Last weekend, while I was running at the park, I noticed that some people were staring at me. What was it that was capturing their attention, I wondered? Was it my running outfit? (a very colorful Adidas clima cool printed leggings plus a skull top), was it my devilish great looks? (ha!) Or perhaps my bright purple-blue hair?
That last thing got me thinking: When was the last time that I saw someone with an unnatural hair color exercising? And not as a one-off*, but as someone who leads an active or sportive lifestyle. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I could not think of many examples of fitness or sports-oriented people with alternative aesthetics. In fact, the mere idea of a goth in a gym, for example, seems somehow artificial. Why is this?
Dennins Rodman, King of wacky personal style in his years as a basketball star during the ninenties.
Of course I understand that some elements of the alternative aesthetics —like dyed hair— could be directly incompatible with some sports (i.e. swimming), and very long hair or dreadlocks could be a hindrance or even dangerous in others. I can also imagine that it would not be very fun to run or jump around with 50 mm ear plugs. However, I don't understand why there seems to be a distinctive lack of alternative-looking individuals when it comes to sport, fitness or simply being active. And, while tattoos are definitely popular among athletes and sport stars, the whole alternative ensemble and eccentricity is quite difficult to find.
Dominique Duncan, Track and Field athlete, showing off her alternative style: purple hair, blue lipstick, animal print tattoo, ear and nose piercings.
Am I right in my perception, or is this just my imagination and the fitness and sports world is actually full of people with alternative ensembles? Thoughts?
* For example, going for a swim with their friends or playing beach volleyball for fun
