maybe about 5’5”, she was skinny , and had long brown hair. From her demeanor and based on appearance, she seemed happy. I can see her as being very fun, smilely and bubbly. I can’t really say for sure but I would assume she has a supportive family, and that she grew up with strong values.
The last person I observed was a 5’10” Caucasian male. He was a little on the bigger side, had long and somewhat curly, messy hair. He was wearing what seemed to be a dirty or old muggy green t shirt, and beige khaki cargo shorts. Side note, whenever I see people wear a green shirt which beige/brown khakis, I think they look like a tree. He seem older, maybe about 26-30 years old. I got a kinda of nerdy demeanor from him. I could definitely see him as a GTF for math or economics. feel his appearance makes him look very relaxed and laid back, friendly, but maybe weird (not a bad thing).
Again, all these assumptions were based on quick observations. I know that I cannot know a person just based on peer observation. My claims are due to the assignment at hand. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Hello, Dexter! You definetely picked a very nice day for this assignment. I think the first person you noticed represents the typical students here in UO. They are healthy and confident. Also, they have a brand loyalty to Nike. I think the Nike Oregon gear is a symbol of our community. We live in a very peaceful and happy life in Eugene. Based on your description, the second girl should be a skinny and pretty lady. Is she a native American student? I guess she might have done her midterms very well so she looked very happy. I’m curious about why you assumed that she has a supportive family. Have you seen any expensive things or brands with her? I love your “side note” for the last person!!! Yes, I agree with you he looked like a tree. Do you have any idea about why he like these two colors? Maybe he is an environmentalist. It’s funny that if I see this kind of nerdy guy at school, I will see him as a GTF for math or CIS too. Do the person that are majoring in science really nerdy or dull? (No offense here.)
I find it interesting that you choose these three specific people out of everyone that you would see on a sunny day on campus. These people seem pretty average to see everyday on campus. It seemed like all of these people had some role in the school meaning that they must be somewhat well educated. Also, i found it interesting how you said that the man you thought was a GTF looked like a tree? You should elaborate more on what you mean by this. Im curious to know what features on his clothing specifically made him look like a tree. Other than that nice job explaining the people that you saw.
Hi Carmassi,
Thank you for commenting, You are probably right. I could have probably found some other people that were a little more “outland-ish” rather than “basic”, but those were the ones that specifically caught my eye while i was sitting and watching. On the topic about how the potential GTf looked like a tree, there really is no reason other than when I see someone wearing a green shirt, with khakis/beige/brown pants, I think of a tree because generally, a tree has green leaves, and its trunk is generally brown.
Again, thank you for the comments.
I think it’s interesting the connection with the geographical location and emotional heath that is made in earlier comments. I think that would be an interesting topic to consider more and maybe see if having a majority of the school year be rainy days makes the sunny ones seem more influential in mood and dress. Your article had me thinking that it would also be interesting, I think, to observe on a rainy day and then on a day with sunny, nice weather and see if there is a more extreme sense of dress (meaning an excess amount of ‘guns out’, ect.) on the nice days and if the same occurs for rainy, except maybe there is more an excessive amount of cozy, sweat pant wearers instead. I liked the comment about the man looking like a tree (very funny!) and I think it shows that when we are people watching the thoughts that come to mind do not always have to be solely on the person we are watching but that they can remind of us other things.
-Michelle
Hello, Dexter! You really chose a very nice day for this one. I think the first person you express is a student of University of Oregon. He is healthy optimistic. I agree with Emily that the Nike Oregon gear is a symbol of our community. We live in a very peaceful and happy life in Eugene. Your second description tells me that she should be a outgoing and pretty girl.I just love outgoing people since I like to talk to the people I don’t know. And I always talk to somebody who is outgoing; I could tell them whatever I want, because I don’t know them and they don’t know me and my friends.