Summary of the Core Content
The band Meng Tianda became an internet sensation thanks to their "Elvis-style mohawk and rock music with Hunan-Hubei dialect," which led to a funny situation where netizens from Hunan and Hubei tried to distance themselves from the band. Behind this, there lies a secret: the gap in aesthetic preferences between two generations, which is essentially a reflection of changes in economic circumstances and values. Some vintage elements can make a comeback (such as wide-leg pants), while others become jokes (like the mohawk), depending on whether they fit into the new era's aesthetic logic and whether they carry overly outdated symbols.
The Humor of Meng Tianda: A Living Example of Cross-Era Aesthetic Conflict
Meng Tianda's popularity doesn't stem from the professionalism of their music, but rather from the stark contrast between their style and current aesthetics:
- The Embarrassing Mohawk: Elvis's mohawk was once a symbol of coolness, but now it looks like every hair is trying to proclaim ambition, which is the complete opposite of the current trend towards "laid-back curls and a fluffy appearance" that exudes ease.
- Dialect and Rustic Lyrics: The quirky pronunciation of names like "Barba世家 (Balenciaga)" and "Jiujiu Baoling (Kawakubo)," along with vintage styles like mini-skirts, create a sense of time travel that makes netizens laugh.
- Regional Snark: Netizens from Hunan and Hubei don't want to be associated with the band because they subconsciously see their style as too outdated.
The Underlying Reason for Aesthetic Differences: The Invisible Force of Economics
Why are what were once cool things now considered jokes? The core reason is that the economic environment has changed, and so have the underlying needs behind our aesthetics:
- Economic Boom: During the 1980s and 1990s to the early 2000s, the economy was growing rapidly, and people believed "tomorrow would be better." Aesthetics reflected a desire for expansion—haircuts like mohawks were meant to stand out, shoulder pads had to be wide, and shiny synthetic materials were considered luxurious because real silk was unaffordable.
- Current Slower Economy: Now, with slower economic growth and increased uncertainty, aesthetics have shifted towards a more relaxed approach—laid-back curls that don't require much maintenance, matte fabrics that are understated, and oversized clothes that give the body room to move freely. In essence, people want to feel comfortable rather than use their appearance to prove themselves.
Fashion is a Circle, but Not All Elements Can Come Back
Why do some vintage elements (like wide-leg pants and strapless dresses) make a comeback, while others (like mohawks and shiny jumpsuits) become jokes? It depends on whether they can be adapted to the new era:
- Elements That Can Adapt: Styles like wide-leg pants and boxy suits have clean lines that fit into the current aesthetic of comfort and looseness. They've just been given a "millennium nostalgia filter" (e.g., low-waisted pants paired with small straps, which young people find bold and stylish).
- Elements That Become Jokes: Others, like mohawks and shiny jumpsuits, are too fixed in their symbolism—they represent specific era values that have no room for adaptation and thus seem outdated.
The Essence of Nostalgia: We Miss the Spirit of the Times
Young people revisiting millennial fashion isn't really about liking low-waisted pants; it's about reminiscing about the vitality of that era:
- During the boom, people had the confidence to dress boldly. This "confidence in the future" is a scarce emotional value in today's uncertain environment.
- Styles like low-waisted pants and bright colors symbolize a sense of freedom from fear, but young people wear them more as a way to reconnect with that spirit than because they think they look better.
The Lesson from Aesthetic Differences: Don't Laugh at the Past; We Might Be Judged in the Future
The article makes a poignant point: What you consider stylish now may also be laughed at by future generations. This isn't about taste, but about how aesthetics are tied to the economy and values of each era.
- What we find outdated today might seem fashionable to future generations, as economic conditions and needs will change again.
- Aesthetics have no hierarchy; they just reflect the times. So while we laugh at Meng Tianda, let's not take it too seriously—after all, we are all just passersby in the cycle of fashion.
In Conclusion
The humor around Meng Tianda is a microcosm of half a century of economic changes: aesthetics follow the money and the confidence of the times. Those outdated styles are like monuments to past eras, but we simply can't understand their language anymore.