Response to Oliver's Question #9

Oliver #9 The picture I chose is the Educated Elite which was showing asian people dressed up in European clothing posing for a photo, specifically its King Chulalongkom of Siam with the crown prince and other young students.  I suppose Strayer chose to include this because the identity and cultural change in the colonial era started to integrate or almost disregard native's own traditions to trade for another which is a constant conception of image throughout history in the attempt to blend in or look more "modern" or "fashionable" in which they would think to be more accepted.  Especially in this chapter, influence from others in regards to social status would depict those who are looked upon as inferior believe that this is whats right or how people should look.  The European presence changed the cultural identity of these Asian people, but what I wonder is if they were forced, was it their choice, a suggestion that planted an idea in their mind to accept, or truly became interested in the style as it indicated that they "enthusiastically embraced the culture and lifestyle of Europe."

Oliver,

You pose a very interesting question when presenting your answer to question number nine. Did the people in the picture really embrace the western culture or were they forced to wear those clothes. I feel that many times we begin to wear clothes because it makes us feel a certain way about our "status" particularly when you talk about a nice outfit or a nice watch. It tells most people, "hey look at me, I've made it". I'm sure this is the case for many people. I know that when young people by a new fancy car, especially a high end German car, it says, "I'm doing pretty good for myself". I can speak from experience when I was 32 years old and I bought my first BMW. 

I really hope that the gentlemen in the picture feel good about the clothes they are wearing and that they feel as proud as when I bought my first German car. I hope they were able to reflect at their own image and say, "look at me, I made it". 

Good work Oliver.