The Straight and Narrow

[Film Noir Buff]

A word on what's acceptable and not acceptable in the American workplace and how to determine it.

There is someone I see often and whenever he sees me if he doesn't comment on what I am wearing I know it is perfectly acceptable. If he comments negatively then I know I have on something too bold for him to take. Also, if I get a compliment, I know I've really hit pay dirt for purposes of what is admired by the straight and narrow. But the ne plus ultra is if he can't make fun of an item he doesn't quite understand, then I know it's bullet proof.

He comes from a background that could be cast as an outsider's. And, I think that's valuable because he is fascinated with remaking himself into the power elite. He certainly believes in presentation overcoming background. He always sides with big business no matter what; he dreams in "corporate".

His taste is very reserved but he slavers after the corporate elite so much that I know he sees what's presentably powerful, desirable and part of that cherry paneled world he wants entry to badly.

If you want to know what's acceptable in the American workplace to a critical outsider's eye, you need to find someone like this and somehow get them accustomed to rating your clothes.

 

[millionaire75]

I think I used to work with that guy!

 

[dopey]

A contrary opinion:

 

[Film Noir Buff]

ooo Dopes, I kinda like that shes holding that sign

 

[Kuro]

If this is an example of Manton's claims (my sincere apologies if it is not) does it mean that you two know each other?

 

[RJmanbearpig]

Is "that guy" a reader of Teh Suit? Is he down with conservative business dress?

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by RJmanbearpig

Is "that guy" a reader of Teh Suit? Is he down with conservative business dress?
No, hes not a member of the 300 club but strangely, he knows who Mr. Kabbaz is and expresses an interest in getting shirts made. However this guy would never spend more than $40 on a shirt.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by Kuro

If this is an example of Manton's claims (my sincere apologies if it is not) does it mean that you two know each other?

This one ain't about me, I can say that with confidence.

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by Manton

This one ain't about me, I can say that with confidence.

Of course. But have you thought about WHY it's not about you?

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by Kuro

If this is an example of Manton's claims (my sincere apologies if it is not)
My dear Kuro, no apologies necessary none of us, including myself, know what passages contain cryptic messages about him until he translates them for us.

Originally Posted by Kuro

does it mean that you two know each other?
I have never had the pleasure of his introduction.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

I have never had the pleasure of his introduction.

But you see me on the train every day, right? You drive two stops out of your way just to get on my train, to get a glimpse of what I am wearing. Right? Even though you don't even work in the city.

Right?

 

[Kuro]

Originally Posted by Manton

This one ain't about me, I can say that with confidence.

...

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by Kuro

But do you know each other? If so, and your allegations are true, I have a new perspective on the e-swipes.

We don't know each other. He has in the past claimed that he sees me on my commuter train, but I find this to be implausible, to say the least. The train I take in the morning originates after his stop, and in the evening ends before his stop. Which means, for his claim to be true, he would have to go out of his way to a different stop, all for the pleasure of seeing me. Then there is the inconvenient fact that he does not commute to the city.

Also, having seen his clothes from a number of posts, I can say with confidence that he would stand out on my train, or any train, and there is no way I would miss him. I haven't seen him.

 

[RJmanbearpig]

Originally Posted by Manton

We don't know each other. He has in the past claimed that he sees me on my commuter train, but I find this to be implausible, to say the least. The train I take in the morning originates after his stop, and in the evening ends before his stop. Which means, for his claim to be true, he would have to go out of his way to a different stop, all for the pleasure of seeing me. Then there is the inconvenient fact that he does not commute to the city.

Also, having seen his clothes from a number of posts, I can say with confidence that he would stand out on my train, or any train, and there is no way I would miss him. I haven't seen him.
I think I've seen you on my train a few times. Maybe we should start a "Manton Sighting" club like with Elvis sightings. Most bizarre Manton sighting wins. It's ok, we'll throw away any submissions from The Manhole.

 

[TheFoo]

I think it's dubious to rely on the one colleague who openly comments on your clothes as an authority on what is acceptable or beneficial in your workplace. In my personal experience, the people most likely to do so are extremely unlikeable and only comment in order to draw attention to some positive quality of their own or wipe the chip off their shoulders.