What always crops up in our culture is that comment, “It’s his/your/their/etc. choice.” That term “choice” is usually constructed as a “free choice,” no less. I submit that those “free choices” are part of our society’s ridding itself of a darned guilty conscience. It’s not a CHOICE when one works at Walmart; it’s a matter of compulsion by economic necessity. I am always reminded of that devastating scene in “Monster” when Aileen Wuornos, played by Ms. Thereon, goes to an attorney’s office, wanting to make the CHOICE of working there. Does anyone see the problem here? The capitalist system is full of economic compulsion with each philosophically under-educated hollering about those “free choices.” They do NOT exist.

Matt 22:21, Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, Give to God what is God’s. If your boss wants you to wear a tie… wear a tie.It is not worth raging against nor is it a topic you can win. If you don’t like it, find another boss.

I always find this topic amusing as well as ever present. So much fuss over a useless piece of decorative cloth!

I went into a job in the entertainment industry about a year ago, after 8 years in an environmental non-profit, after years in government and politics. Ties were de rigeur in government and politics, but rarely seen in environmental organizations or show business (however, those two fields have their own dress codes, such as expensive hiking boots or fleece vests for environmentalists, and very expensive European duds—sans tie—for entertainment).

Some days I feel like I should just throw out all my ties. Then I go to a meeting with bankers or government types and ties are ubiquitous again. It’s an interesting contrast.

BTW, a recent poll taken of Fortune 500 CEO’s reported that the vast majority of them believed that the traditional business suit for men would be pretty much history within a generation. We shall see.

While I agree that looking the part commands respect, I think that it”s ridculous that of all the pressing issues that this president has to deal with that a dress code is the topic of discussion. What about the ethics of the office; no one raised an eyebrow about that in the last administration?

Please re-read my comments: I made the point that a shop steward has restraints in dress as well.

“Unreconstructed Hippie” needs to get over himself. Upset over a tie? I’d like to see him spend a day in high heels, which were considered de rigueur for professional women for many years. In any event, if he is that unhappy with his employer’s dress code and it is not an objection of conscience or heath/safety, then he needs to seek other employment. Period.

By the way, on the other hand, I am also a union board member and shop steward in a white collar job. The White Guy’s insinuation that being a shop steward is a license to bend the company dress code or other policies is absurd. But that’s another column.