Readers agree: Neckties should be banned

I think I've established through past columns that I really don't like neckties.

Just last month, I mentioned how thrilled I was that ties were not commonly worn by any of the employees at my new job, including managers.

Since writing that column, however, I've discovered that my anti-tie feelings pale in comparison to those of some readers, who are even more passionate and vocal about their hatred of the nooses men voluntarily tie around their necks.

Two readers posted short-but-sweet comments online after reading the earlier piece.

One, using the handle of ShaunMcC, wrote, "I don't call them ties — I call them tourniquets and believe they cut off the blood supply to the brain. I still wear them when I think it matters to others, but I would rather never tie one on."

Another reader, using the screen name of Z, wrote that men often laugh at women who are obsessed with fashion, "but at least they have the sense to not voluntarily strangle themselves every waking hour in the name of 'conformance with the norm.' Down with ties!"

I couldn't agree more.

Other readers sent emails echoing my thoughts, offering support for an anti-tie agenda that varied from the medical to the religious and covering just about everything in between.

One reader, Steve, wrote that he thought ties had been created by Satan. "My mamma taught me not to tie things tightly around my neck ... and I love my mamma," Steve wrote. "I never wear one to work, rarely to church, and only occasionally at weddings, funerals, etc. I'm not built for buttoned-up dress shirts and ties. ... Keep your shirt loose buddy!"

That's the plan, Steve.

Another reader, Gary, suggested that there are medical reasons to avoid wearing neckties.

"My Father was slowly 'strangled' by a necktie," Gary wrote. "He wore a tight collar and tie to work for 37 years. Three times in church he turned green and almost fainted. When we loosened his tie, he was OK.

"There are two blood pressure sensors right by where a tight tie presses. These are called the carotid sinus. They lower the blood pressure to the brain which can cause syncope or fainting. ... Dad finally died the day after Christmas standing at the mirror shaving. He was otherwise very healthy."