THERE is much argument over what some folk wear - clothes, tattoos body-piercing knick-knacks, etc. - especially when the choice of many adolescents is designed to be outrageous (LET, January 20).

There has always been a generation clash, with belligerent youth scorning and rejecting the established respectable standards of the mature generation.

Debating the topic on his morning TV chat show, Robert Kilroy-Silk explained that he presented himself in a suit for his job out of respect for the studio guests and the nationwide audience, although he preferred to wear jeans and casual clothes when relaxing at home.

It is often said: "Don't judge a book by its cover," but that is because people do just that.

Pop star Boy George emphasised the point exactly when explaining that his dress and image (and attitude) were 'making a statement.' It certainly is. But who is interested to know what he has to say anyway?

So people should not be surprised by an ostracising reaction towards those who adopt a dubious negative image of an alien culture and attitude, thus causing a self-induced communication problem with mainstream society - whether they are applying for employment or begging.

Rightly or wrongly, folk do judge by first impressions.

J A MARSDEN, Scarborough Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.