So, for school, I have to do a project, actually I have to teach my whole entire class about school dress codes. fun, I know, right. Anyway. But despite all else, I think I'mm going to try to have some fun with this and that's where you all come. I want to broaden my scope on what other students think about school dress codes. So please, tell me what do you think about school dress codes. Some students have told me that they stifle free speech and self expression and are therefore walking all over our first amendment rights. Others say that they like the school dress codes because they think they bring a sense of unity to the school, and help limit the offensive media that can be portrayed on t-shirts such as "Hooter's" and "Playboy" T-shirts. So I guess this is a really open ended blog. Just tell me what you think about school dress codes. There's no rules on what you have to say. Just express yourselves. Express your thoughts. And if you have no thoughts about this topic tell me, because that in itself is helpful to know that some people just flat don't have an opinion and feel that dress codes don't effect them. But no matter what your thoughts (or lack there of) let me know. Get me an "A" guys. I need to get in to college. What are your opinions on school dress codes.
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Dress codes...where to begin...First of all, are you talking about uniforms?
My school is planning on implementing a uniform only dress code two years after I leave (which makes me happy because I won't have to be there for it). Still, I have mixed feelings about dress codes and uniforms. I can see how they would certainly help. Especially in an urban setting where gang colors are flaunted in school. And they also stop a certain amount of teasing that can go on (if everyone has to wear the same thing no one is going to show up in obvious second-hand clothes or with expensive designer jeans). At the same time, I feel like uniforms (in particular) squash the creativty and individuality of students. It's one more facet of our everyday life that is controlled by the administration (that already tells what we can and can't do to a very far point). And I know many students who would transfer schools to get away from uniforms.
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'But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. 'Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: 'We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.'
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Bad activities expressed through dressing (such as teasing, boasting, gangs) are regrettable, but imposing a dress code is the wrong way to address them.
The function of school is not to teach the types of chemical links to students, but to teach them good sense in as many areas of his daily life at possible, dressing included.
Attacking the symptom of the aforementioned problems is the quick, easy and wrong way to go about it.
It doesn't teach anything (students gain nothing from the experience). Those who claim students avoid being "distracted" by dress issues (so that they can devote more time to study the covalent chemical link) are missing the whole point.
Besides, dress codes inhibit expression. Schools should encourage attitudes, such as "excercise your freedom with responsibility", not dress codes or uniforms.
I don't really see how uniforms can stop gangs from acting like gangs. There's also the question of money. How would the school get the money for uniforms? If the families pay for them, are they affordable to low-income families? What if some families can't afford the time or money to wash the uniform every day (dirty clothes lead to teasing)? What about shoes? What about buying multiple uniforms when they wear out or a student hits a growth spurt? What if the shirts were made of fabric thin enough to see each other's bras or chest hair?
The only thing I see good about uniforms is the possibility that they might look nice for an interview or something.
As for semi-free dress codes, I've found them impractical in my experience. My high school required skirt lengths to be longer than the distance your middle finger reaches when your arm is held straight against your thigh. The skinny girls had to find unusually longer skirts while the fat girls could get away with dressing slutty. Definitely not fair.
I guess my overall view is that I don't like dress codes because they're impractical. I'm not sure if this will help with your project or not, but I hope it does.
"If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands."
~~Douglas Adams
The thing with gangs is kind of hard to explain. When certain gang members were colors they're showing off that they are in a gang. By elmitnating the freedom of dressing the way the students want, you are also taking out the ability of gangs to promote themselves.
Also, I don't know where you're from and what enviornment you've been in, but trust me gang colors can cause tons of fights in school and even out of school. Students dressing a certain way and wearing a certain color without even realizing it's affiliated with a gang can get them in a lot of trouble. I know people who've gotten jumped from doing just that. And not long ago a student was shot for wearing a gang's color.
I agree about the price of uniforms and the other factors you listed. I guess teasing when it comes to clothes is unavoidable...
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'But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. 'Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: 'We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.'
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Wow. It's ridiculous that a color could prompt a gang member to shoot someone, but it makes sense why people are worried about it. I'm from a semi-rural town, and our gangs are divided by residence rather than color. I knew someone who got killed for taking a shortcut through a gang controlled neighborhood to get home.
"If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands."
~~Douglas Adams
I agree. It's ridiculous that people have to start worrying about what color they wear on a daily basis. The thought of residence controlled gangs scares me a bit. I mean there is some of that where I live, but for the most part gangs don't mix directly with the neighborhood (they have their 'turf' marked out by graffiti but as far as I know they don't really even notice if another gang members is in the area in less its right in front of them).
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'But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. 'Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: 'We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.'
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
i read your blog and it started out as a simple reply to your blog but then it turned into my own blog so thanks for the great idea..
read my blog if you want my opinion on dress codes..
thatgirl2089
I think school uniforms are not as bad as people make them out to be. Khaki pants and a solid color polo is fine. WHen people think of school uniforms they think of plad skirts and such, but a school can wear uniforms without all that. I understnad people want to continue to be individuals, but just because you wear a uniform doesn't mean you have to change your personality.
Although I don't agree with school uniforms, I don't think students should limit their self expression to the way they dress. What about talents, writing, art, speech, etc.? I would not mind wearing a uniform, but I don't think they would be worth it for most schools. It will either cost the schools more, or the family. It is also an effort to keep them clean. I do agree with dress codes to a certain extent. Longer shorts and skirts for example, an d boys being required to wear belts. Students can wear whatever they want in the afternoons and weekends. Of course, there are times when it gets ridiculous, such as not words on the shirts.
Bottom line, it should be up to the school to decide if it is worth it and will solve their problems.