By Sarah Bharrat with photos by Jules Gibson
This week we asked the man/woman in the street how they felt about dress codes instituted by public and private organizations and if those codes were too strict.
Errol Tiwari, Information Manager:
‘I am definitely for dress codes. I am against women dressing in an indecent manner. Especially when they wear these low cut jeans. It is even more irritating when they dress in the same manner to go to professional surroundings. The way that people dress today has been revolutionized. It is therefore quite different from the way the people of yesteryear dressed. People’s choice of clothing has changed in the same way music has changed. Music coming out after the 1960s was completely different. Guyanese still hold on to the 1960s music and this shows that they don’t want to break the past. In the same way dress styles have changed. A person must now dress according to occasion and location. I’ve noticed that singers like Lil Wayne who wears his pants in such a way to display his underwear in the most ridiculous manner have greatly influenced how Guyanese dress. I know in some cities it is illegal to dress in a certain manner. How a person carries himself or herself speaks volumes about them. Dress codes should be observed because they are there to ensure we are appropriately attired for the environment we are about to enter.’
Odessa Alleyne, Teacher:
‘I think that all organizations should have a dress code. I believe in decency and I believe that there is an appropriate time to wear all the things we want to. We should dress according to the occasion because the way we dress tells of who we are and what we might possibly represent. I’ve heard people argue that the place is hot so it is only fair that they be allowed into certain building with their sleeveless clothing. This is inappropriate and in my opinion if the place is hot the best thing to do is wear something with sleeves to protect as much of your skin as possible from the sun. If you think the place is hot then wear cotton and light colours to keep yourself cool. Dress codes should be observed and the weather is no excuse for them not to be.’
Jason Yorrick, Pastor
‘I believe in dress codes but I also think that they should not be too strict. When you go to public places dressed in a certain manner you make the people around you uncomfortable. People even tend to stereotype you based on how you’re dressed. I believe that strap tops – all the dress codes I’ve seen stipulate women must not wear – are the same as a shirt or other garment without sleeves. It’s not that exposing arms is indecent but rather it is inappropriate in certain environments like banks, schools and public buildings. People look closely at how women carry themselves. Besides, we talk about violence and crime against women. I am a believer that the way a woman dresses can attract such evil towards her.’
Yonette Collins, Housewife:
‘Well I can tell you that I am not against the dress codes. I think that when a person visits public or various private places they should be properly dressed. I know that most dress codes specify that women are not allowed on the organization’s premises wearing a strap top or dress. I agree with this because it leaves the armpits, shoulders and sometimes bra straps visible. Even if a woman wears a sleeveless top or dress it is also improper and inappropriate. You wear beach wear to the beach; you definitely won’t go there in a suit.’
Orlando Michael, Scrabble player:
‘Dress codes can be applicable at some times and certain places. I’ve done some travels and I don’t see too much rules laid down in tourism driven countries about the way people must be attired to enter a certain building or compound. I know that banks and the National Culture Centre don’t allow men in with short pants and I agree with this. I mean I would hate to be at either place dressed to kill and in comes someone dressed in skimpy things. I go along with dress codes and I think they should stand. The rules have been set by our administration and they should be followed but I think there should be some amount of leniency with regard to dress codes. I remember recently a man wearing three quarter pants stood in line at the licence office all day waiting to conduct his business. When the man finally got his turn he was informed that he was not appropriately dressed and he would have to leave. In such a case some amount of leniency should have been exercised.’
Vivienne Mitchell, Medical doctor:
‘I was at the Ministry of Housing during the last week in April. I wore an elegant Amerindian hand painted designer linen outfit appropriate for our climate. However, I was brusquely informed by the security guard at the entrance that I was not appropriately attired. I was a bit put out but I understood that the guard has a job to do. For me the dress codes we have here need reviewing. They are utterly ridiculous. I can only hope that one day Guyana will move away from colonialism and enter the twenty first century. We need sensible dress codes suitable to our climatic conditions.’
Burt Burnet, Gardener:
‘Certain clothes people wear to public and private organizations are not appropriate. I’ve seen many young people attempt to enter such places with their butts showing. For me whether it is an armless shirt or strap top worn by a female then it is definitely inappropriate for her to wear to enter the national post office for example. People must realize that when they are going to national places and some formal private places they must be neatly dressed. I don’t think that our climate should dictate what we should or should not be allowed the wear. I think that people are using the weather as an excuse to get away with their fashionable clothes in professional environments.’
Jennifer Durjan, Sales Representative:
‘I am tired of seeing people violate dress codes. I’ve seen adults and children alike wear inappropriate clothing to enter school compounds and other places. Presentation counts and people need to realize that dress codes were put in place to ensure that they can operate in as smooth a manner as possible in professional environments and not be denied the respect they should get because of the clothes they wear. I support dress codes.’
Margaret Alleyne, Housewife:
‘Dress codes serve as a guide for people to present themselves in the best possible way. You look more uniformed in a shirt with sleeve and trousers than you would in a short skirt and armless top. Females going to conduct business especially should ensure that they are always dressed in as decent a manner as possible. As an older woman I would not walk into the post office or a school compound or even the bank or phone company wearing a top without sleeves. I would feel uncomfortable and out of place. You just know when you’re not properly dressed for a certain environment.’
Lisa Smith, Cosmetologist:
‘The dress codes we have in Guyana are perfect. We should be glad they’re not as strict. I know places where it is against the law to dress a certain way. I encourage people to follow dress codes of institutions countrywide. I mean it can’t hurt to look neat, decent and professional because you are only promoting your self image.’
