There has been a discussion about Trads and the World in another thread.

I think it's obvious that Trad Catholics have to oppose the world in many ways, in most aspects of their daily life.

But the question is -- HOW FAR should we take it?

It seems that trads fall into two categories -- A) those that struggle with being different, and B) those who wholeheartedly embrace it and THRIVE on being different.

A) Those who struggle need to work on standing apart from the world more and more for God's sake, and serving him with a single purpose.
B) Those who tend to LIKE being different need to learn how not to scandalize non-traditional Catholics (and non-Catholics) by being weird for its own sake.

Sure, the world must be opposed.

But wearing a beret 24/7? Wearing a top hat? A cape? A monacle? Dressing up like it's 1890? Sporting a moustache that requires moustache wax?

You get the idea. Some guys just like to be weird.

I say guys, because it's usually guys. Men tend to thrive on ideals, principles, etc. Women have a much harder time being different from everyone around them.


Matthew

Personally, I like being weird and so I have to constantly work to fit in whenever I can.

If there's a way I can look normal that doesn't compromise my Faith, I need to jump at the chance.

What benefit does it present a Traditional Catholic to look strange to all those around him? Does it assist him in being a leaven, a beacon of light, to the world? Does it assist him in his lay missionary efforts to convert his brethren to the Faith?

If the top hat and cape is an obstacle to influencing and/or converting our brethren, it seems to me that it's a fault bordering on sinful.

It is evidence of a siege mentality that many Traditional Catholics embrace -- as evidenced by those who attempt to escape the World by joining "enclaves" like St. Mary's, KS and Post Falls, Idaho (and perhaps The Mount, for sedevacantists)

I'm not criticizing a WAR mentality -- because we're at war and we have to act like it. But a siege mentality isolates us and prevents influence and conversion of our non-Catholic friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers.

Sporting a moustache that requires moustache wax?

If I could grow one, I would.


Now, if my wife would let me keep it is a different question.


If I sported a waxed mustache:
Her          Me
            /
     

 

It is important to avoid appearing to be too eccentric.  Absurdly eccentric.  However, there's nothing wrong in a bit of originality.  We're going to seem "different" no matter what we do.

A lot of normal length mustaches require mustache wax.  Yes an absurdly long mustache is too eccentric.  A monocle is too eccentric.  A top hat is too eccentric.  A cape cloak is too eccentric.  But wearing a hat outdoors is not.  

The only "weird" items of dress I've been thinking about getting is a horse hide long coat and a beaver felt cowboy hat.  Fortunately they're rather expensive items that can certainly be judged to be superfluous at this time!  

If I sported a waxed mustache:
Her          Me
            /
     

 

I couldn't read that post without wondering how many tries it took you to get that lined up correctly.  

Quote from: s2srea

If I sported a waxed mustache:
Her          Me
            /
     

 

I couldn't read that post without wondering how many tries it took you to get that lined up correctly.  

Two and a half.

Quote from: Telesphorus

The only "weird" items of dress I've been thinking about getting is a horse hide long coat and a beaver felt cowboy hat.  Fortunately they're rather expensive items that can certainly be judged to be superfluous at this time!  

Eh, not exactly what I had in mind.  That is obviously too eccentric - though it might be practical in cold weather.