Aug 25 Mon
What is a dude?
It seems that the term “dude” was coined in reaction to a particular fad among young men in New York City in the late 19th century.
This crowd had a certain way of dressing — usually over-the-top and fancy — and leaned into an Anglophile lifestyle that was often perceived by many as fake or trying-too-hard.
Eventually, these men became known as "dudes," the unsophisticated American who "stuck a feather in his cap" pretending to appear as a kind of European "dandy" in high society.
In the mid-20th century, the term "dude" coincided with the zoot suit — also very flashy and full of fabric — and popular with men of color. They were called "dude" as a derogatory term.
And then Mexican American and Black people adopted it among themselves, and it became a marker of solidarity and connection.
From there, it started to become less associated with being fake and wearing fancy dress. Other subgroups began to pick it up, particularly surfers and skaters in California.
The word, which began implying a fake pretense, lost many of its connotations, but still means to show familiarity with a person. Maybe you don't use it with your boss or a stranger, but with your friends or acquaintances to show that you're in the same group.
And don't be fooled — even with the rise of "bro", "dude" still reigns supreme, according to a recent survey.
In Christian life, we must be “authentic,” not fakes. We must imitate the naturalness of Christ's life in our interior life and the apostolate. Our naturalness is not mystery or secrecy.
The difference between Christians and the rest of mankind is not a matter of nationality, language, or customs, says an ancient writer. Christians do not live apart in separate cities of their own, speak any special dialect, or practice any eccentric way of life. Our life is as simple as that. Its oddness is that it is not odd. We strive to live by our faith, without affectation of any kind. Our way of life and what we think are manifest to all.
Naturalness is manifested in inner simplicity and in our dealings with those around us: without secrets but without proclaiming intimacy. We must make our faith present, without boasting, when necessary.
But we can never make concessions in essential matters, nor hide our light, in a false attempt to adapt ourselves to the environment around us.
“Perhaps at times our Christian conduct may cause surprise among people who are far from God: you must have the courage then to be faithful, have the strength of spirit to carry your own environment around with you. For it would be a very sad thing if anyone looking at the way Catholics in society behave, concluded that they were sheepish and easily imposed upon.
Never forget that our Master was, indeed, is, perfect Man."
We need strength of character to lead a Christian life with all its consequences.