skull and crossbones NYC

Have you noticed a reoccurring pattern in the streets of NYC?

Everywhere I look I see that little fellow, not sure if he's a friend or foe yet, but he is everywhere. The skull and crossbones is here to stay. Yesterday I was sitting next to a person on the subway and I was admiring their Spring blouse, which at first glance looked like it had little white flowers printed on it, but after a closer look I realized it was him, the little fellow. He is cuter now, more rounded and in repeating patterns. Now that I am aware of him, I notice that he is everywhere. He is printed on shoes, shirts, bracelets and other more unexpected places.

He is definitely in fashion, an edgy pattern for designers reaching out to younger markets. But is he more than a commodification of rebellious youth? Could he be a sign of our times? Are we looking at death and coming to terms with it? Bringing it into our daily lives, as is done in other cultures. Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, comes to mind, a day to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed. Maybe American culture is coming to terms with death?

To me the connection is clear, unending wars in the East, daily violence here. We can't stop it but now we can wear it.