Thursday, July 26, 2007

I am afraid of the Future Farmers of America

Today on my way back from buying lunch my path was blocked by a procession of kids in Future Farmers of America State Chapter President jackets. If you did not grow up in the Midwest, you may not be familiar with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) jacket. Here it is:

Cute and wholesome on one big-eared kid, but on 50 teenagers, blocking the sidewalk, all dressed alike, all with their jackets zipped all the way up despite the 90 degree weather--it sent a chill down the spine.

The internets have given me answers, but have not calmed my nerves. This power point presentation, courtesy (for some reason) of the Cleveland County, North Carolina school district website, explains the outfits. The FFA Official Dress involves an FFA jacket "zipped to the top." For women ("females,") it also consists of a "black skirt of appropriate length," a white collared blouse, an "official FFA scarf," and black shoes. (The State Chapter Presidents seemed to have added black hose to the mix.)

Also, the FFA crest consists of The Ear of Corn, The Eagle, The Rising Sun, The Plow, and The Owl. Who needs that many things in a crest? Suspicious.

Also, they were walking in the direction of the White House. Watch out, Illuminati.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

FFA official dress was established in 1933, for males. Females were not allowed into FFA until 1969, all females are required to wear black panty hose unless you are from the state of California, because in California you are considered a hooker if you wear black panty hose. I myself used to despise offiical dress especially in the 100 degree Alabama weather, but now I see it as a symbol. FFA is the largest youth leadership organization in the world with over 500,000 members. We have the 3rd largest convention in the United States behind the democratic and republican national conventions. We are known for our official dress, no organization is near as strict as FFA on what their members wear, it is one of the main things we are known for. I hope this helps. ALP from Alabama

Anonymous said...

To be correct the FFA does NOT Stand for "Future Farmers of America" and has not been like that since the early 1980's! THANK YOU

Anonymous said...

The National FFA Organization prides itself on the high standards of its members. Over 500,000 strong, the FFA is the largest student leadership organization in the world. The young leaders wearing these jackets are being trained and educated to respect the world and its surroundings and become good people. When you see these individuals i want you to look at them and see how they are acting. Each member is proud to represent the National FFA, no matter how hot it is outside. As an FFA member i have personally worn those stuffy jackets, panty hose and closed toed pumps for hours on end in countless Career Development Events AND in 102○ weather... ITS NOT THAT BAD.