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Is a School Uniform Necessary?

More Than a Uniform

School Uniforms: Promotional Clothing Distributers versus Megastores

TV News Anchors Wear Dark T-Shirts

Thursday 04th of February 2010 04:44:44 PM

The Haiti disaster gripped the attention of the world like no disaster has in many years. The grim pictures of dusty victims trying to find food and water will never be forgotten. Clothes in tatters, children crying, voices of victims under buried under rubble, and tired searchers are all symbols of a disaster of untold proportions.

Covering this disaster were many news reporters from a number of television stations. The reporters were in the middle of the disaster and most were wearing dark t-shirts. What was interesting about the dark t-shirts is that they became almost like uniforms in a symbolic manner. Firefighters and rescue workers and doctors all wear uniforms of standard issue, but in the case of the reporters the uniform became a simple black or grey t-shirt. To Haitians devastated by the earthquake, anyone perceived to be in a uniform represented much-needed stability. So the reporters in their black shirts were appreciated as symbols of a Haiti still connected to the outside world.

For reporters used to wearing clothes that are fashionable, it was quite a change to be wearing snug fitting dark colored t-shirts. But it also symbolized for viewers that the days after the earthquake are not normal times. The plain t-shirts that became like uniforms in the weeks following the earthquake were practical to wear too. Haiti is in a tropical zone and the weather is hot. After the earthquake, the broken terrain and collapsed buildings meant reporters, rescue workers, and Haitians had to climb over rubble just to walk down a street. It was filthy there too thanks to the settling dust. Practical clothing was in order and there is nothing more practical than a t-shirt. There are no sleeves to get in the way; they are comfortable to wear; and they are easy to clean.

© Image by Banjo Ari, www.sxc.hu/