9 March 2005
Wednesday 9 March 2005 21:45-22:15 (Radio 3)
Phillip Dodd chairs a timely debate in Night Waves: Undercurrents, which looks at the history of ideas and culture behind the headlines.
Programme Details
The Nazis designed theirs to be actively intimidating to others while empowering the wearer at the same time; the British army insists on immaculate uniforms as a symbol of individual discipline; and in the highest levels of the Establishment the display of ceremonial uniforms - from the monarchy to the church and parliament - serve to underpin the principles of a civilised society.
Last week in Luton a Muslim girl won her court case against her school who had refused her permission to wear her jilbab because it breached the school's Uniform Code. In Night Waves: Undercurrents Philip Dodd considers the role of the uniform in society. Part threat, part reassurance, the uniform it seems is an ever-increasing presence, from building societies to road cleaners.
Why do the British have such a fascination with the uniform? The photo of Prince Harry wearing a swastika armband caused one of the greatest outcries against the monarchy in recent years.
Joining Philip in the studio will be Andrew Robertshaw, the head of education at the national Army Museum; cultural commentator and former editor of Arena Ekow Eshun; designer and fashion writer Caroline Cox; and clinical psychologist Ros Taylor.
That's Night Waves Undercurrents with Philip Dodd, at 9.45pm here on Radio 3.
Presenter: Philip Dodd
Producer: Jerome Weatherald
