From a modern perspective, Hosea's vision was indeed somewhat narrow.
However, Dutch didn't think Hosea was brainless because of this; he could only see the situation clearly from the perspective of his own time. If he were truly stripped of his memories and thrown into this era, he would at best be an ordinary person awaiting slaughter.
After all, Dutch and his group had already stirred up the currents of the era, moving beyond the scope of ordinary people's vision.
But who asked him to transmigrate here?
Dutch smiled and handed the newly drawn female underwear designs to Hosea.
Hosea solemnly took them, glanced at them, and then sighed, "Oh, Dutch, I really don't know what you're thinking, to come up with something like this... this... But Dutch, do you really think anyone will buy something like this?"
Hosea's face turned red as he looked at the designs of bras and panties. In reality, if someone told him a dirty joke, he would ignore it; none of them were good people, so they naturally had no sense of shame.
But discussing these things so seriously now made him feel a bit uncomfortable.
America was still very conservative in this era, with only the nascent stirrings of liberalism, so underwear might not be easy to promote. However, it wasn't just women who liked underwear; men certainly liked it too. He only needed to design more attractive clothing first, then gradually make it more revealing, and eventually, underwear would naturally follow.
Boiling a frog slowly was the most typical way to change minds.
The bra was reportedly invented in 1907 by French designer Paul Poiret, but his invention wasn't the three-point bra Dutch was showing now. It was a unisex item that looked like a man's vest. It wasn't until Lierde introduced the three-point swimsuit that the modern bra's prototype appeared.
Of course, Dutch didn't know if underwear existed in this era. He just asked Ms. O'Shea and learned that bras didn't exist yet.
"Hahaha, Hosea! If you went back to being thirty years old now, would you buy this style of clothing for Bessie?"
Hosea's old face flushed, and he hesitated, "Hahaha, Dutch, you know, buddy, some things you don't even need to ask me."
Dutch's smile deepened as he looked at Hosea's expression, followed by intense confidence and the charisma of a leader.
"Hosea, so now, do you think the clothing styles I've designed can become an instant hit?"
Dutch's leadership charisma completely captivated Hosea's heart. In reality, Dutch was already quite charismatic; even if his words were grand and empty, he still managed to bewitch the entire gang.
And now, his words had practical substance, showing Hosea a truly bright future, so his charisma was even more abundant.
"Dutch, I can't believe I've actually lived to see the glorious future of the gang! I'm so happy!
You know, Arthur, John, Jack, and David, Lenny, Sean... In my heart, they've always been like my children. I was really afraid they wouldn't have a good outcome.
Oh, Dutch, I'm so happy!" Hosea was genuinely happy now.
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the conflicts between Hosea and Dutch had already arisen quite a bit at the beginning; robbing Blackwater Town was one, and robbing Cornwall was another. But now, Dutch's transformation had made these conflicts disappear.
However, Hosea thought for a moment, then frowned and looked at Dutch, asking, "Dutch, I think these clothing styles will definitely be popular, but once we sell them, many replicas will quickly appear. Won't our business be affected again?"
Dutch held the cigar in his hand and confidently shook his head, saying, "Hosea, counterfeiting is impossible to stop, and we don't need to focus on these so-called imitations.
In fact, we can promote the hundreds of clothing items I've drawn one style at a time, thereby building our brand and letting everyone know that our clothing store will constantly innovate and introduce various excellent clothing styles. At the same time, we can also create a brand effect, making everyone feel that wearing our authentic clothing is fashionable and trendy! This way, even if wealthy people see clothing much cheaper than ours, they will still wear ours, because wearing our clothing is what makes one a member of the upper class, what makes one a noble gentleman."
As he spoke, Dutch extended a finger and adjusted his posture, a wide smile on his lips.
"Besides, we can link our clothing brand to certain things, like women.
I've heard that in this civilized Eastern society, something called feminism has emerged. However, these poor women are still being suppressed and ostracized. They don't have decent jobs, nor do they have the ability to support their families. This forces some of these unfortunate souls to do the lowest-level work, even selling their bodies. (The main reason for the increase in women's rights is the improvement of productivity leading to a gradual increase in labor demand, causing women to gradually gain the right to work and their proportion in society to increase, thereby gradually raising women's rights. As for why various countries push women forward, it's because it concerns voting rights)
Hosea, isn't it tragic that such discrimination still exists in this so-called civilized East? Women are also people. Why can't women have their own status?
So, I plan to link our clothing business with women, or rather, with feminism!"
Hosea frowned; he didn't understand, absolutely didn't understand what this so-called feminism would do to help the gang's clothing business.
He shook his head and said, "Dutch, oh Dutch. I've seen feminist movements in Blackwater Town before, but I don't think these so-called women will help our clothing store. Do you really intend to use this so-called feminism to help us open up sales? I've heard of feminism, but I remember all their current ideas are focused on gaining suffrage, right?"
Dutch smiled, looking at Hosea, his smile completely unrestrained.
"Oh, Hosea, you need to be a bit more flexible. I'll never be able to explain it to you little by little. How about this: once we get to Horseshoe Overlook, I'll take you and Arthur there. We'll go and see, and then you'll understand."
Hosea's face was full of frustration, but he could only agree.
He didn't know what was going on with his old friend, but one thing was clear: what he was playing at now seemed exceptionally high-end, at least beyond their past life experiences.
Could it be that his mind opened up after this near-death experience?
Seeing Hosea deep in thought, Dutch reassured him.
It was normal for him not to understand. It was only 1899; World War I hadn't begun yet, and women's suffrage in the United States wasn't established until two years after World War I ended, in 1920. As for the true rise in women's status, that came even later, basically after World War II.
But ultimately, women's status could improve because they gradually began to play the role of producers in society. If they could bring work to women on a large scale, allowing them to have the same income as men, thereby gradually increasing their consumption levels and production capabilities, it could certainly accelerate this progress! So why couldn't Dutch start this, and stir the waters?
He just needed to unite women, give them tangible benefits, allow them to work and support their own families, rather than prostituting themselves in bars or washing clothes in hotels. If he gave them truly decent jobs, their status would naturally arise.
And the congressmen, presumably, would not be able to give up the votes that accounted for fully half of the population.
Therefore, this entanglement of interests would arise.
And he, Dutch, would become the true King of Guarma! The King of America! The world's number one arms dealer! in this entanglement of interests!
Dutch's expression was exceptionally satisfied.
In the story, Arthur was a friend to widows, but now that he had transmigrated, Dutch would take his place and become the true spokesperson for women!