Quarter Zips and Respectability Politics ..

About this video

• Video Title: Quarter Zips and Respectability Politics
• Channel: Young Don Reacts
• Speakers: Young Don (narrator/host)
• Duration: 15:07

Overview

This video discusses the trend of young Black men adopting "respectable" clothing, specifically quarter-zips, and abandoning styles like Nike Tech fleece. The host argues that this trend is rooted in respectability politics and is anti-Black, as it stems from a desire to assimilate and gain approval from white society rather than genuine personal preference. The video also draws parallels between this trend and historical attempts at assimilation and connects it to indicators of economic recession.

Key takeaways

• Respectability Politics: The trend of wearing quarter-zips and denouncing streetwear like Nike Tech fleece is seen as a form of respectability politics, where individuals change their appearance to be more acceptable to dominant (white) society.
• Anti-Blackness of the Trend: The host argues that this trend is inherently anti-Black because it devalues styles associated with Black culture (like streetwear) and elevates those associated with white culture, implying that Blackness itself is inherently negative or "ghetto."
• Historical Context: The video references historical examples of Black people attempting to assimilate through dress and behavior, only to still face discrimination and violence, suggesting that changing one's attire will not fundamentally alter how they are perceived or treated.
• Economic Indicators: The trend is linked to economic recession indicators, similar to how "business casual" attire became popular in clubs before the 2008 recession as a means of exclusion.
• Personal Choice vs. External Approval: While acknowledging that personal style is subjective, the video emphasizes that the problematic aspect arises when clothing choices are made primarily to gain approval from or be deemed "safer" by white society, rather than for genuine self-expression.