Both guys and girls state their individuality Harding students, both male and female, chose to express their individuality in a variety of ways. For many men, the expression of choice was often their car - for women, clothes. Since the invention of the automobile, men have attempted to perfect the performance, style and speed of their cars. Cars were the mainstay of manliness and the last bastion of bravado . Men loved their cars. Why was that' "It's a pride thing," Lee Wimberly said. If his car was running well , a man could hold his head high. "I like to know how things work. I'm always learning; it's a passion ," Mike Bonnor said. Control also played a role in why men loved their cars. Behind the wheel or under the hood, they were in control. If they wanted to boost a 305 horsepower small block engine to 330 horsepower, they could do it. "Guys don't worry about clothes much, so they get attached to their cars. It's a power thing," Ryan Singleton said. Automobiles helped determine each man's individuality. Men could choose from a variety of makes, models, colors, performance features and levels of power in the vehicle they purchased or restored. No two cars were exactly alike; no two men were exactly alike. Perhaps the most important reason why men loved their cars was communication. Men could talk sports, action movies, war and, most importantly, men could talk cars. Cars were important to men because they helped shape who they were and how they communicated. "Cars give some guys their feeling of self-worth ," Alan Seim said. Travis Bearden agreed but said, "Everyone thinks cars are status symbols, but if people only like you for what you have, they're not real friends. " On the other hand, Harding females displayed their taste through an eclectic mix of fashion, with the emphasis ranging from comfort to the latest fads. Many students strove for comfort. Popular clothes for this group were T-shirts, jeans and overalls. "When I'm going back and forth on campus, it's important to be comfortable so I can concentrate in class," Denise Oshiro said. The natural look was also trendy, with brown undertones, love beads and other earthy styles. This style popularized Bath and Body Works products and natural scents. Another hot trend was nail polish hues ranging from vivid neons to washed-out frosts and pastels. "WWJD" bracelets, asking the question "What would Jesus do, " were also a popular accessory which reflected spiritual focus and, of course, no student could be without that famous fashion staple - a Harding T-shirt. - Remie Beaulieu & Erynne Eyrich Mike Stoneman pumps gas into his 1997 Ford F-150. Trucks and sport utility veh icles were popular among men ofall ages this year. Photo by Kristi Burns. Student Life 23 tlllr
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