Mullet or Mohawk

An Essay on Professional Dress Code

            Professionalism is a fickle definition to make.  When we generally speak about professional dress, we are actually speaking of good taste.  Unfortunately, good taste is something that is not a commonality with all people.

            When we receive a dress code that simply calls for ‘Professional Dress,’ it becomes difficult to define exactly what this is.  To begin with, dress would indicate clothing only, when in actuality it refers to your entire appearance, even your hairstyle. 

While many people think that a mullet is in poor taste, it is not outside the bounds of normal dress code and therefore would be acceptable because mullets have become commonplace within certain regions of society.  Mohawks do not share such a positive place as they are ridiculed for being too outrageous and representative of ideals that are not professional, or even punk-like.  Why do punks have such a negative connotation attached to them?

            America has always prided itself on its freedom, outside of freedom of dress.  To become a successful, upstanding individual in business society, slick haircuts, polished shoes, and stylish suits or dresses are necessary.  Does what one wears accurately reflect the good or ill they could serve to society?  I remember when I saw the Enron employees on trial that they wore fancy, expensive business suits.  This is proof that just because you dress in a socially acceptable manner, that you are not necessarily doing positive things for society itself.

            As young people we are told the lie that what is on the inside counts when it is really the outside appearance that you are able to fool people with that really counts.  It’s an embarrassment that a person with a blue Mohawk and pierced nose gets turned down for a job despite having all the qualifications necessary for a position.  In youth, we’re told to look past the appearance of people, whether they are fat, ugly, or have a huge mole on their face.  When will come the day that this can apply to how people dress as well?

            In many cases, dress is a good thing because it allows people to look on the outside, the same way they are on the inside, fake.