Re: "Do Clothes Make the Man"

I guess we can't have any kind of debate over an issue in our society today (in this case dress codes at federal agencies) without somebody dragging racism or sexism accusations into it, so I guess I really shouldn't be surprised by this statement. If you cared to read the article, you'd see that the article's title references a quote from a Mark Twain piece. I suppose you think classic works of literature should be banned too because they don't reflect your views or mesh well with current society...

Re: "Do Clothes Make the Man"

I agree with this responder. Instilling a dress code which reflects professionalism does not make an agency or manager "sexist". The problem lies in that Fed employees feel they have some kind of unalienable right to do as they please, especially if they are backed by a union. In the private sector (I dare you to try it!), the way one dresses is reflective of the corporation. In any case, it's a matter of self respect and of consideration of others. I've worked with women who showed up in braless tanks and slit short skirts, and it wasn't pleasant.

Re: "Do Clothes Make the Man"

So don't use the quote if it's sexist. It's as simple as that. Nothing should be banned. Just use it in the right context for 2005.

Re: "Do Clothes Make the Man"

So we should apparently ban Mark Twain from our list of approved authors according to this reader. Let's all sit around and read politically correct authors and forget most of the history of western civilization--that apparently would make some people much happier as we march in lockstep to the tune of the "cultural elite" who seek to control how everyone else thinks and speaks. Please just go away and leave the rest of us alone to think and speak as we please.

Re: Dress Code for Civil Service Employees

I too work at Hill - in one of those dirty old buildings and I think it has more to do with pure sloppiness and laziness more then it has to do with the weather. I really get tired of seeing people in jammy pants and dirty tee shirts - yes in the office. But there is no way you are going to enforce a dress code in the Federal government, too many whiners.

Re: Dress Code for Civil Service Employees

"But there is no way you are going to enforce a dress code in the Federal government, too many whiners." This after whining about the way people dress. Very early in my career I remember attending a meeting that was disorganized and rambling until an individual came in and took charge....he was dressed in a quilted vest jacket and jeans, the people supposedly in charge of the meeting were in 3 piece suits, does the clothes make the "man" no the person makes the person....

Re: Dress Appropriately

I am sorry, do you have insight as to how to enforce this dress code? I didnt think so. I am not suggesting 3 piece suits, just some commonsense when dressing for work. I dont see that with the Man Jammies and dirty T's.

Re: Dress Code

I believe what makes a person a professional is more than what they wear. It is also how they spell and write.

I have more respect for a person who is 'well spoken', uses correct grammar, a hard-worker and wearing jeans, then a person who wears a tie and a suit yet disrespect their co-workers.

I also believe that if a dress code is implemented, then an allowance for the proper attired as required by the Agency is in order.

Re: dress codes

You are making alot of assumptions about people you don't even know.

If this is your opinion, then fine, yet, do not make statements as if they are TRUTH!