Wearing Uniforms Doesn’t Mean Individuality Disappears!

Wednesday 02nd of November 2011 03:28:28 PM

Have you ever noticed how some teams wear powerful dark colors that make the players exude confidence on the field while others wear bright colors that make you think you are witnessing playing children? The power of uniforms to evoke a certain perspective is remarkable. Think about your reactions to a student wearing a uniform versus one wearing jeans and a printed t-shirt advertising a rock band. Do you have the same feelings about a delivery person wearing a nice neat uniform versus one wearing sloppy khakis and a messy shirt? Of course not! Naturally, military uniforms can probably be considered the king of all uniforms, evoking only respect and goodwill.

Uniforms are powerful symbols of commitment, unity and loyalty. It doesn’t matter if your athletic team is wearing a hideous color with a gaudy logo. Seeing polo or rugby team members enter the field wearing their uniforms inspires fans. Workers wearing uniforms inspire also. They inspire customer confidence and promote the idea that the service worker is dedicated to the business, is professional and is pleased to be easily recognizable.

It’s a bit of a puzzle that some people believe uniforms prevent individuality and stifle personal expression. They prefer the printed t-shirts that can be personalized. The fact is that uniforms inspire those who wear them and even students do better on tests when they are required to wear school uniforms (despite their constant complaining that school uniforms are ugly). The clothing does not suppress individuality. In fact, people who wear uniforms – from the military to the hotel service worker – can concentrate on the qualities that make them truly unique as people. These qualities include dedication and loyalty and a willingness to represent a team, school or business with pride. In other words, individuality and creative are in the intellect and the intellect never wears a uniform.