Shrouds of Entitlement

2020 was a year like no other. A year of unprecedented change of life - nothing we’d ever experienced before. With these changes came adaptations to the way we dress, style and present ourselves. Suddenly there were masks, neck gaiters, work from home PJ bottoms and house slippers. On top of that, though, came new attitudes to wear - these attitudes came in many fashions - Shock, Confusion, Boredom, Stir Crazy... but worst of all, Shrouds of Entitlement.

Shrouds of Entitlement initially started in the upper classes - high end garbs that only the very rich could afford. They were, after all, actually entitled (financially) to all that their bank accounts could afford them. These shrouds and related accessories were center stage at fancy events where the owners could show them off, with a down-peering sneer at the lower level peasants.

As with all fashions, soon the high end designs went mainstream. The glittery gold laced attitudes were now gold plated mindsets at accessible stores like Target and Kohl’s. The middle class could now also wear their favorite chips on their shoulders, any time, any place. The most popular style of these Shrouds of Entitlement was the Karen Style - entitled with a splash of self-righteousness and a hearty dollop of general hatred. The many fans of the Karen Style were everywhere – mask-less and ignoring social distancing, rude to the world and believing they had every right to be. The Karens were screaming at masked employees for infringing on their rights to eat a muffin and throwing tantrums at Starbucks because their latte wasn’t hot enough.

Soon, there was a similar fashion – the Susan Style. Susans had matching masks and followed all social distancing rules, hiding their sneers behind the masks but masterfully executing the icy eyes to go with it. Just as entitled and self-righteous, this style came certified by the morality police. Judging others around them all the while feeling proud of their own perfection. The Susans looked “stylish” on the outside but were back-talking about friends and family and everyone around them all the while.

The style wasn’t just for women, though. The Chad and the Billy styles were also very popular. Chad was more proper and passive aggressive, but generally very snobby, while the Billy was more of your working man, blue collar style, but somewhat “angry at not getting what he was entitled to” style. Chads sped past other cars in their Teslas while Billys angrily grumbled about the taxes they spend.

Regardless of who wore these Shrouds of Entitlement, as a member of a fashionable society, I cannot stand them. They are not flattering to anyone. They are crass and just not at all classy. It doesn’t match anyone’s complexion, honestly. No matter your body shape or hairstyle, the shrouds can make the most beautiful creature look ugly and ragged. It would be nice if we could replace them with some polite cardigans, sincere sweaters, empathetic button down shirts and some accepting and helpful shoes. This trend of entitlement has stayed way too long as it is. It doesn’t make a difference if it’s designed by an exclusive French designer or it was on clearance at Walmart, no material, quality or brand can make entitlement pretty.

Join me today in wishing this trend to go away soon – locked deep in the closet of bad memories along with the 90’s biker shorts of pop music videos.