A writer has stirred up quite a controversy by suggesting that those working from home should ditch their sweatpants and dress more professionally. In an opinion piece published on April 17, a writer for the Los Angeles Times provocatively stated, “Enough with the WFH sweatpants. Dress like the adult you’re getting paid to be.” This sentiment, which some might initially mistake for satire, argues that if you’re not donning office attire, you’re somehow unworthy of your paycheck and disrespecting your colleagues.
While we appreciate the value of free expression, it’s essential to remember that many people are working from home due to a pandemic that has upended lives globally. The writer lamented, “I’ve waited, watched and bit my tongue during the last month of the pandemic-induced work-from-home era but I just can’t take it any more. Please, can we all put away those sweatpants, ratty, gray, decades-old collegiate sweatshirts and obscure minor league baseball caps and start our workdays looking like we deserve the paychecks we’re lucky enough to be earning while the world around us burns?”
His remarks drew ire, especially when he compared the casual looks of prominent figures like Vogue editor Anna Wintour and CNN anchor Chris Cuomo to unsettling images. Is he really criticizing Wintour for being in sweatpants, or Cuomo for not donning a formal shirt while recovering from COVID-19? Many readers felt personally attacked and took to Twitter to express their outrage over this “hot take.”
It’s important to recognize that not everyone has the luxury of getting dressed for the day while juggling the demands of remote work, especially parents who have suddenly become teachers as schools shut down. This added responsibility makes it challenging to prioritize professional attire. The writer may not understand that for many, the effort of putting on a blazer is simply not feasible when they are focused on making sure their children complete their online lessons.
Ultimately, what you wear during these unprecedented times is your choice. Whether you find comfort in leggings or choose to sport that “well-loved” sweatshirt for days on end, that’s perfectly fine. It’s a time for coping, not judgment. Compassion should be the fashion of the day, as it never goes out of style. For more insights on navigating these times, check out this related post on our blog. And for those looking for resources on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers an excellent overview.
Conclusion
In summary, the backlash against the writer’s opinion piece highlights a broader conversation about the realities of working from home during a pandemic. People are coping in various ways, and it’s important to extend understanding rather than criticism.
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