The need for recognition or somesuch

[Stratherrick]

While I was watching some telly last night, some US imports like CSI or something similar, I couldn't but notice that all the people portraying the various jobs were covered in big badges of one sort or another. I mean sown on badges, not 'buttons' as North Americans call them.

I just wonder if I'm on to something in that, it seems to me, that North Americans, in particular, seem to have this need to display who they are and with whom they have association, even if it's just the NYPD etc. On the box, they seemed covered in, e.g., an NYPD badge on their front, both arms and on their cap; a stars & stripes all over too etc.

Now, don't get me wrong, even a British bobby has a patch saying 'police' on his chest and a cap badge, but not a lot else if I recall correctly. I don't see anything wrong in having pride in your employer, your country etc, but it just looks a bit OTT to British eyes, I feel. I think it's a particular peculiarity of 'modern' nations, but I admit I could be reading more into all this than is meeting my eye. Good ol' British reserve is just as easy an 'accusation' from your perspective!

Having said that, I was born in Torquay, Devon as was my father and it was his father who was the last one born in the Highlands. Exiles like myself, I don't feel English in any way, are always the more fanatical in their patriotism, so I fully understand how come overseas folks with Scottish ancestry (and those with just a liking for it all) can get so worked up and want to do things with a flourish. I just wonder if this explains some of the more OTT outfits I see emigres wearing, kilts included?

Slainte

Bruce

[YoungMan]

I think of lot of the overkill with identification nowadays is due in part to the fashionization of official clothing. All kinds of people have NYPD shirts, jackets, hats. The same goes for FDNY, FBI, etc. So in order to make sure that people really know your official I feel like they have to make it so outrageous that it couldnt possibly be mistaken for fashion. I'll admit that it wasn't until I started looking into a career in the Armed Services that I really developed a respect for uniforms, even camouflage. People wear it to look cool by association but never really think about the guys who have to pulls those cammies or NYPD jacket on and go risk their lives for us. I think if it's their burden it should also be their privilege.

[Bugbear]

That's a side effect of having grown up primarily on a diet of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Actually, we do have a person or two on the forum who work in the movie business (Hollywood), perhaps someone could shed some technecal or insider light on the first part of the question.

[Stratherrick]

YoungMan

I think if it's their burden it should also be their privilege.

Never a truer word spoken. Well said!

I hadn't thought about the commercialisation side of things, that made me think, hmmm...I think you're right.

Maybe it goes some way to explaining why folks feel drawn to kilts and the rest of the attire that goes with them. Each piece of 'the kit' is like one of the badges I mentioned before, I s'pose. I can be as guilty as the next guy when it comes to 'dressing up' but, mostly, I like to be a little understated most of the time.

Each to his own, I guess.

Slainte

Bruce

[Stratherrick]

Ted

That's a side effect of having grown up primarily on a diet of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I get the hint, I didn't mean to stereotype nor be disrespectful!

As for portrayal of outfits, I can imagine the movie/telly business always leans towards overkill. It's the same with the obligatory 'hand on the head' as the crook is pushed into the squad car.

Back to kilts, I suppose media portrayal of all things Scottish might lead some to some pretty weird conclusions as to what you're likely to find on a street in Aberdeen or Dunoon!

Slainte

Bruce

[Bugbear]

It's ok, I have no idea why any of that goes on. We're just strange...

[Kett]

I feel it is more of an "in the script" sort of thing. When you have someone watching a television show, especially catching someone flipping through the channels who stops for the first time, the writers/scriptwriters seem to feel some overkill is needed so that the new viewer understands what that person represents in the show. I doubt those persons in real careers are quite so covered in shirts, jackets, hats and badges displaying who they are.

I'm not a writer or scriptwriter and have nothing to do with the television industry, just my $0.02 worth.

[Nighthawk]

I feel it is more of an "in the script" sort of thing. When you have someone watching a television show, especially catching someone flipping through the channels who stops for the first time, the writers/scriptwriters seem to feel some overkill is needed so that the new viewer understands what that person represents in the show. I doubt those persons in real careers are quite so covered in shirts, jackets, hats and badges displaying who they are.

I'm not a writer or scriptwriter and have nothing to do with the television industry, just my $0.02 worth.

I have a friend in the local Denver S.W.A.T. who proudly wears a t shirt that says "We get up early to beat the crowd."

[macwilkin]

This thread reminds me of DI Grim on The Thin Blue Line who was always wanting an "American siren" for his car, much to the chagrin of Inspector Fowler (Rowan Atkinson)!

T.

[Streetcar]

First, you must remember that television (especially CSI and the like) bear little resemblence to reality.

Officers not in uniform (at least in the states) need to have POLICE, a badge or some other notification highly visible to the public in case they need to take enforcement action. This way the other person can't say "I didn't know he was a police officer."

Having said that, I know very few detectives who go THAT over the top. Occasionally a new CSI officer or negotiator will show up on scene with tons of that sort of "official" gear, but they end up being the butt of some good-natured ribbing.