Styles come and go. I'm no slave to fashion, but every now and then I try to make sure I'm "with it". I don't even really know what that means, but the bottom line is I try to make sure I look good, in appropriate scenarios. Most people know what to wear in what situation, and I think I have a pretty good grasp on that. (Otherwise I hope those in my inner circles would give me friendly pointers) But throughout the years, there's been one staple hanging in my closet, or folded in my dresser: the black t-shirt.
In terms of comfort, it's a given. Nothing beats it. But there's no broader template for painting the picture that is you. It could be something you picked up at a show. Or a stinging political statement. Even as simple as the trademark of one of your favourite bars. Hell, it could be just a solid sexy black t-shirt. You can say a million things just by choosing which one you want to wear that day.
The first band t-shirt I ever owned was plastered with a cover shot of Def Leppard's Hysteria album. I was only about nine years old when my parents gave it to me, but I loved it so much I wore it right out. I am not ashamed at all admitting Def Leppard was my favourite band at the time. And whenever I wore that shirt, it was a little injection of rock n' roll into my relatively simple rez upbringing. It made me feel really cool.
But my next black t-shirt was a genuine trophy. It was from the first concert I ever went to. When I was in Grade 9, my aunt bought me and my cousin tickets to see The Black Crowes at Varsity Arena in Toronto. It was a night of firsts for me. First time hearing a live rock band. First time experiencing the concert vibe. First time learning what marijuana smelled like. So naturally, I had to by a tour shirt. Again, I wore that one out, and was made fun of for wearing it so much. But for me, it was a trophy. Something I sported proudly, chest puffed up and out, letting everyone know that I was at one of the shows listed on the back.
And shirts like that came and went over the years. As I got older, and more politically involved, some of the black t-shirts I picked up carried bold statements like "Indian Holocaust 1492-?". Slogans I continue believe to the core, but have since succumbed to the fallibility that is "100% cotton". Still, they said more than I could, and I didn't even have to open my mouth.
The last one I bought was from Slayer's summer tour through the Prairies. And it's been a long time since I bought a shirt at a show, and was able to proudly show it off as a quasi-accomplishment. But for now it'll take its place amongst the rest, waiting to be called upon to slide over my skin and show who I am, and what I'm into. And keep me looking somewhat "cool", depending on who you ask.
Posted by waub at October 29, 2006 11:35 PM