Uniformity

When many Americans hear the word "uniform" blood pressures rise and fists clench. Everyone is ready to defend her individuality. A country that was born from a Declaration of Independence is unlikely to embrace anything that creates too much similarity or conformity amongst its population. I remember sympathizing with friends who had to wear uniforms to their private schools and silently thanking my parents for always keeping me in wear-what-you-want public school.
So now, we've been in a land of uniforms for two years. Of course the students wear uniforms in school as do the teachers. But consistency in dress goes far beyond the classroom. Steve's co-workers at the Municipal Hall have uniforms, as well as the employees of every grocery store, bank, department store and bus company. These are real uniforms too, its not like everyone's wearing black pants and a white button down. Uniforms are made from the same material (usually a bright polyester) and sewn in an identical pattern. Short dresses are popular in the supermarket and at department stores, and teachers and bank staff often have a pencil skirt and a fitted top with embroidery or special buttons.
So what is the significance of the uniforms? For me it's a sign of sameness, conformity, group identification. Things that scare Americans. It seems that in the States our value, our worth is often derived from our individuality. He's amazing he can do ______. He got a 1500 on the SAT. She went to Harvard and graduated in the top 10, etc., etc. Here it is important that one belongs, that one has connections.
The uniformity also applies to daily activities and routines. If someone comes to your house you offer them something to drink and something to eat. If it is your birthday you treat friends and co-workers to lunch or meryenda (snack). If you have an activity or event it will continue until everyone has shared or presented.
Recently a woman came to Steve's office selling snacks. Steve wanted to buy lumpia (it's kind of like an egg roll, but smaller and tastier), but everyone else in his office was buying cheese-filled donuts (yup, cheese is sweet here). Steve had to get the donut. Noone would let him buy the lumpia. Everyone was going to eat donut!
So, we haven't started wearing uniforms to work and we still have our odd, non-conforming behaviors (its inevitable!), but we've grown to like the sameness. Knowing the expected behaviors and routines is wonderful! When someone comes to see us we make some iced tea and offer bread and peanut butter. When there's a meeting at school I text Steve to let him know I don't know when I'll be home, but I will be. When it's our birthday we take pansit to the office. Going with the flow does make sense sometimes.