Letter: Loss of our uniform approach to life
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Recent reports of increasing physical attacks on doctors by their patients sadly follow upon widespread assault by school pupils upon their teachers. Cannot both these modern phenomena be a result of the recent abandonment of the uniforms of authority?
As a product of a generation when my mentors wore cap and gown, and doctors invariably adopted the professional status of a black coat and striped trousers, I was startled on visiting an NHS establishment recently to discover doctors clad in the ultimate dishevelment of working-class mateyness. Denim jeans, loosely laced trainers and the obligatory untailored blouson, neither enhanced nor diminished their healing capacities.
Adoption of 'down the boozer' clothing by those whose image - as well as their credentials - should invite respect, suggests that the wearer is, after all, only one of us, and fair game for a mouthful of knuckles.
Yours faithfully,
JOHN TAYLOR
Editor
British Style Magazine
London, N7
14 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments