A Re-enactor's Hurdle

Putting the Empirical Danger into Perspective

The year is 2618 and you are super excited about joining a historical re-enactment group. History has always fascinated you; the idea of learning while experiencing the history for yourself seems too good to be true. There was a group called ‘The Millennials’ that focused on the year 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. You had been to a few training sessions, but now had finally come the time where they tell you about group standards when it came to authentic clothing!

You find yourself snapping away from your imagination as the group captain addresses you. “As you know”, they begin, “we are dedicated to presenting an authentic picture of life in Brisbane in the year 2018.”

“Yep”, you reply, barely able to contain your excitement.
Your captain seems pleased and continues. “What kind of persona were you looking to pursue?”

You give the matter a bit of thought, and then reply in a well-mannered voice. “The idea of being a middle class university student has always interested me.”

“Sounds good”, acknowledges the captain, “I will tell you the average clothing requirements and documentation you will need, to have that as your persona.” 

They wait for a few seconds before continuing, ensuring that you are still listening. “Every middle class university student wore quite revealing denim shorts for ladies or long pants with the bottoms rolled up for men. For shirts, every man wore smart but casual button-up shirts and women wore short sleeved shirts.”

“What about accessories?” You ask, listening with wonder. You had always been curious to hear what every individual in the year 2018 wore in their everyday lives.

“Everyone owned an iPhone from the old iPhone 6 series, and most women in university wore a necklace for fashions-sake.”

Again, you are fascinated. “I see! How much variety was there in 2018 when it came to clothing?”
The captain again seems pleased that you are so curious and replies. “All men and women looked mostly the same in this period when it came to fashion and used the same items, as no one wanted to be the odd-one out. Variation was available, but was looked down upon.” After that training session, you head off home with all the information you need to make your authentic re-enactment clothing. You are so excited in fact, that you cannot hear the various exclamations of disappointment, mirth, and general disagreement coming from the ghosts of those who lived in the year 2018.

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