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May I suggest a book called "The Language of Clothes" by Allison
Lurie? This is starting to sound like semiotics...
Beryl
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>Lath,
>
>While we could sit around and work in our bathrobes (and do for
>those of us with home-based offices--we even make jokes about it),
>clothing also has that "tribal" function--part of group identity.
>So, while part of dress decisions are functional, they take on a
>life of their own whereby individual identify with a group and with
>group leadership. Technology (literally tools) that is functional
>AND takes on a function of marking group identity and status.
>
>With other female evaluators, I have been amused to note that we
>inspect each others shoes. Comfortable black shoes to stand for long
>periods and travel well seem to be part of the uniform. Function and
>symbols are closely connected and they change. That's why it is so
>fascinating to watch. Note that the archeaology story posted was "in
>the field." I think that may be the fertile source for new and
>lively science visual symbols. Many scientific disciplines have a
>"field" component that may be a good source of their unique symbols.
>I know a little about that in astronomy and archaeology because I
>have worked on those types of projects. I find the that a lot of the
>fun and commaraderie of the scientific enterprise comes out in these
>expressions of identity. Teens and children pick up on it
>immediately, and I suspect it may be part of what we assess as
>"interest in scientific content."
>
>Cheers,
>
>Carey
>
>
>
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Lath Carlson" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 11:20 AM
>Subject: Re: Scientist Dress Codes
>
>
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>"But, you really have a point about the visual vocabulary--the one we
>have
>(and often use) is quickly becoming irrelevant and historic rather than
>a
>useful tool to depict different disciplines of science. That's one
>reason my
>mind turned to dress code--the best symbols are ones that work on
>several
>levels by emerging form the specific context and begin to "stand for"
>that
>context."
>
>I think that the context dependency of style of dress is not really that
>different then that of tools. White lab coats make sense in the context
>of a lab where there is a potential for getting dirty, but this is less
>and less the environment in which scientists work. My concern is that
>the ubiquitous use of computers in all fields has severely limited our
>visual vocabulary. In addition that use of computers has effected dress
>codes in the same way. When everything from scientific research, to art,
>to manufacturing can be done by computer then there is no reason for
>these professions to maintain separate modes of dress. Heck, we can all
>just sit around in our pajamas at home in front of our laptops!
>
>-Lath
>
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--
Beryl Rosenthal, Ph.D.
Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: 617-452-2111
Fax: 617-253-8994
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"A great place to explore ideas, invention, and innovation:
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