Oh, how PeaceBang hates the “whimsical” tie. It’s distracting, it’s cloying, and since a pastor never knows when he will be called to someone in crisis, it is really bad choice for the ministerial closet. Cutesy ties basically broadcast, “HEY, I’M A HARMLESS GUY! LET’S BE BUDS!”
It makes me want to keep my distance. I don’t like male religious leaders who try to distance themselves from claiming authority any more than I do women who play the same game. Do you have a vision for a more just society, a better world? Then look it. Do you have something important to say about issues of ultimate meaning? Then stop trying to disarm me with that dumb Bozo tie. Do you feel that the Church is a distinguished institution? Then please represent it in a distinguished manner. Do you want to show up for people’s important milestones and crises looking like a person others should take seriously? After all, it may be you in the family consulting room at the hospital somberly discussing whether or not to take mother off of life support. You can’t do that in a dorky tie.
So, Alan Grayson, this one is for you. Love the message, hate the Ringling Bros. tie. It makes me hear clown music in my head when I look at you.
At least he didn’t look like an inebriated leprechaun. P.J. O’Rourke, I’m looking at you. This was like Battle of the Bad Ties.