Keeping up Appearances?
We all know that looking the part is almost as important as being the part when it comes to jobs-- illusions are everything, and all that jazz.
But what do you personally think?
If you see a student in your class that has dreadlocks and a baggy sweatshirt with holes at the elbows, does it impact how you think about their academic ability at first? If a student comes in with a buttoned up shirt, nice slacks and a black attache case with their folders and laptop, do you think differently about their ability and willingness to work?
What about grad students?
Professors?
Do you think about the frumpy, crazy-haired macrame necklace wearing Religious Studies professor differently from the business professor that wears a suit and polished shoes?
Were you one of those academics that started off frumpy/messy/scruffy and then transformed due to pressures or to make life easier for yourself?
What kinds of clothing do you think are appropriate for academia, and how far would you personally be willing to stretch this line?
But what do you personally think?
If you see a student in your class that has dreadlocks and a baggy sweatshirt with holes at the elbows, does it impact how you think about their academic ability at first? If a student comes in with a buttoned up shirt, nice slacks and a black attache case with their folders and laptop, do you think differently about their ability and willingness to work?
What about grad students?
Professors?
Do you think about the frumpy, crazy-haired macrame necklace wearing Religious Studies professor differently from the business professor that wears a suit and polished shoes?
Were you one of those academics that started off frumpy/messy/scruffy and then transformed due to pressures or to make life easier for yourself?
What kinds of clothing do you think are appropriate for academia, and how far would you personally be willing to stretch this line?