School Uniforms
Why School Uniforms?
School uniforms are widely used in public schools. Despite disagreements among parents, students, and the school districts, school officials cite many reasons for students to wear school uniforms. Those reasons usually include the following: the uniforms are cheaper for parents, students wearing the same clothes decreases school fights, and students can receive a better education in the secure environment uniforms creates. Some students and parents disagree because wearing uniforms is not pleasing to them and does not alleviate traditional school problems. It makes students depressed because they cannot express themselves, they are forced to look like others, and it takes the fun out of school. What really happens when students are all dressed the same? Students’ creativity is hindered, and they are unable to show their individuality. Students should be able to express themselves through their clothes and not be forced to wear uniforms.
Clothes are an expression of a student’s personality. By suppressing their opportunity to show their unique personalities, schools are teaching that uniformity is more valuable than individuality. “School uniforms send a clear early-life message to students that conformity is important and creativity is not” (youdebate.com). Geeks, for example, might express themselves by wearing thick glasses, suspenders and long socks. On the other hand, outgoing students might wear vibrant colors and outlandish fashion. Then, there are shy children, who might choose to wear long clothing and mostly black. These are just a few examples of students dressing according to certain categories with which they might identify themselves. The possibilities of individually expressing oneself through clothes are infinite. However, uniforms stifle these possibilities; they keep students from expressing their personality.
Uniforms also can cause an undo financial burden. Parents have to buy uniforms for when students are in
School uniforms are widely used in public schools. Despite disagreements among parents, students, and the school districts, school officials cite many reasons for students to wear school uniforms. Those reasons usually include the following: the uniforms are cheaper for parents, students wearing the same clothes decreases school fights, and students can receive a better education in the secure environment uniforms creates. Some students and parents disagree because wearing uniforms is not pleasing to them and does not alleviate traditional school problems. It makes students depressed because they cannot express themselves, they are forced to look like others, and it takes the fun out of school. What really happens when students are all dressed the same? Students’ creativity is hindered, and they are unable to show their individuality. Students should be able to express themselves through their clothes and not be forced to wear uniforms.
Clothes are an expression of a student’s personality. By suppressing their opportunity to show their unique personalities, schools are teaching that uniformity is more valuable than individuality. “School uniforms send a clear early-life message to students that conformity is important and creativity is not” (youdebate.com). Geeks, for example, might express themselves by wearing thick glasses, suspenders and long socks. On the other hand, outgoing students might wear vibrant colors and outlandish fashion. Then, there are shy children, who might choose to wear long clothing and mostly black. These are just a few examples of students dressing according to certain categories with which they might identify themselves. The possibilities of individually expressing oneself through clothes are infinite. However, uniforms stifle these possibilities; they keep students from expressing their personality.
Uniforms also can cause an undo financial burden. Parents have to buy uniforms for when students are in
Cited: “School Uniform Debate and Poll.” 7 Sept 2010. www.youdebate.com. WEB. “Arguments about Uniforms.” 7 Sept 2010. www.angelfire.com . WEB.