“Policemen Worry About Me,” But Bob Moodie Dresses... (Press, 4 March 1981)

On 4 March 1981, an article by Helen Brown featured Bob Moodie, secretary of the New Zealand Police Association, who is noted for his unconventional choice of clothing—specifically, his vibrant caftans. Moodie asserted that, while walking through Wellington, he attracted significant attention, sometimes leading to derisive comments similar to those he might encounter in Sydney. He relayed that wearing a caftan is not just about fashion but serves as his trademark, and he has chosen to embrace this attire for about four years after initially starting with a nightshirt. Moodie described the challenges of dressing differently, often considering public perception when shopping for fabrics. He enjoys wearing skirts and dresses, preferring colours like yellow and green over the dull shades dominating the current men's fashion scene. He emphasised that dressing boldly is a form of self-expression, offering a counter to traditional masculine portrayals, stating that "men build their lives around images of self-importance" and asserting that the societal expectations of masculinity can be detrimental. He emphasised that he largely ignores negative comments, seeing them as reflections of the speakers rather than himself. Raised on a farm near Oamaru, Moodie feels a connection with the community despite its size, and he is recognised in New Zealand and Australia, where he saves his most vibrant caftans for public outings. Moodie expressed a desire for underwear options that incorporate more feminine elements, highlighting the restrictive nature of traditional men’s fashion. He claims that wearers of caftans, including himself, often find it liberating, despite potential backlash from peers. While he notes that not all policemen support his choice of attire, he feels a strong sense of acceptance from others within the police force. Regarding his views on sexual orientation, Moodie stated that while he supports rights for homosexual relationships, he opposes them being granted legal protection as this could exacerbate existing tensions between different sexual orientations. He believes that clothing should be an expression of individuality and that past societal norms permitted more variation in men's fashion, which should be embraced again. The article highlighted a contrasting encounter when a photographer sought to capture him among the public, resulting in discomfort for some onlookers, as evidenced by a man's hostile reaction towards being photographed with Moodie. This incident underscored the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who dare to express themselves differently in society. Overall, Moodie’s story encapsulates themes of personal freedom, societal expectations, and the courage to defy conventional norms through one’s appearance.

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