Every day, we make numerous choices—what to wear, what to eat, which route to take. But why do we lean towards the familiar, and what motivates us to try something new?
Driven by habit or a preference for spontaneity over deliberate planning, many of us navigate these decisions on autopilot. We often face a fundamental choice: accept or embrace the comfort of familiarity or venture into the unknown to explore new options.
Decision-Making Framework
Whether we stick with what we know or take a chance on something new depends on a series of conscious or unconscious cost-benefit decisions. This framework involves weighing the importance of the choice and assessing the alternatives and the stakes: What will we gain, and what might we lose?
Consider a low cost decision like what to eat for breakfast. If you’re tired of the same cereal, you might decide to try a new brand. Problem temporarily solved. Alternatively, with ample time, disposable income, motivation, and curiosity, you might scour your neighborhood, town or city for the perfect breakfast spot.
Keep in mind that many people like variety. Although you may love eating steak, shrimp cocktail or sushi, over time a steady diet of these food items is probably going to wear thin.
Menu fatigue and culinary monotony
For example, many people who visit vacation resorts or go on cruises and opt for the all-inclusive package, which allows them to eat at any of the onboard or on-site restaurants as much as they want, eventually get bored with the food offered. This phenomenon, known as “menu fatigue” or “culinary monotony,” occurs when the variety and excitement of the food options diminish over time, leading to a sense of boredom or dissatisfaction with the meals. This speaks to the human need for variety and our constant search for novelty.
The “Treated Like Royalty” Approach
Imagine, however, your favorite dining establishment where not only are you familiar with the menu, waiters, and perhaps the owner, but you are generally happy with the food they prepare and serve. The personnel greet you by your name, you are taken to your favorite table, and the sommelier always has the perfect wine recommendation. The restaurant may even offer special perks or personalized service, such as wine pairings, or complimentary desserts, This situation provides a relatively high level of comfort, predictability and security in knowing what to expect. However, over time, this consistency can also lead to boredom. the overall experience may become stale.
The Explorer’s Approach
Conversely, embracing the role of an explorer means a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone and deal with uncertainty. Explorers seek new experiences, whether it’s trying a different restaurant, cuisine, visiting a new vacation spot, starting an interesting project, or collaborating with unfamiliar colleagues. This approach may lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities for emotional, experiential, and intellectual growth. However, it also comes with inherent risks—disappointment, mistrust, failure, and occasional setbacks.
Navigating the Dichotomy
Both approaches have merits and drawbacks. Being treated like royalty offers security and personalized service but can eventually lead to complacency and boredom. On the other hand, exploration brings novelty and excitement, but it also requires tolerance for uncertainty and occasional frustration.
Striking a balance
Ultimately, the choice between settling for the same old same old (and even being treated like royalty) and embracing exploration is personal and situational. Limited resources like time, money, competing obligations and preferences might make us lean towards familiar experiences. At times, we crave the comfort of predictability; at others, we seek the thrill of adventure. Instead of adhering strictly to one approach, finding a balance between the two can enrich our lives. Embrace the richness of both familiarity and exploration, and consider a rational process for high-stakes decisions.
Image credit
Charlie Chaplin from the movie “The Circus” (1928)
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/charlie-chapling-eating-corn-drill.gif180320Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-06-09 05:56:272024-06-14 21:39:48Embracing Familiarity Versus Taking a Chance on Something New
Hip Hop, an influential artistic, cultural, political, and social movement rooted in 1970s street culture, is associated with four key pillars: MCing (rapping), DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing.
Hip hop has also fostered core values and principles that continue to shape its evolution and impact.
One significant achievement of Hip Hop is the development of streetwear, a fashion style blending elements of casual wear, sportswear, and Hip-Hop culture (e.g., baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, baseball caps, bomber jackets, sneakers, etc.).
Streetwear has transcended the hip hop community, becoming a global fashion trend.
Over the years, streetwear has also diversified in both garment types and target audiences. However, this widespread adoption has highlighted somecontradictions between the fundamental values of hip hop and the practices behind streetwear production.
Contradiction in Values
Although some streetwear is manufactured in countries like Turkey, Portugal, and the United States, which have relatively strong labor and environmental laws, a substantial portion of this type of clothing is made in countries such as the Peoples Republic of China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India.
In these countries workers often endure long hours and receive minimal wages. Additionally, enforcement of workers’ rights is generally weak. Although environmental regulations are in place, they are frequently poorly enforced, leading to significant pollution.
The Fast Fashion Dilemma
Some, but not all streetwear can be considered to be fast fashion, characterized by rapidly bringing trendy, affordable clothing to market. But fast fashion contradicts core values of Hip Hop. Fast fashion often depends upon the use of cheap labor, and presents health risks to workers and local environments. Fast fashion also contributes to over consumption and clothing from fast fashion brands is often dumped in countries (typically less developed ones) where waste management regulations are less stringent. These issues starkly contrast with Hip Hop’s values of social awareness and activism.
Call to Conscious Consumerism
Where does this leave us? Similar to checking the ingredients of the food you purchase and eat, the Hip Hop community and aficionados of streetwear need to consider the labor and environmental practices behind their streetwear choices.
They need to question if their fashion choices align with Hip Hop’s focus on social consciousness and activism. This should lead to supporting brands with transparent supply chains, purchasing second-hand items, or prioritizing sustainable materials. By becoming conscious consumers, not only will this support ethical practices and protect the environment but also honor the true spirit of hip hop. ultimately you’re not only what you eat, but what you wear too.
Photographer Bob Doran
Sweat Shop
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/505276769_79d781b70e_o-scaled.jpg19202560Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-06-02 03:28:232024-06-04 18:50:49The “Hip-ocrisy” of Streetwear
If you spend the majority of your waking hours inside, rarely go out, or hardly leave your neighborhood, then your life is going to be pretty dull and boring.
But if you do venture outside of your familiar surroundings, then you’ll eventually have to decide how you’re going to get around town.
Most people are fine with just walking, others biking, some prefer taking a scooter, bus or subway, and then others wouldn’t dare getting around their urban environment unless it was by car.
Unquestionably there are a variety of different urban modalities.
The type/s of transportation you use, however, plays a major part in contributing to how you understand the urban public space where you live, work, or visit.
The method you use not only enables you to judge distances, but may also help you to develop and understand an underlying logic of the urban environment.
Putting the concept of mental maps to the side right now, relatively recently I’ve been getting around Berlin via bikeshare. Over time this experience has enabled me to visit parts of the city that I would not normally explore had I only been using a rideshare, subway, or walking.
Traveling by bike (and bikeshare in particular) circumscribes not only the places I want to visit, when I want to visit these locations, and for how long. Searching for available bikeshares, following time limits, and the specified places to park the vehicle can also be a bit of a pain.
On the other hand, unlike a car or motorbike, for example, or even a personal bike, where you have to search for appropriate parking and pay for it too, once you park the bikeshare, the vehicle is no longer your problem.
Moreover, Berlin is relatively flat with few hills, so while biking in the city provides some physical exercise, it is not overwhelming. Additionally, the numerous bike paths and designated lanes make navigating traffic relatively easy.
Using a bike I saw all manner of commercial enterprises (e.g., cafés, restaurants, markets, etc.), landmarks, and graffiti and street art that peaked my interest (that I could explore more closely at a later point in time). Had I been traveling primarily by subway, in all likelihood, I would not have seen these sorts of things.
I’ve also discovered that the choice of urban mobility and the effect it has on knowing a neighborhood is also connected to time of day when one uses that mobility .
One night, for example, I was riding home and the google map instructions that I was following via iPhone and air buds had me to drive through Görlitzer Park. During the day this location is relatively serene. But at 10 pm it was a little sketchy. As I entered the park I was almost immediately accosted by a phalanx of young men who assumed that I came there to buy drugs from them.
Not wishing to be caught up in this scene, I did a U-turn drove off a couple of blocks. But the application kept on putting me back into the park. It took me a few minutes to determine that I should switch the google map directions to car (as opposed to bike) and thus this would direct me on the main roads and not through the park.
Summing up, choice of urban modality forces one to understand the city in unique ways.
It shapes what we are exposed to; what we see, hear, smell, and how. (And, if, for instance, it points us to new food experiences then choice of urban mobility may even have an impact on our sense of taste).
All things considered, I neither visited the suburbs, nor the more distant parts of the city. If I had wanted to explore those areas, I might have reconsidered using a bikeshare and opted for urban public transportation instead.
Therefore, if you want to better understand a city’s nuances, it may be helpful to vary your modes of transportation and explore different options for getting around.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Ian Ross
Title: Bikeshares Neukölln
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4584.jpg640596Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-05-26 12:14:582024-06-08 13:07:39Ways of Knowing the City
Embracing Familiarity Versus Taking a Chance on Something New
/by Jeffrey Ian RossEvery day, we make numerous choices—what to wear, what to eat, which route to take. But why do we lean towards the familiar, and what motivates us to try something new?
Driven by habit or a preference for spontaneity over deliberate planning, many of us navigate these decisions on autopilot. We often face a fundamental choice: accept or embrace the comfort of familiarity or venture into the unknown to explore new options.
Decision-Making Framework
Whether we stick with what we know or take a chance on something new depends on a series of conscious or unconscious cost-benefit decisions. This framework involves weighing the importance of the choice and assessing the alternatives and the stakes: What will we gain, and what might we lose?
Consider a low cost decision like what to eat for breakfast. If you’re tired of the same cereal, you might decide to try a new brand. Problem temporarily solved. Alternatively, with ample time, disposable income, motivation, and curiosity, you might scour your neighborhood, town or city for the perfect breakfast spot.
Keep in mind that many people like variety. Although you may love eating steak, shrimp cocktail or sushi, over time a steady diet of these food items is probably going to wear thin.
Menu fatigue and culinary monotony
For example, many people who visit vacation resorts or go on cruises and opt for the all-inclusive package, which allows them to eat at any of the onboard or on-site restaurants as much as they want, eventually get bored with the food offered. This phenomenon, known as “menu fatigue” or “culinary monotony,” occurs when the variety and excitement of the food options diminish over time, leading to a sense of boredom or dissatisfaction with the meals. This speaks to the human need for variety and our constant search for novelty.
The “Treated Like Royalty” Approach
Imagine, however, your favorite dining establishment where not only are you familiar with the menu, waiters, and perhaps the owner, but you are generally happy with the food they prepare and serve. The personnel greet you by your name, you are taken to your favorite table, and the sommelier always has the perfect wine recommendation. The restaurant may even offer special perks or personalized service, such as wine pairings, or complimentary desserts, This situation provides a relatively high level of comfort, predictability and security in knowing what to expect. However, over time, this consistency can also lead to boredom. the overall experience may become stale.
The Explorer’s Approach
Conversely, embracing the role of an explorer means a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone and deal with uncertainty. Explorers seek new experiences, whether it’s trying a different restaurant, cuisine, visiting a new vacation spot, starting an interesting project, or collaborating with unfamiliar colleagues. This approach may lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities for emotional, experiential, and intellectual growth. However, it also comes with inherent risks—disappointment, mistrust, failure, and occasional setbacks.
Navigating the Dichotomy
Both approaches have merits and drawbacks. Being treated like royalty offers security and personalized service but can eventually lead to complacency and boredom. On the other hand, exploration brings novelty and excitement, but it also requires tolerance for uncertainty and occasional frustration.
Striking a balance
Ultimately, the choice between settling for the same old same old (and even being treated like royalty) and embracing exploration is personal and situational. Limited resources like time, money, competing obligations and preferences might make us lean towards familiar experiences. At times, we crave the comfort of predictability; at others, we seek the thrill of adventure. Instead of adhering strictly to one approach, finding a balance between the two can enrich our lives. Embrace the richness of both familiarity and exploration, and consider a rational process for high-stakes decisions.
Image credit
Charlie Chaplin from the movie “The Circus” (1928)
The “Hip-ocrisy” of Streetwear
/by Jeffrey Ian RossHip Hop, an influential artistic, cultural, political, and social movement rooted in 1970s street culture, is associated with four key pillars: MCing (rapping), DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing.
Hip hop has also fostered core values and principles that continue to shape its evolution and impact.
These include:
* The promotion of Expression and Authenticity
* Enabling entrepreneurship and Self-Reliance
* Encouraging Creativity and Innovation
* Promoting Community Voice and Unity
* Resistance Against Social and Economic Injustices
* Respect for Oneself, Others, and the Art Form
* Fostering Social Awareness and Activism
One significant achievement of Hip Hop is the development of streetwear, a fashion style blending elements of casual wear, sportswear, and Hip-Hop culture (e.g., baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, baseball caps, bomber jackets, sneakers, etc.).
Streetwear has transcended the hip hop community, becoming a global fashion trend.
Over the years, streetwear has also diversified in both garment types and target audiences. However, this widespread adoption has highlighted some contradictions between the fundamental values of hip hop and the practices behind streetwear production.
Contradiction in Values
Although some streetwear is manufactured in countries like Turkey, Portugal, and the United States, which have relatively strong labor and environmental laws, a substantial portion of this type of clothing is made in countries such as the Peoples Republic of China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India.
In these countries workers often endure long hours and receive minimal wages. Additionally, enforcement of workers’ rights is generally weak. Although environmental regulations are in place, they are frequently poorly enforced, leading to significant pollution.
The Fast Fashion Dilemma
Some, but not all streetwear can be considered to be fast fashion, characterized by rapidly bringing trendy, affordable clothing to market. But fast fashion contradicts core values of Hip Hop. Fast fashion often depends upon the use of cheap labor, and presents health risks to workers and local environments. Fast fashion also contributes to over consumption and clothing from fast fashion brands is often dumped in countries (typically less developed ones) where waste management regulations are less stringent. These issues starkly contrast with Hip Hop’s values of social awareness and activism.
Call to Conscious Consumerism
Where does this leave us? Similar to checking the ingredients of the food you purchase and eat, the Hip Hop community and aficionados of streetwear need to consider the labor and environmental practices behind their streetwear choices.
They need to question if their fashion choices align with Hip Hop’s focus on social consciousness and activism. This should lead to supporting brands with transparent supply chains, purchasing second-hand items, or prioritizing sustainable materials. By becoming conscious consumers, not only will this support ethical practices and protect the environment but also honor the true spirit of hip hop. ultimately you’re not only what you eat, but what you wear too.
Photographer Bob Doran
Sweat Shop
Ways of Knowing the City
/by Jeffrey Ian RossIf you spend the majority of your waking hours inside, rarely go out, or hardly leave your neighborhood, then your life is going to be pretty dull and boring.
But if you do venture outside of your familiar surroundings, then you’ll eventually have to decide how you’re going to get around town.
Most people are fine with just walking, others biking, some prefer taking a scooter, bus or subway, and then others wouldn’t dare getting around their urban environment unless it was by car.
Unquestionably there are a variety of different urban modalities.
The type/s of transportation you use, however, plays a major part in contributing to how you understand the urban public space where you live, work, or visit.
The method you use not only enables you to judge distances, but may also help you to develop and understand an underlying logic of the urban environment.
Putting the concept of mental maps to the side right now, relatively recently I’ve been getting around Berlin via bikeshare. Over time this experience has enabled me to visit parts of the city that I would not normally explore had I only been using a rideshare, subway, or walking.
Traveling by bike (and bikeshare in particular) circumscribes not only the places I want to visit, when I want to visit these locations, and for how long. Searching for available bikeshares, following time limits, and the specified places to park the vehicle can also be a bit of a pain.
On the other hand, unlike a car or motorbike, for example, or even a personal bike, where you have to search for appropriate parking and pay for it too, once you park the bikeshare, the vehicle is no longer your problem.
Moreover, Berlin is relatively flat with few hills, so while biking in the city provides some physical exercise, it is not overwhelming. Additionally, the numerous bike paths and designated lanes make navigating traffic relatively easy.
Using a bike I saw all manner of commercial enterprises (e.g., cafés, restaurants, markets, etc.), landmarks, and graffiti and street art that peaked my interest (that I could explore more closely at a later point in time). Had I been traveling primarily by subway, in all likelihood, I would not have seen these sorts of things.
I’ve also discovered that the choice of urban mobility and the effect it has on knowing a neighborhood is also connected to time of day when one uses that mobility .
One night, for example, I was riding home and the google map instructions that I was following via iPhone and air buds had me to drive through Görlitzer Park. During the day this location is relatively serene. But at 10 pm it was a little sketchy. As I entered the park I was almost immediately accosted by a phalanx of young men who assumed that I came there to buy drugs from them.
Not wishing to be caught up in this scene, I did a U-turn drove off a couple of blocks. But the application kept on putting me back into the park. It took me a few minutes to determine that I should switch the google map directions to car (as opposed to bike) and thus this would direct me on the main roads and not through the park.
Summing up, choice of urban modality forces one to understand the city in unique ways.
It shapes what we are exposed to; what we see, hear, smell, and how. (And, if, for instance, it points us to new food experiences then choice of urban mobility may even have an impact on our sense of taste).
All things considered, I neither visited the suburbs, nor the more distant parts of the city. If I had wanted to explore those areas, I might have reconsidered using a bikeshare and opted for urban public transportation instead.
Therefore, if you want to better understand a city’s nuances, it may be helpful to vary your modes of transportation and explore different options for getting around.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Ian Ross
Title: Bikeshares Neukölln