70’s
Boogie Nights
“My Uncle Scott…. ‘And here I was at a crossroads in my life. Should I continue to sell women’s shoes…. go off to college…. or leverage the mustache and pursue a career in porn?'”
(submitted by Emily)
Backseat Driver
“My dad loved motorcycles. This is him on his Yamaha with me in back and my 2 year old brother bungee corded to the seatback.”
(submitted by Miranda)
The Fresh Prince
It is me, Little Lord Fauntleroy. I told my cousin (who posted this picture) I would respond if it passed 100 comments. True to my word I am here to set the record straight. Its pretty interesting to have a photo essay about oneself and I can honestly say it is a first for such a humbled person (no the family picture did not cause me to be socially introverted). Surprisingly some of you were very observant and your comments were spot on. The picture if you dont know the background would seem pretty “out there” and when you know the background story perhaps the picture (and all the wonderful comments) wont hold much interest.. Sorry to dissappoint.
As my cousin points out, the family is not British, Scottish or Egyptian.. Basically Italian American. My father was not a man of the cloth. Those of you that picked Nehru jacket, you nailed it. It was 1970 and as most of you point out this was considered fashion (a period I hope never comes back). The medallion is just that and not a religious relic. In fact my mother sewed all our clothes and this photo is no exception. My “costume” Dad’s formal wear and Mom’s – sister’s clothes were all designed and sewn by my mother. Mom’s hair… thats real folks.. it was the style.. Dad’s hair.. quite frankly this one had me confused as to your comments and I had to look closely and I does appear from this scan as a combover, but my father had all his hair. Again, that was the hair style.. yep.. 1970′s..
My sisters arms (and fingers) are unusually long.. she could snatch me up and hit me from way across the room as I was running away.. At least thats the way I remember it..
Me… Well you are correct. It was my halloween costume for that year.. sisters shoes are a left over remnant of her Pilgram outfit (Halloween was 1-2 weeks before this family shoot). My outfit is made from left over curtain material from our living room, which of course mom also made.. (this was before Carol Burnett did her famous Scarlet O’Hare skit with the curtain rod still attached)..
The setting is my grandparents 50th anniversary party. They had 8 children and all were asked to come and have family/group photo’s. Well mom thought I looked so adorable in my Halloween outfit that I was FORCED to wear it for the shoot.. Yes, I was both horrified and pissed as my cousins were giving me sh*t about having to wear my costume, but Mom.. she didnt care.. and when my mother made up her mind.. well as youngster (I am seven in this photo) you did what you were told. To add injury to insult, there is a photo of the entire extended family (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins and grandkids) and yep, there I am looking like “Where’s Waldo” in the middle of the picture.. and yes.. with the Burger King Hat on this time..
This photo hung on our stairs going to the second floor for years and I had a constant reminder of the embarrassment I suffered that day. In fact not this last year I discussed with my mother my lingering agitation at having to suffer such humilitation.. she still smiles and says “but you were such an adorable prince”..
However seeing what joy, confusion, consternation, etc. it brought you all I can say.. it has helped me to laugh at this long gone horrific event.
P.S. The following year my dad helped make my custome and it was the most kick@ss pirate garb complete with wooden peg leg.. Sorry no family portraits with this costume.
I know you all were probably expecting something so totally off the wall and I was half tempted to humor you but figured since you had done so well… you deserved the truth.
OK, Ive made my peace.. I kind of like this picture now..
Thanks
Your Humbled Lord,
Fauntleroy
(submitted by Amber)
The Mopersons
“This is an old picture I found of my brothers and I – we were getting our passport pictures taken that day, and they decided to get one of all three of us. I’m just guessing that we were sick of taking pictures… we look like the most depressed children ever.”
(submitted by Kim)
