We get way too many
catalogs at our house. A lot of them are repeat copies from familiar companies,
but others come from companies we’ve never heard of before. Once in a while, a
catalog arrives that gives an interesting glimpse into another world.
Just recently, I received
a catalog from NRS. That’s “National Roper’s Supply”, suppliers to those who
engage in cattle roping. It’s a very thick catalog, with everything from
clothing to saddles to horse trailers. And, of course, ropes. I have no idea
how I ended up on their list.
I leafed through it,
marveling at the incredible variety of boots for sale. Nothing surprising about
boots for sale in a catalog aimed at people who spend a lot of time riding, but
I had no idea that there was such a fashion for brightly colored accents on western
boots, or textured finishes on the leather.
Beautiful leather belts, folding
knives of many kinds, shirts, hats, and a smattering of household goods
followed. Catalogs always include some t-shirts with topical pictures or
sayings on them, and this was no exception. I was particularly captivated by a
women’s tee that said, “Surviving on coffee and dry shampoo.” Is this a popular
catchphrase? I find myself wondering if it simply means “I’m way too busy right
now for regular meals, sleep, and dealing with my hair,” or whether it makes
reference to people camping out at roping events with their horses and equipment.
Perhaps cooked meals and showers have to wait till they get home again?
The largest part of the
catalog was concerned with tack and other gear needed for a competition that
involves horses. I only glanced through, since I don’t ride, but what struck me
is that any item people need will be made available in a variety of colors or
styles. Pads and blankets don’t just vary in materials and other functional
ways, but in stripes and patterns as well. Breast collars are available with stitched
or stamped designs. The selection of spurs made me think of jewelry.
On the one hand, then,
looking through the catalog reminded me of the many different communities that
exist in this country, not just grouped geographically but also by interests
and activities. I know almost nothing about competitive cattle roping or the
way of life that includes it. I don’t know its fashions or its “in” jokes. I
know nothing about most of the essential equipment.
At the same time, the
catalog reminds me of some commonalities among people. We all like to
personalize our things, to display our own sense of style. Whether that’s more
likely to involve patterned Converse high-tops or western boots with neon-blue
tops depends on the groups you belong to.
We like to show our sense
of humor, too, with t-shirts or tea-towels or bumper stickers. Sometimes what
one group finds funny doesn’t translate well to another group*, but we all like
to share jokes with others who have the same interests and who will notice our
shirt and “get it.”
And given that we like to
display our sense of style and humor, the businesses of America will ensure
that we have ample choices, not just in clothing but in pretty much every
little item that we need, and will send us a big, full-color catalog to make
sure we’re aware of what’s available, whether our interests are cattle-roping,
knitting, or baking muffins.
We all get catalogs.
Till next post.
*To take an example from some
other catalogs-- I’ve never understood why anyone would want to label
themselves an “Old Fart.” That joke wouldn’t go over well in my family, but judging
by its persistance in catalogs, clearly it’s funny to a whole lot of other
people. On the other hand, the button “I’d like to save the world but no one
will give me the source code” went over very well here.
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