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Ties Becoming Obsolete
First, it was typewriters, then law libraries and bike couriers. Now, it seems that neckties are destined for this growing heap of law firm and business accoutrements rendered obsolete by 21st century trends.
As the Denver Post reports, sales of neckties are declining, down from a $1.3 billion peak in 1995, to less than $678 million during the 12 months ending March 31. And according to a Gallup Poll in 2007, only six percent of men wore ties to work daily.
In contrast to the typewriter or bike courier, which have been edged out of existence by computers and electronic communication, technology isn't directly responsible for the demise of the neck tie, which is attributable to casual Fridays and a general decline in men's dress standards. Still, in my view, it's no coincidence that tie-wearing has declined at the same time that technology has taken off. Significantly, with the Internet, most business people and lawyers can do much of their work remotely -- and dress doesn't matter as much when our clients can't see us.
But perhaps we'll see the pendulum swing back again. As we move towards technologies like Skype or other applications that enable teleconferences, we can no longer hide our appearance from the outside world. Perhaps a resurgence of visual, Web-based technologies will make appearance -- and relatedly, ties and dress suits -- relevant once again. What do you think?
Posted by Carolyn Elefant on June 9, 2008 at 11:22 AM | Permalink
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