Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones, who was expelled from the legislature and then reinstated on Monday, has become a viral symbol for his “trademark white suit,” according to a recent tweet by The New York Times. The dress code has a long history when it comes to protest, Vanessa Friedman writes.
Jones was expelled from the Tennessee House of Representatives in March after leading protests against police brutality outside of the state capitol. He was arrested twice during those protests and faced charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing a passageway. However, he was ultimately acquitted of all charges.
Jones’ attire became a point of contention during his initial expulsion proceedings because he wore a white suit to a press conference where he announced plans to file legislation aimed at holding police accountable for their actions. His choice of clothing drew criticism from some lawmakers who felt it was inappropriate for the occasion.
However, others saw his white suit as an intentional statement that harkened back to past civil rights movements. As Friedman notes in her article, “the tradition began with Gandhi’s adoption of homespun cotton cloth as part of India’s independence movement.” In America, protestors have used various forms of dress – including hats worn by suffragettes and black berets favored by Black Panthers – as symbols of resistance.
The use of fashion in protest is not limited to just clothing; accessories can also be powerful symbols. For example, pink hats were worn by participants in the Women’s March on Washington following President Trump’s inauguration in 2017 as a nod to Trump’s infamous comments about grabbing women “by the pussy.”
Jones’ reinstatement this week came after weeks-long negotiations between him and House leadership over what punishment would be appropriate for his previous actions. Ultimately, they agreed that he could return if he apologized publicly for disrupting legislative proceedings and delaying other business.
It remains unclear whether Jones will continue wearing his trademark white suit now that he is back in office. However, the attention drawn to his clothing choice highlights the power of fashion as a means of communication and protest.
In terms of its impact on the economy, it is difficult to draw any direct connections between Jones’ white suit and the financial world. However, protests against police brutality – which were at the heart of Jones’ initial expulsion from office – have been shown to have economic consequences. A study published earlier this year found that cities where protests against police violence took place experienced a 10% reduction in local consumer spending in affected neighborhoods.
Overall, while Jones’ reinstatement may not be directly tied to economic concerns, it serves as a reminder of how fashion can be used to make a statement and spark change.