Just Who Can Wear a Uniform?

[John in Covina]

My personal belief is this. The men and women that wore the uniform in the day found that it was hard won with hard work dedication and purpose and that was just boot camp for them. Later, so many paid a variety of levels of price, up to the ultimate price to protect the country.

This means to me that I cannot comfortably don a uniform and represent that which I have not worked for or earned the right to wear, especially in light of the sacrifice of those that served.

That's how i see it.

 

[Viola]

I've never heard of gal's wearing a man's "real" historic military uniform-- is it supposed to be "cute" like sortof as the reverse of a guy being dressed as a woman in drag? And if it was just for a fun photo op, wouldn't it seem that a gal wearing like it meant it as nothing more important than using it as a "costume".

Real American servicewomen in every war up until WWII wore men's uniforms, so I don't see your point? How is it "cute" or "dress-up" any more than a male reenactor? I'm not talking about wearing a garrison cap and a pin-up outfit. It is historically accurate to portray women in the field in jumpsuits or in uniforms. So I'm confused as to where the disrespect comes in?

Is it okay for the Civil War or earlier?

 

[Diamondback]

And how many times in history did women disguise themselves as boys or "effeminate" men and sneak off to war, across how many conflicts?

My point is, there is legitimate historical precedent.

----------------
Now playing: Brad Fiedel - Death By Fire - Terminator Gets Up
via FoxyTunes

 

[Viola]

I guess if you do that you just have to be good enough no one knows you're a frail, and then it's not disrespectful! Be sure and punch the first person to imply you're a woman in the face!

I'm only 5'0" and a size small in women's clothes, but I'm just a perfectly historic Depression era teenage boy, I tells ya! lol

 

[FinalVestige79]

I guess if you do that you just have to be good enough no one knows you're a frail, and then it's not disrespectful! Be sure and punch the first person to imply you're a woman in the face!

I'm only 5'0" and a size small in women's clothes, but I'm just a perfectly historic Depression era teenage boy, I tells ya! lol

I see a 1930s paperboy outfit in your future.... haha

 

[Viola]

Aw, be a pal, ain't yuhz gonna let me fight the Huns? I'm the perfect height to be an Airman!

 

[FinalVestige79]

You are too young boy! Go get your Old Man and sign him up! ahah

 

[dr greg]

the blood rules

In my opinion, the fact that it belonged to a family member overrules all other considerations, the bloodline gives you the right to wear the thing as you see fit; medals are a different matter in my eyes, but that's a personal thing. The ex-service organisations in this country are encouraging descendents of deceased veterans to wear their medals in marches on Anzac day, but I dunno about that, the tin has to be earnt I think. My father has a medal from Nam, but no way would I wear it for any reason:
A: I didn't think we should have gone there and said so at the time, and I'm no hypocrite no matter how much time has passed.
B: I didn't earn it.
all there is to it.
But a uniform....different thing I reckon.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Real American servicewomen in every war up until WWII wore men's uniforms, so I don't see your point? How is it "cute" or "dress-up" any more than a male reenactor? I'm not talking about wearing a garrison cap and a pin-up outfit. It is historically accurate to portray women in the field in jumpsuits or in uniforms. So I'm confused as to where the disrespect comes in?

:arated:

Further, the spirit in which you wear your grandfather's uniform is about Love and respect. I am sure he would feel honored by your memorializing his memory. I know I would!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[maggiethespy]

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for contributing to the discussion-- it was very enlightening to read both viewpoints concerning the wearing of a serviceman's uniform.

I've been away from the Lounge for about two months now-- I found myself in a bit of a rut, but I'm back

Anyway, here are a couple of the photos from the shoot-- I'll be uploading more as they are edited and sent to me.

Also, I just found out yesterday that during his service as a barber in the navy, my great grandfather cut Tyrone Power's hair!

Just as a refresher, this is what we were going for:

And this is what we got:
(All photos by Cassel Hiles Photography, Hair & Makeup by Me)

 

[Spitfire]

Nice - really nice!!!!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Lone_Ranger]

:arated:

Further, the spirit in which you wear your grandfather's uniform is about Love and respect. I am sure he would feel honored by your memorializing his memory. I know I would!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After seeing the final results, I'd have to say Carslile, is right on target! Great pics Maggie! I'm sure your grandfather would be honored.

 

[Gene]

Fantastic!!! Some people take these things way too seriously, glad you didn't listen to those yahoos!

 

[hailey greenhat]

in the immoratal words of tony the tiger GERRRRRRRATE!
i love your hair btw

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Maggie not only did you do a splendid job, but, you truly honored an man you obviously respect......:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Diamondback]

Indeed--they could probably use you on a recruiting poster today, Maggie...

 

[FinalVestige79]

Yeah, what they said!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Great photos,indeed,Maggie! I'm a vet..and proud of ya!
HD

 

[miss_elise]

i knew right off you weren't going to do something tasteless as you actually bothered to ask people if they thought it was disrespectful. and looking at the photos, my thoughts were confirmed.

good on you, they look great.

 

[HadleyH]

Very nice Maggie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap