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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Jeremy Ackerman-Yost" data-source="post: 1738910" data-attributes="member: 4720">This has nothing to do with laws and limiting freedoms.  This has to do with appropriate behavior and social expectation.  You're using a tactic that I've seen a lot of gamers/sci-fi fans/etc. use when told they were behaving inappropriately: you're assuming the role of victim and calling people who have normal social expectations oppressive.That's a load.  Part of being an adult human being is having empathy for others and realizing when your behavior is inappropriate and/or damaging to the welfare of others.Scenario: A wake.  Bob's grandfather just died, and the family has gathered for the viewing.  Everyone is dressed in the socially appropriate way, i.e. blacks and dark greys, modestly cut dresses and sober suits.  Bob's secretary arrives wearing a low-cut red dress and heavy make-up.  The widowed grandmother sees this and is mortified and offended at the audacity of this woman.  The woman is ostracized by the funeral guests, and Bob arranges to have her transfered, because he can no longer stand the sight of her every day.Who's the "victim"?There isn't one.  No one was assaulted, and anyone claiming to be victimized in this situation needs to grow up.  That said, the grieving funeral-goers expect (and are in need of) certain social and emotional support.  It is an accepted social norm that you show your grief, and therefore your solidarity with (and support for) the grieving, via your choice of garments for the occasion.  Breaking those unspoken social rules is wildly inappropriate, rude, and indicative of a lack of empathy.The courtroom example is similar.  People are expected to show a certain level of professionalism, judgment, and tact.  Decisions are being made that will change the course of people's lives.  Your dress and demeanor are indications of your implicit understanding of the gravity of the situation.  If it is inappropriate to wear a clown suit, then it is inappropriate to wear a Starfleet uniform.  While it is reasonable to want to be "[reminded] that a future without crime, violence and corruption is possible" while in a jury, I would argue that anyone so completely unaware of the social situation surrounding her is, indeed, showing signs of clouded judgment.  What that uniform means to her, personally, is a lot less important in a courtroom than what it means to the people around her, especially the people whose futures are being decided.</blockquote>

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