Clothing maketh the man, said William Shakespeare. And psychiatrists seem to agree with him.
“Modern dresses make politicians feel younger and also help them identify with the youth and women,” contended Dr S. Nambi, well-known psychiatrist in Chennai.
Dr Nambi argued that since the youth constituted a significant percentage of the population and undecided voters, politicians are switching to modern dress code to win over them. “It energises them psychologically and it reflects in their body language. You can see them walk briskly and almost running the stairs. The formal attire of Barack Obama and later Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in designer kurtas has made an appeal to politicians across the country,” he contended.
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Incidentally, some youngsters who are not fully exposed to the dynamics of politics tend to believe that politicians, who sport a modern look, would be less corruptible compared to those wearing traditional attire.
“While addressing students in many colleges, I have often come across fewer hands going up when I ask how many of them like politicians. But the moment I mention some younger looking politicians who are immaculately dressed in branded clothing, many of them raise their hands in approval,” recalled a journalist.
Sharing a different perspective, Puthiya Tamilagam leader K. Krishnasamy, who prefers branded trousers and shirts, said, he sees modern dress as a sign of Dalit empowerment. “In many parts of the state Dalits are mandated to wear dhoties above their ankle and roll it down - if they have folded it - half way while going through the streets of caste-Hindus. Pants do not cause such embarrassment,” argued the Dalit party leader.
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Dr. Krishnasamy added that he always insisted on cleanliness and believed that a well-dressed Dalit would command respect. “I see dhoti as a veil that has masked the corruption of our politicians,” he said.
Another votary of modern outfit for politicians, Thol. Thirumavalavan of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, said he always felt confident and majestic when dressed in pants and shirts.