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[–] 27 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I had the job shelving books. I'd show up in a button-up shirt and slacks and I could shove all day with no problem at all. No one would bother me. I'd show up in ripped jeans, a Metallica t-shirt, and 4 years since my last haircut and people would ask me for help every moment of the day. Libraries are weird.

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  • [–] 20 points 2 months ago (1 child)

    Good example of outfits sending signals.

    Slacks and a button-up probably made you look like management just out picking up slack, and people subconsciously left you alone - "oh, they're probably really busy with management stuff and also had to go shelve books.. I'll leave them alone"

    Casual clothes in contrast would have signalled "worker" - "I'll just go ask that person, it's not like they're doing anything important, they're just shelving books!"

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