What Happened to Proper Dress
By Bob Branco
In today’s society, I find that more and more people disregard how important it is to dress for the occasion. There seems to be a degree of disrespect for where it is that these people go.
For example, many children go to school as if they were at home or at a pajama party. Some of the girls wear very short dresses with tops that reveal their cleavage. Some boys wear shorts, have rings in their noses, and look as though they need a shower and shave. Obviously, these kids dress this way because parents and teachers allow them to. Even some college professors go to work wearing flannel shirts and jeans.
As far as the court system is concerned, I’ve been told that several people have been seen in court wearing pajamas. How do you suppose the attorneys and judges feel about that? When you are in a courtroom, you should look as presentable as possible. If for no other reason, you need a little dignity to help you with your case.
Church is another place where there’s a problem with dress codes. One day during a Catholic sermon, I was outraged when the priest addressed some of the mothers of children receiving their first Communion. I wasn’t outraged with the priest, but with the mothers. Many of these women were showing their cleavage in church, and the priest reminded them that not only did it set a poor example for their children, but it also enabled temptation.
I run a bowling league in my city. On numerous occasions, one of my bowlers went there wearing pajamas. When I asked her about it, she said it was more relaxing to wear them.
Where do you suppose this disrespectful attitude toward proper dress originated, and why? How does this attitude help maintain dignity, order, and discipline? Has it become too difficult to wear a suit, a long dress, dress pants, and shiny shoes? Is it so hard to take off your pajamas? Just where are we going?
(Originally published in Word Matters)
