Rhinestones

[hectormac]

Can someone explain what it is with Americans and rhinestone? OK, let me qualify that - specifically, American tourists; in Edinburgh; around Festival time; mostly women, but men not excluded

Comments

[jhirat_dai]

Maybe their exposure to European culture via the festival has inculcated within them a sense of irony that was previously absent, and thus the proliferation of rhinestones is an indication of some grass-roots movement towards subtle self-satire.

Or maybe the septics are just sporting uber-tacky clothes that make Matalan look like a paragon of refined taste.

Could go either way.

G

[rodeomom]

I know in my neck of the woods, those who have money, tend to be VERY tacky and the more 'bling' the better. I am not saying that is true in all cases, even those without money do that here, but more so if they do have $$ to spend on travel. Of course I am in the middle of the U.S. surrounded by rednecks and hillbillies.

[bobbsy]

...or maybe the rhinestone-wearing tourists just booked a package tour that included Edinburgh (pronounced "Ed-in-burg" or "Ed-in-borough")and have no idea that something called "The Festival" is happening.

[hectormac]

See, I don't think I ever really locked into the cheap jibe that Americans don't get irony. Not those that do any travelling anyway. I think, Bobbsy, you know at least four of five from our agency days that got irony big time.

Of course, I have met quite a few that were thick as . . . but then I think of some Scots on the Costa Brava and that sneer quickly ceases.

Yeah, maybe just coincidence.

Again, some of us take particular care to wear a kilt abroad, which is just as gaudy and identity-assertive. 'Though maybe (I whisper) it is to differentiate us from our southern neighbours. Particularly in France.

[el_mcgruffle]

Trust me, you don't want me to reply to this. It involves the argument that no American has taste and that the only taste and culture they get is at the bottom of a yoghurt pot - especially where clothing is concerned.

[camilov]

The only rhinestone that I have ever worn, to my knowledge, was part of a Virgin of Guadalupe shirt that I bought in Mexico. It also included more than its fair share of gold glitter.

Gleefully tacky, like most things in Mexico.