It's been a while, but things have been busy in my corner of the bureaucracy, and I have been too distracted to write anything coherent. But today I saw something that annoyed me so much that I just had to tell it to the world:
They're doing away with suits and ties in Bangladesh.
OK, that didn't really bother me, but it did bring out the swarms of people complaining about having to wear suits and ties. You would think from some of the carping I've heard from grown men that having to put on a tie was like putting a on a noose. I have a theory that the reason so many people hate it is because of our culture's obsession with youth, and putting on a tie means you're not a kid any more. If you're out of college, you're NOT a kid any more, so grow up and act your age.
Thank God there are still others like me, fighting the good fight in the comments:
Neckties are uncomfortable only for those who are too fat for their shirts. If
you can button your top button and be comfortable, then you won’t even
notice the tie - it’s a mere adornment like a pocket square. All the histrionics and
howling about ties come from men who were never taught to dress themselves
properly. Just make sure the collar size of the shirt matches your neck’s girth.
As for forcing employees to abandon crisp and proper business attire in favor of
a slovenly, sloppy-casual appearance, that will impress no one and improve no
one’s professionalism, morale, or productivity.
Part of the intent of formal dress is to convey respect to others. Given the
lack of respect by many - including their wardrobe - does this mean
slang/jive/hip language is also expected to go along with the new “relaxed” work
environment. And we can play heavy metal rock or rap music instead of Muzac to
go along.
having been in the workforce (American) for the last 44 years, I have witnessed
the dressing down of American business and don’t like it. The envelope has
been pushed off the table. There is no place, in my mind, for women in business to go
sleeveless. Plus, most folks dress for work as though they’ve either done some
gardening or haven’t been home from the night before. I guess I’m old fashioned
(as well as old!). America, for the most part, looks as though they have dressed
out of my rag bag.
Dress codes exist for one reason: most people have no idea how to dress properly
or appropriately. It is unfortunate but true. The ‘professional’ uniform at least for men is simple and can be successfully adopted by the most sartorially challenged. Although a full suit and tie combination may be over dressing for many circumstances, it never detracts from a man’s presence.
I know I’m more comfortable sitting around the house in my boxers, but I hardly
think that it’s respectful to meet with clients or superiors in such form. Being
dressed is a sign of pride in oneself and a sign of respect of those with whom
you transact. If you want to be treated as a professional, and get paid as a
professional, look like one; to do otherwise demonstrates that one has no since
of dignity or professional purpose.
Many of us believe that casual dressing is not necessarily a positive. For one
thing the idea of looking slovenly casual is not conducive to reinforcing a
seriousness of purpose. I’m starting to see people wear shorts to work and
wrinkled shirts and filthy shoes. I generally don’t take what people this
careless about their appearance very seriously. They would certainly not try
it in our company. Our standards are way too high. People need to seriously
grow up and become professional adults. Our current dress code reflects the
deteriorating social mores and dignity in the culture.
And as for ties - they are ties, not tow-straps. There is no need or point in
cinching them down into the skin of your neck. That way lies idiocy and
auto-erotic asphyxiation.The fear of suits is one of the silliest superstitions
of the modern day.
