Hats . . .

This conversation intrigues me, too, but as usual I will throw in my
monkey wrench (spanner, Ian).

What is the big deal about hats? To me, a hat is an article of
clothing useful for either decorative or protective purposes. If I
need it, I wear it; if I don't, I don't - like a coat. Sometimes, but
not often, it is convenient to wear it indoors, especially when there
is nowhere to hang it and I need both hands. Others might find other
good reasons to wear a hat indoors. So what? What gives anyone the
right or reason to denounce it? "Pardon me, ma'am, but wearing your
pants in this club is considered disrespectful and is strictly
forbidden."

I can imagine that the uncovering of one's vulnerable noggin may, in
the distant past, have been viewed as a sign of respect and/or trust,
but a hat is not a helmet. In the less distant past I can see how a
custom directly in opposition to the custom of a repressed religious
minority may have been instituted by a religious majority. But I
don't put much stock in "tradition" or "custom" as a reason for doing
things. I prefer real reasons (even though I too do things out of
habit or custom - I am not Dr. Spock).

IMO there are real reasons to honor the flag of one's country (you
are actually honoring your fellow citizens who strive for similar
ideals), but taking off your clothes is not a symbolic act I feel any
great need to support. Hand over heart seems to be a reasonable
symbol, or if in uniform a military style salute. So that's what I do
when a US flag is passing, or when I pledge my allegiance. For the
passing flag of another country, I stand at silent attention. These
symbols have no practical consequence (like the removal of a hat
might), nor are they illogical, so their meaning is directly related
to their purpose. (Like Hugh, I get a warm feeling when I see others
follow my example by honoring the flag, but the feeling won't keep my
head from geting cold. So I keep my hat on.)

Yup, I have to put my logic in my hat when invited to certain
religious ceremonies and events - I haven't yet been introduced to an
organized religion where logic is paramount - but where religion is
either not involved, or where multiple religions are involved, it
should be every (wo)man for h(er)imself.

Kim
khannemann@worldbank.org

Click 'flamesuit' to don asbestos attire (including hat) before
clicking 'send'. . .

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