This statement intrigues me.. i've traveled to a number of developing countries and find trouble in the meaning of 'provincial'. From a worldly perspective, I see a unique sense of sophistication in these so called provincial areas. Better opt, travel with your kids!
i appreciate this quote. i've planned for a while now that when i have kids i'm going to do that. i won't paint it though, urban outfitters has wall murals. but regardless i'm so glad to see this quote, makes me feel like i have a good plan!
oh please putting shit on the wall will not make ur kid anymore cultured than if you dont get them to experience it. Why not teach the child different foods, songs and art, as well as, allow them to befriend others from different races. Its up to the parents interaction with the child and the environment…not simply putting something up on the wall and expect them to 'get it'.
I was just thinking about time hanging a world map in my 7 year-olds room, to spark her curiosity about the world. I'm thinking of making a game of having her choose a country every week and researching it, eating at restaurants that serve its food, etc. Thank God I live in NYC.
It's really perplexing that while encouraging a world view, this was restricted to only half of the population!! Is this a direct quote from Ms. Vreeland? I don't know whether I'd feel better or worse if it was …
I think this is a good advice… Nothing is wrong with provincial point of view if it doesn't assume that any other kind of view is wrong/twisted/funny… and according to my experience – it often does.
This statement is interesting. I'm not sure what it means. It seems to be to imply that a 'local' manner is less desirable than, say, a 'global' (more sophisticated) one? Since when did 'provincial' become so pejorative? I come from a very rural province and have never been privileged, financially or otherwise. I doubt a map on a wall would give me some sort of broad-mindedness. Moreover, I doubt that travel (virtual or otherwise) gives many people an ability to appreciate other people, where they come from, and their many diverse ways of living. Some of the most narrow-minded people I know have been great travellers. I feel I'm able to relate to many people from many backgrounds despite my 'provincial' background, accent and mannerisms. Screw the map – just see the beauty in everyone from everywhere.
"I'm thinking of making a game of having her choose a country every week and researching it, eating at restaurants that serve its food, etc. Thank God I live in NYC."
Believing NYC is the center of the universe and that cultural stimulation cannot be found elsewhere is no better than having "a provincial point of view"
Very true! When I was 8, a family friend who lived in Sydney (Australia) came to visit us and gave me a globe as present. I've become curious about the world since. We lived in Shanghai (China) in the 80s and didn't have the liberty to travel abroad as urban Chinese do today, but my parents always had calendars of world destinations on our walls, which further nurtured my curiosity. At 18, I moved to the US by myself. On the day of departure, my mother tried very hard to hold back her tears. But my eyes were dry and my heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. Was it awful? Well, maps do give kids ideas :)
divine diana! loving the vintag shots scott! i have a glorious collection of my own family travelling the world in the 30's and 40's – glamourous, chic and impeccably put together – so inspiring!
Very true. When I was six, my parents took my sisters and brother and me to Europe, and again when I was 12 and 15. This was on a prop plane that had to land in Greenland to refuel. Travel was not common then as it is now, but I remember clearly the different foods, cultures, the railroad stations in England! It broadened my outlook and gave me a fantastic thirst for travel all of my life.
I think that it is the idea and the spirit of the statement, moreso than the literal interpretation of it, that makes it so striking and realistic.
The idea behind it is that your child will see, on a daily basis, the other areas of the world and, in turn, hopefully, be inspired to want to learn more about the culture abroad, and travel out to experience the world.
Although I am not certain if my mother knew of this quote exactly, the idea and essence of this was certainly expressed by her to me, by way of showing me new things, introducing me to a vast array of reading material and, when her finances permitted, taking myself and my younger brother on trips, first within the US and then, as we became of age, outside of the United States borders.
Don't be so literal, some of you. Embrace the spirit and idea of the statement!
I have a strong feeling that this quote is being appreciated just because it was posted on this blog–this is not an original idea at all, let alone that maps are the best wall decoration anyway.
Ha, very true. I can name a handful of guys whose mothers should've done that. Such a shame when people never really leave their small hometown and realize all the things that are out there.
One of her boys grew up and was my grad school professor. There was nothing provincial about him. He was utterly charming and, perhaps not so surprising, always beautifully dressed.
my mother brought home a globe for me when i was four. to this day i remember "playing" with it for hours. i would spin the globe and while it was whirling i would close my eyes, point my finger and place it on the globe to slow its spinning. as soon as it stopped i would open my eyes and see where it landed. my mother would play this game often with me, telling me stories about all these far off places. for as long as i can remember i have been obsessed with travelling, learning about other cultures and experiencing things that are outside my "personal world."
not only was a great at geography growing up, but the desire to live and learn outside of my comfort zone has really driven me to interesting places in my life (both physically and intellectually)… and i'm only 21! i can't imagine where the next 21 years of my life will take me and i can't wait!
-and i don't think i would be who i am or where i am if it wasn't for my mother and her globe-
This is exactly what I plan on doing! I have a huge world map hanging up on my wall now and always wished I could paint it all over my room.
PS: I don't think the quote is meant to belittle "provincial" points of view, I think it's simply meant to provide an alternate method of teaching your children about the rest of the world :)
I think this idea is playful and fun, sort of along the lines of Sark… but I strongly support the idea of being less provincial… not in terms of inherited customs, traditions, and most especially, clothes and food, which adds beauty and richness to the world, but in terms of being unaware/intolerant of of the ways of other communities
Marta
March 30, 2010 at 7:04 pm
!
Jem
March 30, 2010 at 7:07 pm
not just in boys rooms, girls need to learn these things too! this is a great quote though… Diana Vreeland was amazing in my opinion.
Christa Weil
March 30, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Daffy on its face but true to the core. Which is pretty much Vreeland in a nutshell.
Lisa Petrarca
March 30, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Great idea!
cewek
March 30, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Don't forget little girls rooms also!
Punctuation Mark
March 30, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Very wise… people need to see the big picture from an early age… this world is too big to not explore it!
three critters
March 30, 2010 at 8:21 pm
she never fails to make me laugh with her wonderful and sometimes cynical advise, thanks Sartorialist
6-3-2
March 30, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Maybe, but it will stop being cool once he gets into high school.
KohCo
March 30, 2010 at 9:03 pm
She really was amazingly fab in every single way
http://kohandco.blogspot.com
The Red Velvet Shoe
March 30, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Amen.
RR
March 30, 2010 at 9:30 pm
This statement intrigues me.. i've traveled to a number of developing countries and find trouble in the meaning of 'provincial'. From a worldly perspective, I see a unique sense of sophistication in these so called provincial areas. Better opt, travel with your kids!
Anonymous
March 30, 2010 at 9:58 pm
What's wrong with a provincial point of view?
Anonymous
March 30, 2010 at 10:39 pm
i appreciate this quote. i've planned for a while now that when i have kids i'm going to do that. i won't paint it though, urban outfitters has wall murals. but regardless i'm so glad to see this quote, makes me feel like i have a good plan!
Anonymous
March 30, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Thank you!
BellaMouse
March 31, 2010 at 12:38 am
Very, very good advice. I feel like there's a whole generation of people who need this advice STAT.
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 12:47 am
So how do you explain the oh-so provincial attitudes of quite a few (by no means all) New Yorkers? Mommies didn't get them maps?
Nadia
March 31, 2010 at 12:54 am
oh please putting shit on the wall will not make ur kid anymore cultured than if you dont get them to experience it. Why not teach the child different foods, songs and art, as well as, allow them to befriend others from different races. Its up to the parents interaction with the child and the environment…not simply putting something up on the wall and expect them to 'get it'.
FASHION SNAG
March 31, 2010 at 12:57 am
This is a fab idea for every child's room! xo
http://www.FashionSnag.com
Nicky Dunbar
March 31, 2010 at 1:47 am
"Why Don't You wash your blond child's hair in dead champagne, as they do in France."
But my question is, who had dead champagne lying around?
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 1:50 am
I was just thinking about time hanging a world map in my 7 year-olds room, to spark her curiosity about the world. I'm thinking of making a game of having her choose a country every week and researching it, eating at restaurants that serve its food, etc. Thank God I live in NYC.
Krista
March 31, 2010 at 2:32 am
It's wrong not to see yourself as a part of the whole universe, to think that your yard, your town is it.
Very wise sentence by Diana Vreekand.
laura
March 31, 2010 at 5:18 am
D.V. forever! I just finished her autobiography and I am in love with this little canary bird of fashion history.
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 5:26 am
It's really perplexing that while encouraging a world view, this was restricted to only half of the population!! Is this a direct quote from Ms. Vreeland? I don't know whether I'd feel better or worse if it was …
butterfly307
March 31, 2010 at 5:27 am
I think this is a good advice…
Nothing is wrong with provincial point of view if it doesn't assume that any other kind of view is wrong/twisted/funny… and according to my experience – it often does.
Roses
March 31, 2010 at 6:03 am
Girls need big dreams too!
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 7:14 am
This statement is interesting. I'm not sure what it means. It seems to be to imply that a 'local' manner is less desirable than, say, a 'global' (more sophisticated) one? Since when did 'provincial' become so pejorative? I come from a very rural province and have never been privileged, financially or otherwise. I doubt a map on a wall would give me some sort of broad-mindedness. Moreover, I doubt that travel (virtual or otherwise) gives many people an ability to appreciate other people, where they come from, and their many diverse ways of living. Some of the most narrow-minded people I know have been great travellers. I feel I'm able to relate to many people from many backgrounds despite my 'provincial' background, accent and mannerisms. Screw the map – just see the beauty in everyone from everywhere.
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 7:58 am
I love provincial point of view!
Alexandre Camarao
March 31, 2010 at 8:39 am
better travelling…
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 9:33 am
"I'm thinking of making a game of having her choose a country every week and researching it, eating at restaurants that serve its food, etc. Thank God I live in NYC."
Believing NYC is the center of the universe and that cultural stimulation cannot be found elsewhere is no better than having "a provincial point of view"
Allen - East Hampton
March 31, 2010 at 10:22 am
I recently re-read her memoir, DV. Such a fascinating, entertaining woman.
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 10:45 am
Very true! When I was 8, a family friend who lived in Sydney (Australia) came to visit us and gave me a globe as present. I've become curious about the world since. We lived in Shanghai (China) in the 80s and didn't have the liberty to travel abroad as urban Chinese do today, but my parents always had calendars of world destinations on our walls, which further nurtured my curiosity. At 18, I moved to the US by myself. On the day of departure, my mother tried very hard to hold back her tears. But my eyes were dry and my heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. Was it awful? Well, maps do give kids ideas :)
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 11:04 am
My girls have a globe to play with … in the hopes that someday they'll have a world to play in.
:D
AnonymousJK
March 31, 2010 at 11:17 am
Hip, hip, hooray! Thank God she was here and able to leave an imprint!
Alejandro Frias
March 31, 2010 at 12:22 pm
People!!! Come on, this is figurative writing! GET the message!!!! :)
Lynne
March 31, 2010 at 1:11 pm
divine diana! loving the vintag shots scott! i have a glorious collection of my own family travelling the world in the 30's and 40's – glamourous, chic and impeccably put together – so inspiring!
Agalma
March 31, 2010 at 1:21 pm
First they drew maps, then they conquered.
The foundations of cosmopolitanism are questionable to say the least.
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Very true. When I was six, my parents took my sisters and brother and me to Europe, and again when I was 12 and 15. This was on a prop plane that had to land in Greenland to refuel. Travel was not common then as it is now, but I remember clearly the different foods, cultures, the railroad stations in England! It broadened my outlook and gave me a fantastic thirst for travel all of my life.
Ian
March 31, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I think that it is the idea and the spirit of the statement, moreso than the literal interpretation of it, that makes it so striking and realistic.
The idea behind it is that your child will see, on a daily basis, the other areas of the world and, in turn, hopefully, be inspired to want to learn more about the culture abroad, and travel out to experience the world.
Although I am not certain if my mother knew of this quote exactly, the idea and essence of this was certainly expressed by her to me, by way of showing me new things, introducing me to a vast array of reading material and, when her finances permitted, taking myself and my younger brother on trips, first within the US and then, as we became of age, outside of the United States borders.
Don't be so literal, some of you. Embrace the spirit and idea of the statement!
Atticus
March 31, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Love the idea…and Diana Vreeland!
atticusshop.com
50two
March 31, 2010 at 4:38 pm
ahahahaha @ the people who took it literally.
Anonymous
March 31, 2010 at 6:00 pm
I have a strong feeling that this quote is being appreciated just because it was posted on this blog–this is not an original idea at all, let alone that maps are the best wall decoration anyway.
anne
March 31, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Ha, very true. I can name a handful of guys whose mothers should've done that. Such a shame when people never really leave their small hometown and realize all the things that are out there.
rachel
March 31, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Oh this makes me wish I had a little boy!! I might have to treat myself.
p.s. Anonymous: does it really matter if it's posted here as an 'original idea'? It brought a little light to my day, I think that counts for more.
B
March 31, 2010 at 9:47 pm
One of her boys grew up and was my grad school professor. There was nothing provincial about him. He was utterly charming and, perhaps not so surprising, always beautifully dressed.
alexandra
April 1, 2010 at 9:30 pm
my mother brought home a globe for me when i was four. to this day i remember "playing" with it for hours. i would spin the globe and while it was whirling i would close my eyes, point my finger and place it on the globe to slow its spinning. as soon as it stopped i would open my eyes and see where it landed. my mother would play this game often with me, telling me stories about all these far off places. for as long as i can remember i have been obsessed with travelling, learning about other cultures and experiencing things that are outside my "personal world."
not only was a great at geography growing up, but the desire to live and learn outside of my comfort zone has really driven me to interesting places in my life (both physically and intellectually)… and i'm only 21! i can't imagine where the next 21 years of my life will take me and i can't wait!
-and i don't think i would be who i am or where i am if it wasn't for my mother and her globe-
souzan
April 1, 2010 at 10:40 pm
This is exactly what I plan on doing! I have a huge world map hanging up on my wall now and always wished I could paint it all over my room.
PS: I don't think the quote is meant to belittle "provincial" points of view, I think it's simply meant to provide an alternate method of teaching your children about the rest of the world :)
brrock
April 3, 2010 at 12:01 am
I think this idea is playful and fun, sort of along the lines of Sark… but I strongly support the idea of being less provincial… not in terms of inherited customs, traditions, and most especially, clothes and food, which adds beauty and richness to the world, but in terms of being unaware/intolerant of of the ways of other communities
Maria Ana
April 5, 2010 at 11:47 am
great ideia! i'll do that to my room;)