It's a way to display power, the ruling "elite" need to enforce their status. It started thousands years ago with the ruling class showing of their opulence.
this post was submitted on 28 Mar 2025
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Wow. How much money do I need before drinking Pepsi means I'm displaying my power instead of meaning I like Pepsi? Just wondering how far that mental one-track goes.
If you step back and think about it, so much of human society revolves around people wearing the right costume for the occasion.
Sometimes it makes sense (protective gear, etc) other times it just seems like "that's what we've always worn for X [occasion | profession | etc]."
How does removing your hat imply respect? What is the purpose for standing up when the judge enters the courtroom? Just a bunch of stupid rituals that may have made sense at one time that we keep doing for...reasons.
I’m reminded of a boxing movie I saw once — The actress goes to a boxing match in her fancy gown and blood splatters on it when the guy in the ring gets socked in the face.
I would imagine dressing up like this at a boxing match has to do with haves/have nots. Basically, they’re rich enough to watch the poors beat the shit out of each other for their enjoyment.
It’s certainly not practical to wear your finest clothes just to get blood splattered on them.
Because humans are social animals, and these sorts of customs are signals to each other that we're all willing to abide by the social rules our societies follow.
How about neckties - did they start as a sign of respect for authority? Analogous to a collar and leash?
Neckties follow similarly.
Fun fact, doctors used to always wear neckties. But it was found that they are great at passing on infections from one patient to another. There was backlash from the necktie wearing doctors when it was suggested they should stop wearing them. Took some time to change.
Bonus: hand washing was also rejected because "doctors are special, they can't be dirty" (paraphrased)
A lot of men's fashion, especially formal wear, takes styling cues from military uniforms, the modern necktie descends from the cravats by some military unit (I want to say it was some mercenaries involved in some French war, but I don't feel like looking up the specifics right now)
Interesting! Cravats worn by Croatian mercenaries serving in France during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), according to the internets.
supposedly a suit draws attention to the face and hands, and hides everything else. i guess the tie points at the face.
If the tie points at the face it technically also points at the dick tho.
not much difference for many. by the way your nostrils are nose testicles.
What is the purpose for standing up when the judge enters the courtroom?
This I can at least guess at, typically you'd rise for important people to demonstrate that you are interrupting whatever you were doing and giving this person your full attention and respect. I guess that's really just a show of dominance/submissiveness, but in a pragmatic sense I suppose it is a good practice to mandate focus and engagement during legal proceedings.
As for boxing and wrestling in particular I have no idea. But I'd just point out wearing a well fitting suit of fine clothes is its own reward. Even if you just get thrift store hand me downs, tailoring is surprisingly affordable. Few things feel as good as a well cut suit!
Edit: Lol everyone hating on a tux!?!?
TBH I'll take shorts and an aloha shirt anytime.