Lesson 15, Task 4: What do I believe in?

Schools Should not have Uniform

Many people these days believe a dress code is the answer to most school problems but, they’re wrong. I believe that dress codes limit students’ freedom, creativity, and natural instinct for what is appropriate.

First of all, dress codes make students feel restricted in their life. They feel like they don’t have an opinion, or mind of their own. Dress codes limit students from thinking for themselves. Kids grow up in school, and spend so much of their time at school among so many other cultures. There are students that may aspire to become models, or get into the fashion industry, therefore having uniforms will limit them from finding what they like and practicing their dream. Teenagers in particular are famous for needing to express their emotions and their tastes in music, fashion and art through clothing, hair and piercings. School can be tough on kids and teens as it is, without taking away one of the few areas where they can exert some control and express themselves, say opponents of school uniforms.

Secondly, uniforms inhibit their ability to test out their style and creativity, which will prevent them from finding their personality. Uniforms avert students from discovering their personality and their uniqueness. Instead of all students looking the same and trying to be like each other, having no uniforms will enable them be themselves and find their true identity. In some regards, school uniforms teach students that it is more important to think and act like a group instead of thinking and acting like an individual. Although there are many influences that can shape mob thinking patterns, this type of policy can be a foundation element of it if the uniform policies are not carefully introduced and monitored.

Finally, having no uniforms help children practice their own discipline as to what they will wear and feel comfortable in. In the real world, there are no uniforms, everyone gets to wear what they want. I believe that school should be preparing children for reality. When the students grow up and attend functions and jobs in adulthood, they should have already developed a good understanding of what is appropriate attire. They should have also learnt in school what they feel portrays their personality to the public the best. The lack of uniform approach to acceptable workplace dress does not mean each workplace does not have expectations. Rather, it means students need to adapt, not conform. Students need to learn to dress appropriately based on context. Dress codes do not facilitate this learning. Instead, dress codes teach students that conformity and obedience to authority are most important. Individuality is suppressed. Student voice is suppressed.

Overall, students should not feel limited to wearing the same uniform everyday for most of their life. Nowadays, appearance is a big thing, and knowing how to present yourself as to how you want to be perceived is very important. The practice of this knowledge should be learnt at school. Having no school uniforms will help students feel more freedom, encourage creativity and will prepare them for the real world.