Affliction Clothing, Emo For Adults.
I’m going to start off by just saying it. I do not like Affliction Clothing. I’m an entrepreneur myself and I’m happy they are successful. Anyone in the business world that hits on something is to be commended. I congratulate the 4 owners for finding a mark. I just feel the style and mentality is ridiculous. The definition of “affliction” is a state of pain, grief and distress. Everybody wants to be a tragic hero these days. In our society in 2008 there are no Macbeths or Hamlets. Maybe an Anakin Skywalker here or there though. I’m going to cover the art, emotion, and lifestyle in this blog so try to follow me through the maze.
The Affliction style uses a lot of spiritual imagery. Lots of skulls, crosses, graves, and wings slathered from the hem of the shirt to the top of the collar. Grace of death is what I call it. To me it creates a hollow image. I see it all over in bars and clubs. So many guys want to show off their hard side. They want to look dark and mysterious and the best way they can do that is to throw on a shirt with an angel of death holding a baby. They are the babies, innocent and helpless with their gelled hair and 18 dollar tattoos. All that can save them from their inner hurt is for some young lady to give them a one night stand or at least their phone number. When I see anything Affliction I see a window to someones pain, but the art is so dark it says to me I’m a rebel that nobody understands. LOL, emo.
The mixed martial arts scene has been the source of the most growth for Affliction. It’s perfect for it too. If you are a fighter the worst fight you will ever have to deal with is from someone who has pain. If someone tells you “If you want to fight me, you’ll fight these tears”, that person is going to destroy themselves to destroy you. That is the tragic hero mentality of Affliction. I enjoy fighting, I’ve been around it in some form my whole life. It’s the human game of chess. However an uncontrolled fighter is only one dimensional. Stay with me, I’m drawing a parallel here. Emotions can beat you as easy as it can beat someone else.
There are plenty of Affliction knockoffs out there. The one I noticed recently that I really liked was WWE’s Top Rope brand of shirts and not because I used to work for them and not because I am a fan. Their art is controlled. They use the same basic all over print and less bold colors that blend in with the shirt yet still give a contrast. The art is less generalized and the wearer doesn’t look like a hard ass who needs a hug. It’s got a perfect emotional balance. An emotionally balanced fighter doesn’t have to hurt themselves to beat an opponent.
Chris Nifong hopes to never see you out wearing Affliction tshirts unless it’s for a good reason. It’s ok though, it’s just a fad and you’ll make it through till the next one.
Article Tags: Affliction Clothing | Affliction tshirts | MMA | UFC | WWE Top Rope
Filed under: Uncategorized
Haha. Nice one. Every time I see one of these shirts I’m transported back to junior high, watching one of the jean jacket-wearing freaks doodle Iron Maiden’s “Eddie” in his notebook. Ahhh, sweet memories.
Thanks Jason. The whole time I was writing that I was wondering if I was going too far to judge a personality, but at the same time I knew I was RIGHT.
I found out about Affliction a few years ago, before it become a trend. I’ve always been into the rock style and thought this stuff was perfect for me. Then it got HUGE. I still like their clothes, just not the t-shirts with the chest pieces. I refuse to buy anymore of their clothes with the word “affliction” sprawled in large letters, I go for the shirts with sick dye treatments and colors than the actual name brand or design. I’m actually glad it is a fad though, because I plan on wearing my affliction clothes as long as they last, way after the next fad comes.
Hey Chris. My entire wardrobe is Affliction. Before you judge me, hear me out. For the most part, I agree with what you have to say. Especially the part about the bars/clubs, most people are posuers and want to be like every other celebrity. I however, have experienced an “affliction”, and the art the brand expresses I have felt and thought of in the past couple years or so. Thoughts of suicide, disappointment, failure, etc., I have grown to become “dark”. Although, I display a light side almost all the time, being faithful and strongly religious. But I do infact “weat my mind on my sleeves”. I don’t intend to look cool, I don’t wear Ed Hardy or any other designer brand; I’m just being me. I’m attracted to the tees with angels, crosses, crows, reapers, and depressing scenes. Of course they are the best fitting and looking clothing I’ve ever worn, but that’s only half the point. So very few people do wear Affliction for a good reason. The others, well, I hope they live the art sooner than later
Haha, Joe, I’m not judging you man. I only write this stuff for entertainment. I’m a screen printer myself and I like the whole “all over print” style, it’s good for a change. I think sometimes it gets a little emo, but in the great words of Dave Chappelle, “Some people think cucumbers taste better pickled”. Thanks for reading.
I’ve never given this a try, but I think it’s about time I do.
Dude , just shut up. I like skulls, wearing black, and listening to heavy music. And, I’m 35. I’ll never grow out of it. It’s great there are actually companies making clothing for people like me. As for all you douche bag-looking losers who let yourselves get old (it’s a state of mind), and want to look at everyone else & judge them for what they look like, just keep wearing you buttoned-up tight collared shirts tucked in to your khaki shorts, go buy some Geritol, eat your bran flakes and shut the f#*k up.