Americans are proud of their variety and individuality (个性), yet they love and respect few things more than a uniform, whether it is the uniform of a lift operator or the uniform of a five-star general. Why are uniforms so popular in the United States?
Among the arguments for uniforms, one of the first is that in the eyes of most people they look more professional than civilian (百姓的) clothes. People have become conditioned to expect higher quality from a man who wears a uniform. The television repairman who wears a uniform is likely to inspire more trust than one who appears in civilian clothes. Faith in the skill of a garage mechanic is increased by a uniform. What easier way is there for a nurse, a policeman, a hairdresser, or a waiter to lose professional identity (职业身份) than to step out of uniform?
Uniforms also have many practical good points. They are often more comfortable and more lasting than civilian clothes.
Primary facts among the argument against uniforms is their lack of variety and the loss of individuality experienced by people who must wear them. Though there are many types of uniforms, the wearer of any particular type is generally stuck with it, without change, until retirement. When people look alike, they are likely to think, speak, and act similarly on the job at least.
Uniforms also give rise to some practical problems. Though they are long-lasting, often their initial expense is greater than the cost of civilian clothes. Some uniforms are also expensive to maintain, requiring professional dry cleaning rather than the home laundering possible with many types of civilian clothes.
68. What surprises us is that Americans _______.
A. still judge a man by his clothes
B. think highly of uniforms
C. less prefer wearing civilian clothes
D. respect a elevator operator in uniform
69. People are likely to think that a man in uniform ________.
A. suggests quality work B. shows his social position
C. appears to be more practical D. looks more fresh and attractive
70. Those who are against uniforms believe that people wearing uniforms ______.
A. are usually helpful B. have little freedom
C. lose personal character D. enjoy greater popularity
71. It can be concluded from the passage that ________.
A. people generally trust a person in uniform more
B. people enjoy wearing comfortable uniform
C. the cost of the uniform is acceptable to people
D. people wear uniforms to show they should be respected