This week we’re talking about how dressing inappropriately can undermine civility. T-shirts are a good example of this. During my last trip to the airport, I couldn’t help but notice how many people were wearing shirts that could be deemed offensive. Some had curse words, some had marijuana leaves, and some had crude sayings of a sexual nature. What impression did these folks think they were giving? Did they even bother to consider what they were wearing?
Beyond being tasteless, these shirts were all a slap in the face of civility. It’s not nice for people to walk around being confronted with racy images and vulgar words. Children especially shouldn’t be exposed to those inappropriate messages. And, when you wear shirts like these, you are letting your clothing be confrontational. Maybe you’re a total sweetheart who wouldn’t hurt a fly, but you’re coming across as a foul-mouthed bully or sexist jerk.
I’m all for freedom of speech, but let’s use some common sense. If you think your shirt’s message will cause offense in public, wear something else.