Final answer:
The mandarin collar in the mid-1930s symbolized modernity and a break from traditional conventions, reflecting a new cultural identity and national pride. It served as cultural resistance to Western dominance in clothing styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mandarin collar used in the mid-1930s had a distinct significance and function. It was not merely a fashion statement, but it represented a departure from the traditional queue, a hairstyle worn by Chinese men as a sign of loyalty until 1911. The adoption of the Mandarin collar in the 1930s could be seen as a symbol of modernity and a break from past conventions after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. This style of clothing, featured in many propaganda tools, reflected a new cultural identity and national pride among Chinese people during a period of societal transformation. Given the historical context, the collar's design also likely served as an assertion of cultural independence and resistance to Western dominance, as seen in various forms of clothing during that era.