Did you know that the University of Notre Dame currently offers a course called A Nation of Slobs? I just saw an interview with the creator and teacher of this class, Dr. Linda Przybyszewski, on the CBS Sunday Morning TV show. It was utterly fascinating . . . and fun. Made me want to take the class myself.
click here to view video
The most extraordinary thing about this story is that the students (both girls and boys) who take this class, actually end up changing their thinking on the subject of dress. And as a result, they are dressing differently, and significantly better!
I eagerly passed this video link along to my dear friend Sharon, a veteran flight attendant, as well as a published author and travel expert.
This was her reaction:
"Just watched that Sunday Morning feature - wow - it should be required viewing for all Americans."
Sharon also shared this little gem with me.
On a recent international flight, she had to ask a passenger to change his T-shirt because he was wearing one with the F-word emblazoned across his chest.
Yes, he was an American.
In a honey of a Wall Street Journal article entitled An Argument for Flying in High Style, J. J. Martin explains why she insists on dressing up when she travels. She believes that if clothes are made of high quality fabrics, they will not wrinkle noticeably (true). And if we demand a well-tailored fit, we will indeed feel comfortable (also true). Furthermore, she contends that if we would bother to dress up a little, we are bound to be noticed in a good way, thereby receiving better service and kinder attention from airline employees. She says she is often upgraded to business or even first class on some very long trips. Can you guess which one is her bin at the security checkpoint?
My friend Sharon gave me the scoop on upgrades. They are extremely rare these days, said she, and they go only to those who are willing to pay for the upgrade or to the highest category of frequent flyer customers, no matter their appearance.
Bubble now officially burst.
In conclusion, I must refer back to our sainted professor at Notre Dame. There is a place for gym shoes, flip-flops, shorts and t-shirts. But it's not the classroom, the airport, a restaurant or even the grocery store.
C'mon, America! I know we can do better. Perhaps if we consider the bigger picture and think of dressing well as a sign of human dignity, respect for others and respect for ourselves, we can raise the bar.
