Christopher Mukes, education junior from New Orleans, is known around campus as a member of the infamous Strike Team.
The Strike Team can be found in front of the Student Union writing citations once a week for those students who are said to be “disturbing the peace of the campus due to their lack of fashion sense,” Mukes said.
“Basically, our job is to bring awareness to this ‘disease,’ ” Mukes said. “It is running rampant around campus and around the world, actually.”
Mukes said that even his favorite artist, Drake, suffers from this “affliction.”
“He is a very chap individual,” he said. “Great artist. I take nothing away from him, but he has no swag when it comes to dressing.”
When Mukes is not giving out fashion citations, he can be seen in the classroom pursuing his degree in education.
“I came from New Orleans where we have a very inadequate school system,” he said. “I figured once I’d come to college I could give back by correcting some of the wrongs.”
After graduation, Mukes plans to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and role model, Frank Wilson. Wilson, an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Louisiana State University, is Mukes’ inspiration to follow his dream of becoming a successful football coach in the future.
“He has come from very humble beginnings where it was 10 siblings living in a two bedroom house in Algiers, and now his guest house is bigger than the house I live in,” he said. “He came from nothing, basically. You can look at some of the celebrities and see how they come from nothing, but this is somebody I actually know and I’ve watch struggle to get to where they have come. It has made it easier for me to do what I want to do now.”
Q: What does “chap” mean?
A: My definition of “chap” is simply a person who is just not put together. They are wearing Sauconys in 2011 with pocket chains, Dickie pants and Girboud’s with the straps. It’s 2011—not 1997.
Q: What are some interesting facts about you?
A: Well, I have washboard abs, and I am a superior dancer.
Q: Do you have a signature dance move?
A: Yes, it is called “bounce it biggity bounce it.”
Q: Do you go by any nicknames?
A: Yes, I have several nicknames. Of course, I have La Mukes, Hot Boy Sizzle, Young Dracula because I’m at these fees necks, Young Crisco and Dark Stallion.
Q: Describe the worst outfit you have seen being worn on campus.
A: (Laughs) Whoa, that is going to be a tough one. Okay, this guy had on some black Dickie slacks with some white Kenneth Cole shoes, a white tie, a chain hanging from those Dickie Slacks, a white Hot Topic belt, and then he proceeded to have on this sweater with diamonds on one side and plaid on the other. It was white and black to go along with the theme of the outfit. I think he had one earring in also.
Q: What is your favorite class this semester?
A: I’d say horror film class with Dr. Connor. She is very passionate about horror films. She dresses nice, and she gets the class involved.
Q: Are you single?
A: Yes, in fact I am single and ready to mingle. I have a few candidates, but I don’t kiss and tell.
Q: If you could be anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
A: George Clooney is like the white version of me. He is handsome, sophisticated—just has everything. George Clooney doesn’t age, and he is a good actor also. He is just one of those all-around good guys.
Q: If you could act on any television show, what would it be?
A: The Office, without a doubt —the American version.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
A: I see myself as the head coach of the University of Southern California in 15 years.
Q: What is one fashion offense you want the entire school to be aware of?
A: The main thing I hate is big girls with tights. I’m not talking about a healthy, fine, young lady with tights; I’m talking about these Respushas walking around here with tights.