Whenever I fly, I do my best to dress somewhat professionally, even if I’m only heading out to see a friend for a brief visit.
My travel outfits aren’t fancy—a nice top and a skirt (the latter going no longer than the knee so I don’t get pulled over by TSA)—but they do look respectable. Dressing this way not only helps me feel confident and put-together, but it also seems to help others—from security agents to passengers—treat me with respect and kindness.
While I wouldn’t be surprised if the increase in altercations on planes stems from other issues, too, I think the author is on to something about dress. The fact is, how we dress in any situation affects not only how we behave, but also how others behave toward us.
“There is no power without clothes. It is the power that governs the human race. Strip its chiefs to the skin, and no State could be governed; naked officials could exercise no authority; they would look (and be) like everybody else—commonplace, inconsequential. A policeman in plain clothes is one man; in his uniform he is ten. Clothes and title are the most potent thing, the most formidable influence, in the earth. They move the human race to willing and spontaneous respect for the judge, the general, the admiral, the bishop, the ambassador, the frivolous earl, the idiot duke, the sultan, the king, the emperor.”
In a day when we’re told to “let it all hang out,” “to just be yourself,” and to choose “comfort over style,” such thoughts should give us pause. Sure, there’s a time and place to let down our hair ... but does it really benefit us or others to continually do so in public?
If we want others to respect our beliefs, ideas, and persons, then why not put our best foot forward from the get-go, signaling through our clothes the respect we expect to both give and take?