Posted by: JMWcorwin
Uniforms & Consequences - 08/24/07 06:12 PM
I’ve seen many posts here, heated arguments usually, on the topic of conflict avoidance. In reading some of them, I thought to post my thoughts on some of the preliminary things that can invite/discourage conflict; uniforms in particular.
We all wear them, whether we know it or not. My martial arts training as well as sociology classes in college
have brought me to the simple conclusion that they all have consequences as well. What we wear, how we walk, the type of car we drive, and even the stickers we put on them all convey solid messages to others. They’re not always correctly interpreted, but they’re there nonetheless.
If you dress like a gangbanger, you will likely be treated as such by those around you. You will invite conflict, possibly what many here have labeled harassment from law enforcement, and even drive away people who might normally have given you help: job offers, ride to school, etc. Alternatively, if you honestly don’t want to have these conflicts, you can choose not to wear that uniform. The same thing goes with the way you carry yourself, the way you speak, the way you write on Internet forums, and even the type of car you drive. This works in all directions; I’m not trying to single out the hip hop/gangster rap style of dress, but it’s the simplest example I can think of.
Now, take a look at yourself. What do you see? If I’m walking down the street in your direction will I immediately be on my guard, want to say hi, maybe want to avoid you entirely? Because of my training and upbringing, I make a conscious effort to blend in to the scenery as much as possible. As a result, I tend to draw little conflict. And, due to my observational skills of others, I find that I have become very good at spotting trouble ahead of time,,, and avoiding those places and people. I’m not saying my observations are always right. They’re not. Just as others’ observations about me are not always right. But, if you bet the cliché, you’ll never be disappointed.
Everyone has the right to dress and speak and act however they want. (within reason) But, if you wear the uniform, be prepared to accept the consequences of that uniform.
- End sermon.
We all wear them, whether we know it or not. My martial arts training as well as sociology classes in college
have brought me to the simple conclusion that they all have consequences as well. What we wear, how we walk, the type of car we drive, and even the stickers we put on them all convey solid messages to others. They’re not always correctly interpreted, but they’re there nonetheless. If you dress like a gangbanger, you will likely be treated as such by those around you. You will invite conflict, possibly what many here have labeled harassment from law enforcement, and even drive away people who might normally have given you help: job offers, ride to school, etc. Alternatively, if you honestly don’t want to have these conflicts, you can choose not to wear that uniform. The same thing goes with the way you carry yourself, the way you speak, the way you write on Internet forums, and even the type of car you drive. This works in all directions; I’m not trying to single out the hip hop/gangster rap style of dress, but it’s the simplest example I can think of.
Now, take a look at yourself. What do you see? If I’m walking down the street in your direction will I immediately be on my guard, want to say hi, maybe want to avoid you entirely? Because of my training and upbringing, I make a conscious effort to blend in to the scenery as much as possible. As a result, I tend to draw little conflict. And, due to my observational skills of others, I find that I have become very good at spotting trouble ahead of time,,, and avoiding those places and people. I’m not saying my observations are always right. They’re not. Just as others’ observations about me are not always right. But, if you bet the cliché, you’ll never be disappointed.
Everyone has the right to dress and speak and act however they want. (within reason) But, if you wear the uniform, be prepared to accept the consequences of that uniform.
- End sermon.
How new or well worn can the jeans be in appearance? Holes allowed, and if so, where, how big etc? Shorts? Oh the heresy! 
