Thinking Through Demon Denim
This blog has recently started pointing readers to columns by George F Will. This blog’s author is of the opinion that Mr Will is on point, quite capable and correct to such a degree that all would benefit by paying attention. This is not idol worship or casual linking for some blogging benefit. It would not be expected for all to agree with George Will or anyone else who is widely published in columns or op-ed features. And some responses to one of Mr Will’s recent columns is no exception.
So yes, just below is the link to the referenced item and an excerpt that is this blog’s view of the central point. It is to be expanded upon after the excerpt and some references to commentary that doesn’t get it. As an aside it was no surprise that none other than Rush Limbaugh chose to sidestep the topic by only saying he finds denim or jeans to not be comfortable attire and therefore does not wear it.
Demon Denim
The statement above is not difficult to understand. But it seems many have difficulty agreeing that it is correct. Maybe they focused on other parts of George Will’s column or simply chose to disagree based on their own preferences regarding the ‘demon fabric’. If you can find disagreement with Will’s position then perhaps the only flaw in the presentation is limiting the discussion to one item…. jeans.
from a post and forum discussion at Free Republic
from an item at the Washington Independent:
Anyone who does not support the notion that appearance matters is living in a dream world. Having an unfavorable opinion on the significance of personal appearance does not form the basis of an argument to the contrary. An expanded discussion on the topic could start with what one wears to a job interview. Even for jobs in the blue collar sector of employment where jeans for example are likely part of the common attire at work few are adorned with it when attending an interview. This may cause those who are old enough to recall a time when formal, semi-formal or casual dress applied routinely. With the advent of casual Fridays a departure from longstanding rules about appearance were distinctively and demonstrably introduced. That was not necessarily a good thing.
Etiquette and rules about personal appearance were not established for their own sake. Like many other cultural norms they represent much more than what may only be an annoyance to some. How we treat each other or how we demonstrate our reverence or respect toward what is appropriate are reflections of who we are. It is not a matter of being politically correct or incorrect. Decorum is a word that comes to mind. How we appear and how we behave says more about who we are, what we value and how we are likely to perform than anything we can express in the spoken word.
A few more examples to complete this post may be helpful. Some of you may recall your youth with memories of ’school clothes’ and ‘after school clothes’. If that has to be explained you did not experience it. But everyone should recall the phrase ‘Sunday go-to-meeting clothes.’ Brides, bridegrooms and wedding parties typically wear formal attire. Others attending such an event, a wedding, generally wear semi-formal dress. The military has an extensive protocol for what is worn for everything they do. In the workplace, gee, from where did the terms ‘white collar’ and ‘blue collar’ come?
One last thought that may also be helpful. Don’t agree or disagree with this particular George F Will column without giving it some serious honest thought. Check your personal bias at the door. Consider the underlying and broader implications of this discussion of jeans. There is much more there than many have recognized. That may be why this blog regularly references columns by George Will. (at least lately)
Stanford Matthews
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