The art historian and social critic John Berger has argued that the suit is the first "uniform of the powerful" designed for stationary life. Suits make manual laborers look ridiculous, yet most of us still want to wear them. Our very acceptance of this fashion standard condemns most people to seeming clumsy, uncouth, and second rate. This is why the suit is the classic example of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

John Berger's argument about the suit as the "uniform of the powerful" highlights the concept of hegemony, which refers to the dominant group's ability to shape and maintain cultural norms and values to maintain their power over subordinate groups. The suit's association with power and status reinforces its popularity despite its impracticality for most people and perpetuates the notion that those who do not wear suits are inferior.

The Art Historian and Social Critic John Berger Has Argued