I’ve pretty much given up wearing the eHolster that one of my sons bought me last year. I might wear it more during the winter, when it’s easier to hide it under jackets, but it’s just too much of an attention getter. And the clincher is that my wife thinks it’s too geeky.
So I’ve been stuffing my cell phone in my jeans and carrying my Palm and keyboard in my shoulder bag. But it’s not convenient since I don’t carry the bag everywhere. I started looking at the Docker Mobile Khakis, which have extra pockets to stash all this stuff without bulging pockets. I’ll probably get a pair but I don’t think it’ll solve the problem because I’m not going to wear them all the damn time. So the other option is to hang these gizmos on my belt. Having one device hanging from a belt seems acceptable these days, but I’m not sure about two. Definitely not three.
I stumbled on an article about this dilemma , on whether to hide or display your devices. Here’s the jist of it: Of course, for some techies, the biggest problem facing these potential fashion solutions is that they hide the electronic devices from public view. And some anthropologists say that while concealment may be considered sophisticated and chic, it conflicts with men’s subconscious desire to show off their gadgets. David B. Givens, director of the Center for Nonverbal Studies in Spokane, Wash., says males throughout history have displayed insignia of power and tribal membership to warn off competing males and attract females. Natives of Papua New Guinea wore cowrie shells and bird-of-paradise plumes to mark social status and rank, Givens notes. During the Renaissance, men strapped swords onto their belts for practical and symbolic reasons. Givens says when it comes to modern-day flaunting of symbols of authority and tribal belonging, “There is very little difference between the Crips [an urban youth gang] and the young middle managers from Microsoft.” Beepers and cellphones strapped visibly to a belt, he reasons, “show the world you are a force to be reckoned with because you have corporate muscle behind you, backing you up.”
A force to be reckoned with? Hah. No empire behind me, either. I’m a “knowledge worker” of sorts, self-employed and an entrepreneur. I do like techie tools, but I don’t think I want to flaunt them as a way to mark my social status and rank, especially as I become more aware of how class distinctions can be a problem in this town. What to do, what to do.
This all sounds pretty trite but I think many (most?) guys think about their looks and clothing and accessories a lot more than they’re willing to admit… or even aware of, concerned about what kind of statement they’re making and whether this connects them to or distances them from certain groups. Even people who are vigilantly anti-logo/anti-label in their clothing choices are concerned about this.