MEEKER| We a sociological study determined that the way one dressed affected how that individual was treated. Many studies over the years have reported on the importance of the almost outdated fashion concept, “Dress for Success”. It used to be followed strictly to achieve a measure of success in the workplace or other public places. When the use of that word success is narrowed down to mean that projecting one’s own agency and freedom to dress any way that one wants, the sight of the oddest combination of garments can be astounding. Often parts of clothing and accessories can be associated with organizations known to restrict others’ freedom: the Ku Klux Klan, Nazis or white supremacists. Most of these groups are known to win over a segment of our country’s population by dressing the part.
Examples in the study included a military uniform and an expensive suit for conducting business. The study found that people attired in a way that represented their political, religious or cultural beliefs were deemed the most successful and able to change others’ beliefs. This unquestionably reflected the confidence and capable leadership often carried off by someone that the individual admires. It later transmits to the political arena and proves to voters that they have made an unwise choice. The clothes usually did help “make the man or woman” and was taken seriously. Success could thus be predicted. The data was collected recently.
Interviews and business meetings that determined a person’s future have traditionally been conducted in face-to-face, in-person meetings. The pandemic’s effect on this tradition has added the non-traditional social media meeting using a laptop or phone.
The greatest honors and respect have been offered to our most well-known figures, as they have earned it.
It is not so apparent that this type of online business interview is turning out the best future leaders. People can no longer count on their strong moral character.
They appear to have no stable, personal infrastructure. Where are the high values on which a well-functioning democracy counts?
Every aspect of our daily lives is shaped by those values and they don’t always appear to be honored or respected.
This version of the old adage is now “Dress to Impress,” as viewed daily on social media sites. Taking on that motto became even more essential for finding a path to power than success. The military touches help more in some circles. Although the study indicated surprisingly that appearing clean and well-groomed were the two predictable essentials for everyone to move through society successfully. This new study went so far as to especially analyze the behavior of people who dressed in a military fashion. They could list the individuals whom many more people chose to admire. It is disturbing when the political power gained from admiration turns to violence. It is time to change our focus on the old well-used mandate: “Dress for Success”.
By DOLLY VISCARDI