by J_R on Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:09 pm
Cross dressing is rather interesting in historical terms. In riots in the 17th and 18th centuaries men would dress up in womens clothes. It's complicated but it falls into a sort of turning the world upside down feeling, that is to say not just rebelling. Hmmm not quite making my self clear here but look at morris dancers they largely wear smocks or dresses, many groups of morris *men* have a member who cross dresses. So it seems to have something to do with throwing off the constraints of everyday society just as riots are about overthrowing or protesting.
But think about the controvesy created when women started wearing trousers in the 20s 30s. So why can't men reclaim the skirt/dress if they want to? Why are some people shocked?
The romans, who wore togas which are rather dress like viewed the trouser wearers as barbarians!
And high heels were first worn by men. Look at 18th centuary french mens portraits, frock coats, high heels, wigs, make-up, painted nails...
Piazza Cavour, what's my life for?