The Pleasure of Clothing, Part 2

With a Little Help from a "Friend"

I last posted, from Mexico, about the Pleasure of Clothing. Now my vacation has ended, here are some further thoughts on the subject. Please read (or skim) to the asterisks, after which the important part of this post begins!

The pleasure of clothing goes beyond the functional purpose of covering the body. It is an expression of one's identity, a means of communication, and a source of pleasure and satisfaction. Clothing plays an important role in our lives, influencing our mood, behavior, and even our perception of ourselves.

Clothing is an essential component of our identity. It reflects our personal style, tastes, and preferences. It is a way of expressing ourselves to the world, without having to say a word. Clothing allows us to showcase our individuality and uniqueness, which is why people invest so much time and money in choosing the perfect outfit. It is also a way of signaling our social status, profession, and cultural affiliation.

The way we dress influences our mood and behavior. Wearing comfortable and well-fitting clothing can boost our confidence, while ill-fitting or uncomfortable clothing can make us feel self-conscious and insecure. The clothes we wear can also affect how others perceive us. For example, wearing formal attire can make us appear more professional and authoritative, while casual clothing can make us seem more approachable and friendly.

Clothing can also be a source of pleasure and satisfaction. The feeling of putting on a new outfit can be exhilarating and empowering. It can make us feel more attractive, confident, and stylish. The pleasure of clothing is not limited to the act of wearing it, but also in the process of selecting and acquiring it. Shopping for clothes can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially when we find something that fits our style and budget.

Fashion is an ever-evolving art form that allows us to express ourselves creatively. It is not just about wearing the latest trends or designer labels, but about creating unique and personalized looks that reflect our personality and taste. Fashion is a form of self-expression that enables us to experiment with different styles, colors, and patterns. It allows us to explore and discover new aspects of ourselves, and to push the boundaries of our comfort zone.

The pleasure of clothing is not limited to just the wearer, but also to those who admire it. Clothing can be a form of art that is appreciated by others. Fashion designers, stylists, and photographers use clothing to create visually stunning works of art that inspire and captivate the viewer. Clothing can also be a means of communication, conveying messages and ideas through the use of symbols, slogans, and graphics.

However, the pleasure of clothing can also have negative consequences. The fast fashion industry, which produces cheap and disposable clothing, has a detrimental impact on the environment and on workers' rights. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards can also lead to body shaming and low self-esteem. It is important to be aware of these issues and to make conscious choices when it comes to clothing.

In conclusion, the pleasure of clothing goes beyond the functional purpose of covering the body. It is an essential component of our identity, a means of communication, and a source of pleasure and satisfaction. Clothing plays an important role in our lives, influencing our mood, behavior, and perception of ourselves. It is a form of art and self-expression that allows us to showcase our individuality and creativity. However, it is important to be mindful of the negative consequences of clothing and to make conscious choices that benefit both ourselves and the environment.

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All right, wake up, folks! I hope you realize that this isn’t my usual style and these aren’t my usual thoughts.  There’s nothing really wrong with any of these ideas, and this short essay is certainly a comprehensive take on “The Pleasure of Clothing,” but I can understand if it didn’t engage you. Bland generalizations make the mind skitter; there’s no color, no quirk, not a spark of originality or humor in this essay. It might have been written by a machine.

And it was. AI created this essay in about a minute: in horror and awe I watched the words form on the screen. Its content is accurate, and logically and grammatically, the essay is impeccable. But it doesn’t provide a human connection or any stories or examples to back up its assertions. I asked it to provide examples, but it devolved into more generalities.

From ChatGPT:

Clothing can bring pleasure through its appearance by allowing us to express ourselves creatively and experiment with different styles, colors, and patterns. For example, someone might choose to wear a bright, bold outfit to express their confidence and outgoing personality, while another person might prefer a more subdued, minimalist look to convey their sophistication and elegance.

Nothing about individual people, First Ladies, say, and their choices. Nothing from the author’s experience. It is bland. It is pablum. It isn’t writing, it’s content.

When I wrote about clothing last time (nothing brilliant, just writing by a human being), I included a character (my cheeky, savvy sister), some personal details and memories (moths in the cashmere!), and a couple of shopping tips. The piece ended a little oddly and perhaps awkwardly, but it felt like I was saying something new: “I like clothes that make me feel so natural they disappear psychologically as soon as I put them on.”

I think ChatGPT is a huge threat to content providers, but not to writers. A writer has a point of view and something original to say, or some original way to say what is already known. A writer has style and flair. A writer calls upon a store of personal and literary experiences. ChatGPT can’t duplicate real writing.

Not this month, anyway