tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post5558922616677077743..comments2024-01-30T11:16:36.560-07:00Comments on Fundoshi For All ! 六尺褌: Fundoshi Diaries, Part Two: Two Colors of ThoughtRyan Rokushakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092740762233135280noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post-15175315997119753532011-07-07T15:32:06.085-06:002011-07-07T15:32:06.085-06:00I think you're right with the first theory, as...I think you're right with the first theory, as in the pictures, the belt is definitely white, with the pouch being red... Certainly an interesting combination :) I've been perusing the local fabric shop trying to track down new suitable materials to use in addition to my existing collection :)Timnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post-72801125618986746452011-07-07T14:24:36.431-06:002011-07-07T14:24:36.431-06:00Been trying to figure out the two-tone wrap -- as ...Been trying to figure out the two-tone wrap -- as near as I can tell, you just tie two different color fundoshi on yourself at the same time, only you go in the opposite direction with the colored one.<br /><br />Or, it could be an actual 2-tone fundoshi like the one on this Thai website http://www.geocities.jp/thai_rokushaku/kouhaku.htmlRyan Rokushakuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092740762233135280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post-59019172957153605452011-07-07T12:45:14.327-06:002011-07-07T12:45:14.327-06:00I completely agree with the above comments, and it...I completely agree with the above comments, and it is all about showing the proper respect for the culture of the garments, not just wearing them for a chuckle. Out of curiosity though, what's the deal with the two-tone fundoshi? Is it just a case of putting on the white fundoshi, then adding the red layer over the top?Timnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post-40837725872321263372011-07-07T07:48:21.440-06:002011-07-07T07:48:21.440-06:00In many ways, I feel that same way. I think it...In many ways, I feel that same way. I think it's a little aggressive to claim a piece of clothing as the sole property of a certain culture. Human curiosity is natural. We want to know how it feels, how it will look on us, or we just want to experience what the past may have felt like.<br /><br />On the other hand, I think mass communication linking the globe together, regardless of a society's level of development, has made cultural sensitivity more important than ever. The mere fact that some feel fiercely possessive of the fundoshi means that their view should be considered thoughtfully, and that respect should be displayed. <br /><br />The sight of giddy, drunk Westerners giggling and ass-slapping their way through an ancient ritual like Hadaka Matsuri has got to grate on those who revere the Shinto aspects of such festivals, and the casual usurping of fundoshi by fetish communities must cause some bemusement, to say the least. <br /><br />I think it is apropos to observe that many of these same fetish communities originate in Japan and Thailand, so the sensual potential of fundoshi is certainly not lost on the culture that originated the style -- I think it would be truer to say that the sexual side of fundoshi-wearing is as intrinsic to the fundoshi as its basic beauty and functionality are. <br /><br />Where no insult is meant, none should be taken -- we all just need to be clear on our motives and keep the lines of communication open.Ryan Rokushakuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092740762233135280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post-9164509555534206412011-07-05T21:26:43.635-06:002011-07-05T21:26:43.635-06:00I would say, yes, on foreign hips, it is still a f...I would say, yes, on foreign hips, it is still a fundoshi. Just as a kilt is still a kilt on non-Celts (although, don't get me started on Utili Kilts!), sarongs are still sarongs on non-Pacific Islanders, and business suits and cocktail dresses are still business suits and cocktail dresses on non-Westerners. You've always treated the garment and the tradition respectfully. More so than many folks have treated the items of clothing I mentioned.Jeffri Harrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06461994557670902616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post-163574867549286952011-07-05T10:45:07.547-06:002011-07-05T10:45:07.547-06:00That's very thoughtful John. I think you'...That's very thoughtful John. I think you've hit on the key: humility.Ryan Rokushakuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092740762233135280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939089690823397226.post-76350245170011959152011-07-05T09:07:28.641-06:002011-07-05T09:07:28.641-06:00I have explored similar thoughts regarding culture...I have explored similar thoughts regarding culture. I have traveled the world and have experienced real cultures with real roots and real history, apart from the made-up and flawed "melting pot" idea of cultural evisceration once popular here. Many of us reach out to the past of others in search of our own past and our own roots. <br /><br />As a new convert to fundoshi, I found an immediate sense of mental comfort, of individuality by taking something so simple and mastering it, free to tie it differently day to day based on my mood - flat for wear under clothes, twisted into a rope for around the house when it is all I wear, etc. The total masculinity of the garment comes from its traditions and its wearers of the past thousand or so years and I feel that when I put one on, my body proudly displayed, enhanced and framed. It doesn't matter if others see it or not. I feel the comfort, the uniqueness, the total "me" in the way I tied it today. It is secure but liberating. <br /><br />I can understand how others could feel insulted by the co-opting of their cultures, but the difference between cultural mockery and homage comes down to attitude and respect. Approach another's culture with respect and an honest desire to learn and benefit from it and most will feel honored by the effort, even if we don't get it right at first. I once presented my business card to a Japanese man in a business setting with one hand and realized immediately that this was an insult and offered my apology. He was most gracious and pleased that I cared enough to know something of his customs. Fundoshi goes deeper. It surrounds and frames our genitalia, so I can understand how some would feel this is theirs and not ours. Yet I think those of us who respect this tradition and take the time to get it right would be accepted in time as those honestly seeing cultural connections, not temporary exploitation.Johnnoreply@blogger.com