Americans are proud of their variety and individuality, yet
they 10ve and respect few things more than a uniform, whether it is the uniform
of an elevator operator or the uniform of a five-star general. Why are uniforms
so popular in the United States Among the arguments for
uniforms, one of the first is that in the eyes of most people they look more
professional than civilian clothes. People have become conditioned to expect
superior quality from a man who wears a uniform. The television repairman who
wears a uniform tends to inspire more trust than one who appears in civilian
clothes. Faith in the Skill of a garage mechanic is increased by a uniform. What
an easier way is there for a nurse, a policeman, a barber, or a waiter to lose
professional identity than to step out of uniform Uniforms also
have many practical benefits. They save on other clothes. They save on laundry
hills. They are tax-deductible (可减税的). They are often more comfortable and more
durable than civilian clothes. Primary among the arguments
against uniforms is their lack of variety and the consequent loss of
individuality experienced by people who must wear them. Though there are many
types of uniforms, the wearer of any particular type is generally stuck with it,
without change, until retirement. When people look alike, they tend to think,
speak, and act similarly, on the job at least. Uniforms also
give rise to some practical problems. Though they are long-lasting, often their
initial expense is greater than the cost of civilian clothes. Some uniforms are
also expensive to maintain, requiring professional dry cleaning rather than the
home laundering possible with many types of civilian clothes. According to the author, what do people wearing uniforms tend to lose