UK Police hats. Ideology.

[Nashy19]

It's mainly for traditional value, the look of a police hat has evolved from the old military helmets. Is it really surprising that police officers used to look similar to the military?

What's that thing for?

 

[Unwardil]

Utter cock. WHile you may have a point about the cavalry helmets, we're talking about bobby helmets, which are entirely for protection.

They do also provide protection, I'm not denying that, but the reason for the distinctive look, as opposed to say, a riot helmet, is specifically for 'the look'.

 

[TheTruePooka]

I thought they were created for comedy value; they add great lols to a; "Keystone Cops" caper!

Seriously, I'd be willing to bet they're a redesign of an army surplus stock that was originally brought cheap. Some of the best uniforms came into existence that way, like; "The Brown Shirts" of the Nazis.

I would guess something Prussian.

 

[Your Funny Uncle]

Hmmm now... What was it I said there back in the seventh post on this thread? I don't recall...

 

[PAB]

Hmmm now... What was it I said there back in the seventh post on this thread? I don't recall...

you did make a relevant point. but it really isnt that simple. If it were than why not fluorescent pink with purple tassels. The reason i think is that through there is development(evolution) the social progress, there lies ideology. Its about fear and intimidation, and signifying power part of the function of uniform.

its naive to think that the world functions in a rational well thought out way. Anthropologically we are steeped in cults, magic, rituals, religion, and superstition. And even when they dont hold relevance the imagery and methods remains via social conditioning.

Another basic example is fence railings (spiked) which mimic decorative spears. Why decorative spears, for the aesthetic, and to intimidate and deter intrusion.

 

[Your Funny Uncle]

Are you sure that the intimidation stems from the design of the uniform? Now of course a clown outfit would demean the policeman, but as long as the uniform is distinctive and functional without being ridiculous, I'd say that the intimidation comes from the office itself and the power it entails rather than the specific uniform design.

 

[PAB]

Are you sure that the intimidation stems from the design of the uniform? Now of course a clown outfit would demean the policeman, but as long as the uniform is distinctive and functional without being ridiculous, I'd say that the intimidation comes from the office itself and the power it entails rather than the specific uniform design.

. The intimidation would be a reaction or a emotive response to the uniform AND the officers social position (status authority). And would again be linked to learning associations or not, depending on culture. The uniform acts as a type of augmentation correlative to the social role the police are trying to give and show. Clothing is first worn in western civilization due to ritual magical practices ( W.J Perry 'The origin of magic and religion')(this is 1920's anthropology though so if im wrong let me know ,as i am a complete amateur )

 

[Andiferous]

It's mainly for traditional value, the look of a police hat has evolved from the old military helmets. Is it really surprising that police officers used to look similar to the military?

What's that thing for?

And these are even better. They are all natural, consisting of only the best animal parts...

 

[Your Funny Uncle]

I understand and agree that there's a reaction to a militaristic uniform in general but what I'm saying is that the specific design of the hat is not really important.

 

[Andiferous]

incidentaly, we share your bearskin hats. But we don't have the Bobby hats. And we don't call our law enforcement "Bobbies." And Police call boxes that double for time machines.

Goddamn, Englishy is cute.

 

[ImprobableJoe]

its naive to think that the world functions in a rational well thought out way. Anthropologically we are steeped in cults, magic, rituals, religion, and superstition. And even when they dont hold relevance the imagery and methods remains via social conditioning.

It is just as naive to assert that everything has some sort of deeper meaning, after asserting that we're not completely rational. Keep pretending that everything has some meaning that fits whatever theory you've created for people.

The truth is that we're more complicated than that, and sometimes a cigar IS just a cigar.

 

[charliehawkman]

Maybe the purpose of the hat is that they just give a sentimental value about the old fashioned police officer before, or I could say still a tradition.

 

[ExplorerAtHeart]

Its only a design

 

[alimck]

UK Police helmets are largely symbolic. There is no greater protection from having a tall helmet than a regular one. That's what an officer who came to our school and told us anyway when I was younger.

The intimidation factor is important as well. Traffic police (for example) who cannot wear the hats (due to the need to get in and out of a car) will often wear platformed army boots to increase their height by a couple of inches.

I don't think it has much to do with penises. Its a bit like forces chevrons being 'phallic' in some way. The more you have, the more penises you have. No idea if that is actually true or not - I think it was in the Da Vinci code or something.

 

[MRaverz]

Sometimes a hat, is just a hat.