Working Class Dandy:

I went to see a play this evening. I was disheartened by the amount of men in shorts, flip flops, and t-shirts. Now I realize I live in Philly, and yes I am aware that nobody in this town dresses for anything. But I was brought up to think that going out for such an event was, well it was an EVENT!

I was taught to treat it as something special. Since it is something one doesn’t do often, you should dress a little nicer. I was taught that it was a sign of respect to the cast and crew as it is their work. But I saw men in mesh shorts with their feet up against the stage. The lady next to me took off her tennis shoes and curled up! Is this normal behavior these days? When did dress codes go out the window? When did we say that we were treating the outside world as our living rooms?

I generally don’t care what people wear out. I care what I wear, that’s it. But this experience has me a little unnerved. When did all the rules of decorum go out the window? Are we that lazy as a society that we can’t take the effort to throw on some chinos and a polo? Why do we find this need to be comfortable and think that slacks and shirts aren’t comfortable? I am merely confused.

I am sure it has a lot to do with how I was brought up. My grandparents made sure I knew what was acceptable dress for all ocassions. They took me to the theatre and it was special and, well, a bit magical. Men were in suits, ladies in dresses. Boys at least had shirts and ties with dress shoes, not sneakers. I’m sad to say that there was nothing magical in the experience except the play itself.

Because I had a straw fedora, I heard people making comments as they passed by me outside as I was leaving. I was the outcast because I was dressed appropriately, or at least what I thought was appropriate for the occasion. What are the rules these days? Does anyone have a copy of the new rules? Where are we going as a society?