- Feb 5, 2002
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From airports to churches, America’s epidemic of childish attire signals a deeper collapse in standards.
Somerset Maugham once said that the well-dressed man is the one whose clothes you never notice. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy would probably settle for “no slippers at TSA.” Has America turned into a nation of slobs? Duffy seems to think so. He recently launched a campaign encouraging travelers to dress like adults, arguing that sartorial choices influence behavior, especially on airplanes.
“Whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better,” he said. And, more bluntly: “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport.” He’s spot-on: sloppy dress reflects a lack of self-respect and projects immaturity, which, in turn, sets a poor example for youth.
But Duffy’s proposals transcend air travel. Too many adults dress as if childhood never ended. Pajamas, hoodies, sneakers, and far too many ironic novelty tees have become standard — especially for men, who no longer see value in presenting themselves as grown-ups. There was a time when appearance conveyed responsibility, discipline, and self-respect. Today, comfort and irony carry the day.
What do we make of the 48-year-old father/accountant wearing a Pokémon T-shirt to parent-teacher night, or the 31-year-old commuter programmer sporting a Saquon Barkley jersey at 8 o’clock Mass? These attacks are too easy, and too fun, and seem almost too mean-spirited to be justified. But they are not — and Duffy is on to something. Dressing like a sixth grader conveys a lack of attention to what it means to be an adult.
Continued below.
spectator.org
Somerset Maugham once said that the well-dressed man is the one whose clothes you never notice. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy would probably settle for “no slippers at TSA.” Has America turned into a nation of slobs? Duffy seems to think so. He recently launched a campaign encouraging travelers to dress like adults, arguing that sartorial choices influence behavior, especially on airplanes.
“Whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better,” he said. And, more bluntly: “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport.” He’s spot-on: sloppy dress reflects a lack of self-respect and projects immaturity, which, in turn, sets a poor example for youth.
But Duffy’s proposals transcend air travel. Too many adults dress as if childhood never ended. Pajamas, hoodies, sneakers, and far too many ironic novelty tees have become standard — especially for men, who no longer see value in presenting themselves as grown-ups. There was a time when appearance conveyed responsibility, discipline, and self-respect. Today, comfort and irony carry the day.
What do we make of the 48-year-old father/accountant wearing a Pokémon T-shirt to parent-teacher night, or the 31-year-old commuter programmer sporting a Saquon Barkley jersey at 8 o’clock Mass? These attacks are too easy, and too fun, and seem almost too mean-spirited to be justified. But they are not — and Duffy is on to something. Dressing like a sixth grader conveys a lack of attention to what it means to be an adult.
Continued below.
America, Please Put Some Pants On – The American Spectator | USA News and Politics
Somerset Maugham once said that the well-dressed man is the one whose clothes you never notice. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy would probably settle for “no slippers at TSA.” Has America turned into a nation of slobs? Duffy seems to think so. He recently launched a campaign encouraging...
spectator.org
