And Bringing in Summer with White Jeans | Frat Bro’s Saving the Republic | Homeschooling and Our Democracy | US’s lackluster leadership in the Middle East
Hello Ambassadors,
Warmer temperatures are here and we're about a week from the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day. We share one surprising summer wardrobe staple for men as well as a refresher in what to wear on a date with the lady in your life. Also check out two interesting op-eds in how college fraternities and homeschool can save our Republic. And, a view on the US's lackluster leadership in the Middle East. Happy reading from the Editor.
P.S. Would love to hear from you - feedback, comments, or topic ideas at editor@ambtimes.com.
Men’s Style
What A Man Should Wear On A Date (Real Men Real Style)
The article provides advice on how to dress for a date, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right outfit to make a good first impression and demonstrate thoughtfulness. It suggests different outfit choices based on the type of date, from casual coffee meetups to more formal dinner dates. “The right outfit tells your date that you put thought into things, and it communicates your overall sense of awareness.”
For casual dates, it recommends well-fitting jeans or chinos with a simple t-shirt or an oxford shirt, potentially adding a blazer for a more polished look. For formal settings, it discusses opting for a suit, which can be dressed down with a casual shirt if the venue isn’t too upscale. The guide highlights the role of accessories and neat grooming in enhancing the overall look.
Men’s Style
How to Pull Off White Jeans (The Art of Manliness)
This article offers a comprehensive guide on how men can stylishly incorporate white jeans into their wardrobes. “White jeans are a nice way to mix up the sartorial staple that is denim,” the guide notes, adding that they are “a blank canvas; you can pair them with a top in pretty much any color, except white.”
It advises choosing jeans with a structured and heavy fabric to make them easier to wear and pairing them with a contrasting top, particularly in blue, to create a pleasing aesthetic balance. The guide also suggests that white jeans are best worn during spring and summer to align with seasonal fashion norms.
Key tips include avoiding white jeans if you are on the heavier side as white can be widening, and ensuring the jeans have enough heft to not reveal underwear. It emphasizes that while white jeans might require more maintenance, they offer a dressier and more refined look compared to traditional blue jeans.
Current Affairs
Can Frat Bros Save The Republic? (The Federalist)
The article examines the potential role of fraternity members in promoting traditional American values on college campuses. It highlights an incident at UNC Chapel Hill where fraternity members opposed anti-American protesters, using this event to discuss broader themes of patriotism and civic responsibility within fraternities.
“Fraternity men don’t tear down statues, they erect them,” the article declared, illustrating that fraternities can contribute positively to American cultural and political landscapes.
The author suggests that the discipline and communal ethos of fraternities could serve as a counterbalance to radical ideologies that have gained traction in some academic environments. By upholding values of duty and respect, fraternity members could help foster a more grounded and respectful political discourse.
Faith
The (Home) School of Democracy (Providence Magazine)
“Homeschooling is not just an educational choice; it is a lifestyle that embeds democratic virtues into the fabric of everyday life.”
This article discusses the role of homeschooling in fostering democratic values within the family setting. It advocates for homeschooling as a method of education that not only teaches academic subjects but also imparts virtues such as curiosity, moral integrity, and community involvement.
By stepping away from the structured curriculum of public schools, homeschooling allows for a more personalized and engaging learning experience that can be tailored to the child’s needs and interests. The article suggests that this educational approach, by emphasizing individual thought and family bonds, is inherently democratic and prepares children to participate actively in civic life.
Foreign Affairs
The Red Sea attacks highlight the erosion of US leadership in the region (Atlantic Council)
“Six months after the Joe Biden administration launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the biggest issue facing the White House is not the Houthi threat but the US failure to rally partners and allies behind its leadership.”
This article analyzes the strategic failures of the Biden administration in rallying international support during the Houthi attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea. It discusses the US’s inability to convince its European and Gulf partners to participate actively in the maritime security operation named “Operation Prosperity Guardian”.
While the US managed to intercept Houthi projectiles, the lack of international support points to a broader erosion of American leadership in the region. European allies, particularly France, have launched their own operations, reflecting frustration with the US strategy. The Gulf States, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, also express dissatisfaction, feeling their interests in the Yemen conflict are being undermined by US policy shifts. The article suggests that the regional dynamics are shifting, with various stakeholders reassessing their strategies independently of the US, potentially leading to increased fragmentation in Middle East security architecture.