UNIFORM: SIGNIFIER OF AUTHORITY

"The uniform is the institutional skin," say Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofido in the book Flesh, "it identifies a body's specific function in a given institution and thus defines the behavior of others."

To me the uniform works in a secret code transmitting exactly how the wearer should be treated. Some uniforms function in all settings (like a fireman's uniform,) while others are more site specific. The ambiguity of these uniforms that depend on location for completing their social cues makes them an interesting subject for testing. For example, a navy blue button up shirt in one environment—an elementary school hallway—may indicate a janitor, someone who is often ignored and summoned only for extremely disgusting jobs, yet in another setting—a police office—this same article of clothing could indicate a position of ultimate authority. This specific zone could be used to challenge and call out an individual's subconscious in a test of free association.