Your post yesterday was right, those in uniform do have more perceived authority and the ability to get people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They also make people approach you with a whole different set of stereotypes; the clothes you are wearing can change people's view of you. For instance, when I worked for a major high street retailer, some customers would automatically treat me as if I was completely thick, which I found very insulting (just because I'm working behind a till doesn't mean I dropped out of school - I'm actually a university student, but even if I wasn't, I'd still be offended by being treated like a 10 year old). Also at the same retailer, some customers would blame you for any small problem with the company; no doubt this is worse for public sector workers facing dissatisfied taxpayers. As for being racist; if you had been sat in plain clothes on the chair opposite in the waiting room, they'd have thought nothing if you'd made the same comment about her faking it. But because you are in uniform, in a position of authority, they see an opportunity to have a go at the system by abusing you. You in uniform represents an institution; they're not attacking you, as a person, but the authority you represent. If only people realised that every employee is an individual, whatever they're wearing, the world would be a better place.