Business Casual and a Paratrooper’s Uniform

[March 10, 2025]  We all get the biting humor of the Babylon Bee, one of my personal favorite tickle-bone funny websites. Sarcasm is this primary weapon, and they use it to great effect. For that reason alone, I greatly appreciate the fact that they can make me laugh at even the most mundane of circumstances.

In a recent article, they take on the dress codes of the business class. “What is ‘business casual?’” We may think we know what it means, but if you’ve been caught under or overdressed at a business luncheon, where you’re trying to make a good impression, then you know that side-glacé from your boss is not the positive outcome you’d hoped for when deciding what to wear.

“Is anyone else sick of all these confusing “dress code” terms that get thrown at us at seemingly every networking event, wedding, and social get-together? Like, does “resort casual” mean I can wear flip-flops? Does “semi-formal” mean tie or bow-tie? And how was I supposed to know that “business casual” doesn’t include a period-authentic World War II 101st Airborne M42 paratrooper’s uniform?” — Babylon Bee, March 8, 2025

Perhaps I was taken in by the military analogy, or the young man dressed in an accurate, period WW2 uniform like a paratrooper on D-Day would have been outfitted. Yes, the article did bring a smile to my face, and I enjoyed the dry humor so often found at the Babylon Bee.

“It’s irritating — and frankly, rather rude — when you organize a large industry convention and can’t be bothered to describe the expected level of dress beyond a vague term like “business casual.” What does that mean, exactly? A suit and tie? A polo shirt? Should I wear the chemically treated uniforms worn on D-Day, or would it be more socially acceptable to wear the wool jacket and trousers with their more commonly seen washed colors? Would a Thompson M1 accessory complement the uniform, or would people run away screaming, “He’s got a gun!” You can’t tell just from looking at the business event flyer; I’ll tell you that much.”

Yeah, the Thompson Machine Gun definitely adds a conversation piece to the outfit.

“They say “dress for the job you want,” and you do that just one time, and all of a sudden security is tackling you and yelling, “That guy has a grenade!”

Please go to The Babylon Bee and check them out. Sign up for their subscription service and enjoy greater insights that will make you happy you did. And, “no,” I don’t get a kickback like so many politicians do in America. I’m not Hunter Biden. Oh, and yes, I’ve been to socials dressed in full battle-raffle, M4 carbine in hand, body armor, helmet, and a full load of ammo. But I was dressed like everyone else.

“So, here’s the stand I’m taking: let’s standardize these tyrannical and confusing “dress codes,” or let’s get rid of them altogether. Because just one person showing up to an event not realizing he’s not supposed to have dressed up like a B-17 crewman complete with an M-3 flak helmet and crusher cap is one too many.”

Dress codes are so boring, except when The Babylon Bee takes them on. GO, GO, GO …. Babylon Bee.

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Please read my books:

1. “55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon (link here).
2. “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon (link here).