1. For my “trying on a new identity” project I decided to wear a traditional Indian Gown.
My friend, Rhada, is from India, and on her trip over Spring Break she bought me and a few
other girls these gowns. Rhada said this gown is usually worn at a celebration event or nice
dinner. I decided to wear this while running errands around town. I had to get my oil changed, go
to wal-mart, and go to West Monroe to pick up cups I had made for KA formal.

2. During this project, I did every day normal activities. I went to Wal-Mart, got my oil
changed, and went to West Monroe to pick up some cups I ordered. Okay, so I am in West
Monroe/ Ruston Louisiana. Think about that. I am wearing a traditional Indian gown. Most
people do not see these being worn except in movies or on television.
My first stop was Jiffy Lube here in Ruston. I had to get my oil changed. The men that
work there are mostly mechanics and countrymen. I drive a new Toyota Camry so they probably
did not expect me to get out of the car wearing this. They were still very helpful, but they all
stared at me. Even when they assumed I wasn’t looking, the workers would all look at me. None
of them laughed, smiled, or made strange faces, but they all just stared at me. It’s like they were
thinking I was in the wrong place.
The next place I went was Wal-Mart. I had to make a cake for an event we had at the Phi
Mu lodge. I just went in there to get cake mix, eggs, and milk. Wal-Mart was very different than
Jiffy Lube. I went on a Saturday so it was very busy. Everyone looked at me, and most people in
did double takes. I heard a few kids/ small children ask their mom or dad “Why is she wearing
that?”, but I also had a small girl probably around the age of 3 tell me my dress was very pretty. I
usually do the self-checkout, but this time I wanted to go to the cashier so that I could see her
reaction. I walked up to the register and the woman checking me out looked me up and down and
continued to ask how I was. The whole time she was checking me out, I would catch her looking
at me and my outfit. In the parking lot I saw a few people whisper and look at me as well.
I also drove to West Monroe to pick up an order of cups I had made for Kappa Alpha
formal. I went to the Paper Market, a party supply store. I worked here in high school, so all the
employees know me, and they know I normally do not dress like this. As soon as I walked in, my

3. former co-worker, Lauren, said “What are you wearing?” She seemed confused as to why I
would be wearing that. I didn’t tell her it was for a project at first. I said what do you mean, and
she was like you look like you’re going to belly dance. I thought that was funny that she assumed
just because I was wearing an Indian gown, that I was doing something strange.

4. Questions to Ponder:
1. Were the reviews you received consistent with your program of dress? Consistent
with your expectations? Consistent with any part of yourself?
The reactions I got definitely were exactly what I expected. I expected everyone to stare and
wonder why I a Caucasian girl would be wearing that in the middle of April to Wal-Mart.
2. Was yourself validated or challenged during the experiment? If so, what way?
I was challenged more than anything, but I felt validated once it was over. During the whole
process I kind of felt embarrassed to be walking around in that gown with everyone staring at
me. I did not like the fact that I knew everyone was talking about me or having rude thoughts in
their heads. I usually do not get embarrassed with anything, but this did make me feel awkward.
In the end, I felt relieved. It was kind of cool realizing some people wear this type of clothing on
a day to day basis and get judged for it. it was humbling because now I am not going to judge
people or have rude thoughts if they are wearing something different than the “cultural norm”.
3. What factors may have affected your accuracy in interpreting responses from others?
I think because I was already embarrassed and scared I was already assuming that everyone I
passed had something rude or judgmental thought going on. It would have been different if I was
confident about how I was dressed. If I was confident, I may have not assumed so many people
were hard core staring or judging me.
4. Did you learn anything about how people respond to others on the basis of
appearance? What type of meanings did various others seem to assign to your dress?
There is an old saying that says “don’t judge a book by its cover” but everyone seems to do the
opposite. I think people may have either thought she is a little dressed up to be here at Jiffy Lube,
or they may have thought what kind of crazy religion she does. I think a lot of people base
someone off of their style. I mean, I do it myself. For example, if I see someone in all black, I
assume they are gothic and depressed.

5. 5. Did you learn anything about yourself – your capabilities, the influence others have
on how you feel, your reliance on appearance to project a preferred identity?
I learned I am a lot more confident than I thought I was. I also realized that if I want people to
think I am responsible and a good kid, then I have to dress the part.
6. Will you ever dress this way again?
Probably not, just because I felt uncomfortable getting dirty looks. The only time I would wear
this again is if I went to India with my friend Rhada.

6. Trying on a New Identity
Project
Danielle Brown
MCS 238
T/R 8-9:50
Dr. Heiden