Are uniforms a type of idol in our culture?

It seems to me that a persons uniform becomes their identity and that identity is always assumed to be noble and worthy of reverance,,,

whether the uniform is fireman, policeman, or military, I have always found this odd.

whatever occupation one decides to hold, in a uniform or not, they are an individual first, and individuals may or may not be noble,,,or worthy of reverance,, what job they hold does not define that anymore than walking into a garage defines a person as a car,,,


Why do we place such a reverence upon people in some occupations, especially 'uniform' occupation without knowing ANYTHING about them individually?

I think the uniform is meant to take the individual aspect away
makes people feel more as one group rather than being on their own.

Yes.. Lets just have police and firemen in tank tops, shorts and flip flops, or whatever they please.

It gives a uniform appearance. A professional appearance.. that why it is done. It gives the sense of being part of something. Of belonging to something.

Without uniforms in the military,
we wouldn't know who to shoot.

I understand the reason people wear uniforms. I do not understand why merely wearing a uniform causes other people to hold someone in reverence.

smh,,, yes that is another reason for uniforms,, uniformity

that is simple enough to understand

but why assume someones character based only upon them being in a uniform?

A uniform still defines the individual, not necessarily only the uniform...and it also defines somewhat of his character and distinct individuality

I think I know what you're saying harmony, like the police for instance, good and bad but they all get painted as bad?

Years ago, I'd hear women talk about how they are attracted to a "man in uniform". The word uniform means there is no variation and look exactly the same. I don't like that. I like individuality. Men and women can put on a uniform/suit but that doesn't automatically make them a good person.

When the uniform is that of a military person, a law officer or a firefighter, the uniform indicates that the person has agreed to put his/her life in danger for the public good.

It doesn't always work out that way.

Because, depending on the uniform it shows dedication, training and commitment to something.

When I see a young man in a Marine Corp uniform I smile, because I know what he went thru to wear that uniform.

No.
They are a type of symbol, symbolism.
Some of which represent a type of authority.


Cultural traditions and training.


Socialization, transferred authority, group representation, shared universal symbolism.

not really, just tells you they have a job,,,,not why they have it or what kind of person they are,,,

or infallible,,,

I get the physical aspect. Uniforms do make a mans physical appearance more neat and orderly and , if that is attractive,, more 'attractive',, but its not enough to tell you the type of person they are.

or that the person wanted a job with benefits,
or a job with authority,
or a job with status
or a job that impressed or satisfied their family,


its really hard to say,,,

I Can respect the professions, but someones profession doesnt automatcially cause me to respect them

some people suck at their jobs, and people have any number of reasons for choosing their jobs,,,,

the uniform itself represents a certain standard of
professional expertise and behavior and commands respect
accordingly...the individual who wears the uniform must
decide for himself/herself whether or not they will uphold
those standards to the best of their ability.

as in all things "individual"....some do, and some don't

it is good to be dedicated and committed to having a job and going through the proper training in that job

but that is not a character trait, to me, most people need money to live and therefore the idea of wanting a job is not one that elevates the character of a person above anyone else that wanted and attained a job


imho,,