I’ve meant to get around to mentioning this odd phenomenon a number of times but have kept forgetting. So here goes:
A lot of the local men who have manual labour jobs (or are
just sitting around outside) do this weird thing with their shirts where they
pull the lower half up over their belly. I find it hilarious odd. You’ll get these
groups of guys (or individuals) working or sitting around with a shirt on but with
their bellies sticking out. Obviously it’s done for cooling purposes but why
not take the whole shirt off?!?
Amanda reckons it’s a form of modesty but I don’t get why it’s
ok to pull your shirt up and show your (often fat) gut but taking it off
completely would be offensive. I first thought it might have been an attempt to
protect the shoulders from the sun. But no locals seem worried about getting
burnt and with their darker skin it’s probably not as much of an issue for them
as it is for us whities.
Has anyone seen this phenomenon elsewhere in the world or is
it a uniquely Palauan thing?
UPDATE: in searching for an image to show you I came across
an American in the Philippines talking about the same thing. So maybe Palau has
imported the quirky fashion trend from there.
I've seen the same in the Philippines dude. You're right though it's an odd thing when you first see it.
ReplyDeleteIndemic in China as well especially around railway stations. Particularly weird when its a white "chesty bonds" style singlet.
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